The Tribune

Grand Bahama's Pelican Bay Resort has rewarded staff for their efforts post-Hurricane Dorian by paying for two-day getaway breaks in either New Providence or south Florida.

"The impact of Hurricane Dorian was undeniable; many of our staff were directly affected, but they left their homes and families and showed up to work, immediately, working through difficult conditions, and doing so with a smile on their faces. It was a truly tremendous effort," said Pelican Bay operations manager, Della Bridgewater.

Management immediately started planning ways to reward their loyal employees, and help them recover and restore themselves.

"Conditions on the island were not the best; many persons had lost creature comforts, access to water, and even a warm bed to sleep in," said Pelican Bay general manager, Magnus Alnebeck. "We wanted to help replace those things, even if just for a short time, to let them know we noticed their efforts and we are thankful to them."

Management decided to reward all employees with trips "off the rock", treating them to free two-day getaways to either New Providence or south Florida. Working with business partners, Pelican Bay staff were able to choose a stay in Nassau courtesy of Comfort Suites on Paradise Island, with travel courtesy of Western Air, or travel to West Palm Beach on board Paradise Celebration Cruise Lines for rest and some restorative shopping.

"It was very thoughtful of them," said Marissa Russell, a Pelican Bay housekeeping supervisor. "Especially after everything we had gone through and the different emotions everyone was feeling, it was really a great opportunity to unwind and have a good time as a group. Well, we are a family."

"These trips were much-needed especially in the aftermath of the storm," said Darion Martin, operations supervisor at the hotel. "After all of the hard work it was really refreshing to have at least a wonderful weekend of rest and relaxation."

"We are so fortunate to have an incredible staff, many of whom have been with us for years," added Mr Alnebeck. "We are very thankful to our staff, how they have helped Grand Bahama recover, and by keeping our hotel at full occupancy for almost three months in not so perfect conditions."