Small number of work permits

August 12, 2010

Dear Sir,

I am responding to David Ralston's letter dated July 20 published in the August 11th edition of The Royal Gazette. Mr. Ralston's letter focuses on the number of non-Bermudian work-permit holders employed at Tucker's Point and the number of Bermudians who have recently lost their jobs at Tucker's Point. For many years David Ralston has been one of my oldest and closest colleagues at Castle Harbour and Tucker's Point Club. Over the years we have had disagreements, but have always maintained respect for one another. We have never had a public disagreement, so this is a first, but still a respectful one.

The issues that should concern Mr. Ralston are the future of Bermuda's hospitality and tourism industry because those industries are at the core of Bermuda's economy. He has chosen to focus instead on issues which undermine Bermuda's ability to be successful in the global marketplace. Bermuda needs to compete for a highly discerning visitor who has multiple choices. Its global competitors offer their guests outstanding facilities with world class service and a high guest perception of value for money.

The number of employees on work permits at Tucker's Point is small by any reasonable standard given the scope of Tucker's Point's operations. The Resort employs ten spa therapists, eight of which are on work permits due to the shortage of beauty industry professionals in Bermuda. In management there are four work-permit holders, including myself. In total there are 16 guest workers employed by Tucker's Point which is less than seven percent of all employees. Mr. Ralston's concerns with the layoff of Bermudian staff are also ill-founded. The Resort is operating in a highly difficult recessionary economy and has had to take difficult, but fair decisions to ensure its ongoing success. Tucker's Point currently employs 240 full and part-time employees. In the past two months 17 Bermudians have left Tucker's Point, but 48 Bermudians have been hired, including 16 summer students. The Resort has hosted six Summer Internships and four students have participated in the work shadow initiative which is part of the Bermuda Hospitality Institute Programme. Mr. Ralston should be pleased to know that Tucker's Point has sponsored a six week training programme in the United States for one of Mr. Ralston's protégées, Andre Cannonier, Tucker's Point's Assistant Grounds Superintendent.

Tucker's Point is committed to the success of Bermuda's hospitality industry. Our vision is to be Bermuda's premier resort community. Our core values are to recognise that our employees are our most important resource, and our mission is our passion and respect for people and our commitment to the service we extend our guests.

ED TRIPPE

President of Tucker's Point