Minister Lee: Job seekers be ready for jobs in the hospitality sector
PHILIPSBURG — Minister of VSA Emil Lee attended the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino job fair on Friday March 8th at the Belair Community Center. The resort is re-opening in phases and is eager to recruit local talent for various departments. Minister Lee spoke with the resort recruitment team, applicants at the fair and was pleased to see some graduates of the skills training program of the Ministry of VSA in attendance.
“The resort is looking for people to start immediately, there is an urgent need. This is great news for our economy, it is a good sign the recovery process is working. We recognize that there is still so much to do, but we can also recognize the positive, such as this.” – Emil Lee, Minister of VSA
Post-Irma, the Ministry of VSA facilitated the Emergency Income and Skills Training program that offers unemployed and underemployed persons an opportunity to learn new skills or enhance their skills. The program offers participants a stipend and medical insurance. One of the programs offered is focused on hospitality training. Post-Irma, Maho employees who worked reduced hours, were able to participate in the hospitality trainings to improve their service skills. Maho representatives indicated to Minister Lee that the feedback received from guests of the resort has been ‘tremendous’. Guests have said that the service of the staff has been “really outstanding”.
“This is a win-win-win. As Government we have managed to provide support post-Irma to unemployed and underemployed, the skills and service levels have improved and we are seeing a hospitality product returning that is offering this great service.” – Emil Lee, Minister of VSA
The resort is still looking for people interested in working in the hospitality sector and will be hosting another recruitment drive. Minister Lee encourages job seekers to be sure to attend and have their resumes ready. “This is an opportunity for full employment.”
Pictured in photo above:
Johan Halvarsson – VP Resort Operations
Patricia Glasgow-Vlaun – HR Manager
Gerard Van Helvoort – Culinary Director Maho Group
Minister Emil Lee – Minister of Health, Social Development and Labour
Judencia Moses – HR Admin assistant
Katherine Moreno – HR Admin Assistant
