By Martha Taumata Faavae
The Return To Paradise beach resort may have laid off close to 90 of its regular hotel staff but they make sure no one gets hungry at the end of every week.
The hotel has organised a food delivery at the end of the week to the staff and their families to help them out.
General Manger Ramona Gilchrist and the Human Resource Manger Lemalu Ofisa spoke about being forced to let most of the staff go and how it weighs heavily on the management.
“ COVID 19 has stopped the tourists from coming and it has really brought our operations to a standstill like all the others in the hotel industry,” Human Resource Manager Lemalu agonized.
“We are thankful that we are still getting weekend guests to keep us going and help provide for the weekly food delivery for our staff forced to stay home.”
Lemalu said it was not an easy decision for management to let the staff go knowing their families depend on them.
But without the hotel earning income there was nothing else they could do.
“We put together bags of rice, sugar, salt, tinned fish, chicken thighs, onions, cooking oil, sausages, flour and more for our family deliveries.
“Our staff appreciate the care we offer and also understand the problems we are going through cause by the pandemic.”
Lemalu said there is a strong family bond within the staff and the guests are quick to notice the friendly and happy environment.
The feedback from guests is one of the secrets in more visitors attracted to the hotel.
“Our prays are for this pandemic to end so we can have our full staff working again the way it was before all the troubles started.”
Return to Paradise is still able to keep 15 of its regular staff working to keep the hotel running with the few people turning up as in the weekends.