Dear Editor, I make the following comments as a concerned Exumian who is tired of non-Exumians trying to stop the growth and progress of the Island. It appears that some PLP politicians in their quest for power are prepared to jeopardize the future of the people of Exuma by frustrating the largest single private employer on the island.  They are treating Sandals, which is responsible for the livelihood of hundreds of Exumians and their families, as though it is not appreciated in our country. The truth is that Sandals Emerald Bay has provided a safety net for many people on the island whose hopes were dashed when the Four Seasons hotel closed. When Sandals came on the scene most of the commercial airlines had terminated their services even before the departure of Four Seasons, the previous operator. Today, after just 12 months of operations, Sandals has been able to attract carriers such as Air Canada, Continental Connections, American Eagle, US Air, Delta and the domestic carriers Bahamasair, SkyBahamas and Western Airlines. Sandals has also honored the existing agreements with Exuma Transit for the transportation of guests. The charge of poor treatment of its employees by the hotel is totally false as is the complaint about the presence of Jamaicans on the property. Sandals is a Jamaican investor with core expertise provided by Jamaicans who are hardworking people with good work attitudes worthy of emulation. The fact is that as a major Caribbean and International hotel chain, Sandals employs Bahamians in a number of its hotels in its host countries including the Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, Antigua and Jamaica. Interestingly, no mention has been made of the many foreign nationals who worked with the former Four Seasons hotel and who treated Bahamian workers so badly.  I don't recall any complaint being made about them. As far as the charge of under-payment of staff is concerned, the government of The Bahamas has established a minimum wage.  Any employer who pays workers below the minimum is in breach of the law.  Anyone with proof that this is the case at Emerald Bay, should report the matter to the Department of Labour. Indeed, the staff of the hotel should be made to understand that the property can only pay what it can afford and that higher wages could mean less staff and not so stable employment. In any given interaction of people there will be problems; even in churches. However, I am satisfied that the resort is doing much more than its predecessor in trying to better relations with all its public. In recent times, the hotel has been managed by some of the finest professionals of Sandals: Jeremy Mutton and Patrick Drake. Significant efforts have been made in introducing a wide range of programs to train and upgrade staff, foster professionalism, enhance staff morale and reach out to the community and business sectors. The hotel has introduced a wide range of programs to address training and personal development at every level, as well as entry level certification for school leavers in hospitality training and the introduction of an apprenticeship program. In addition, there are numerous programs to enrich and enhance the everyday life of workers including luncheons, breakfasts, bingos and other recreational activities as well as access to a barber shop which provides concessionary rates to employees. Through the Sandals Foundation, several projects are helping to transform schools and civic amenities on the island in an unprecedented manner. For the first time in the history of Exuma, the island is blessed with a hotel choir which is a big hit whenever it appears at local churches and civic functions. Since the acquisition of the hotel, millions of dollars have been spent on renovation and upgrading facilities, including the addition of 62 rooms, thereby increasing the capacity of the resort from 183 rooms to 245 rooms.  Also, some 60 additional persons have received employment as a result of this project. In addition, three more restaurants are to be built, providing employment for many more people. In the current climate of unemployment in Exuma, anyone responsible for providing jobs for over 500 permanent and 100 construction workers ought to be welcomed and respected by everyone. I believe Exumians need to examine the situation very carefully and not be fooled.  They should never forget the trauma and loss of hope that came with the announcement of the closure of Four Seasons Hotel.  Indeed, Exumians should be very wary of persons, who for selfish political reasons, are trying to destroy their future and the growth and stability that Sandals has brought to this Island. I can testify that the chairman of Sandals and his entire staff have always extended a hand of friendship to the Member of Parliament for Exuma, Anthony Moss. It is an indictment on Moss that he has failed to accept invitations he has received from a major investor in his constituency whose operations have impacted the lives, livelihood and future of so many of his constituents. Yours, etc., EVERETTE HART Former island administrator

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian