The Premier promised tonight that the Government will provide assistance for people who lost their jobs after the closure of Southampton’s Pompano Beach Club.

David Burt said: “For those members of staff who are now without employment, there is assistance available from the Ministry of Labour via the supplementary unemployment benefit and also the Department of Workforce Development.

“We are working hard to supplement the ability of workers to meet the demands of everyday life and mitigate these harsh economic times.

“Make no mistake, we will provide every support we can.”

The West End resort closed its doors until the end of February last Sunday because of losses caused by the coronavirus, which put about 75 people out of work.

Lawrence Lamb, the general manager and part-owner of the family-run resort, said that international fear of Covid-19 and restrictions on travel had led to the closure.

Mr Lamb, whose family has operated the oceanfront resort since 1956, said that losses for September were double what they were when the hotel was closed at the height of the pandemic.

But he said he optimistic about next year and confident that Bermuda would bounce back quicker than many other places from the impact of Covid-19.

Mr Burt said: “Few businesses are insulated against the economic impact of this pandemic. The world over we are seeing that these are challenging times for the hospitality industry and Bermuda is no different.

“Pompano is a valued part of our tourism product and the ownership team’s efforts to stay open as long as possible show a fighting spirit that inspires the Government’s efforts to continue rebuilding tourism matching the dedication of Mr Lamb and his team.”

Mr Burt added: “Our aim is to secure a better 2021 as we continue to appropriately manage this pandemic.

“I share Mr Lamb’s optimism for the future and I am confident that Pompano’s reopening will be met with a demand for the product and that Bermuda will emerge stronger after this pandemic.”

Mr Lamb said last Sunday that the hotel would remain open between 8am and 7pm for the spa to continue to operate, but there would be no guests and no food and drink services.

He added reservations staff would be retained, accounting staff would work part-time and maintenance crews would also continue to work.