Fort Young Hotel lays off 70% of its staff

COVID-19 continues to take its toll on Dominica’s Tourism Sector as a leading hotel here, the Fort Young Hotel, has laid- off 70% of its staff.

In an exclusive interview with Kairi News, Gregor Nassief, Chairman of GEMS Holdings Ltd., which operates and manages both Secret Bay and the Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort, said the company had tried to hold its staff for as long as possible.

But according to Nassief, Management resorted to lay-offs when it became clear that the recovery process for COVID-19 here would take longer than anticipated.

He says the hotel will retain a number of operations, including its popular Friday Food Service, until staff can be reengaged.

Nassief says the company continues to assist employees in accessing national support, as well as its online training initiatives.