By Jermine Abel
St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Despite the government’s efforts to assist those Marriott workers affected by the effects the pandemic is having on the local tourism sector, several are calling for the government to disclose more about their initiative to assist them.
On Friday, Jul 24, affected workers begun filling out applications for assistance by the government, however, many who turned up and filled out the form were disappointed that they were not given a timeframe on when the assistance would be forthcoming.
Several who spoke to WINN FM said they welcomed the move by the government but they would have wanted the assistance immediately or be given a timeline for the help.
Despite the welcome move from the government, the workers expressed disappointment in the way their former employer handled the situation altogether.
According to one former employee who spoke to WINN FM after completing her registration, there was no communication from the Marriott other than them receiving their notice via a letter of termination.
A recent statement reportedly from Managing Director of the St. Kitts Marriott, Jacques Hamou said: “The COVID 19 pandemic has brought the economy to a hard stop and had a major impact on the company operations and a disruption to the lives of our associates”.
The statement notes that: “Our original opening date was set for June 1st, 2020, in light of the COVID 19 developments around the world and here at home we extended that date to August 1st, 2020. To date, we still have no indication when the borders will reopen.”
No firm day has been given on when St. Kitts and Nevis will be reopened to commercial travelers.
The registration process is expected to continue on Monday at the Community Center on Victoria Road.
