REFLECTIONS Workwise, what I thought was unfortunate for me has been an excellent opportunity to restructure everything. I joined the company just a few days before the pandemic, exactly on March 6th and on April 1st we closed. This became an incredible opportunity to re-think all the bases, come up with new challenges, revisit basic standards, clean up bad processes that I believe can be improved, reshape those things that I noted in the few days I was there, and begin this project from scratch. It’s a magical place with incredible potential, but with the changes in management, in key positions, and with the newness of the project, the goals have been undermined, including coming to a consensus on operations criteria, and there is a lack of standards and common goals, amongst others. Specifically, cleaning house from the very beginning, a new opening, re-orientation for everyone, review of policies and procedures, recipes, cost analyses, guidelines and many other things. I am fortunate to have done several openings and of course I feel right in my element. I know we can move forward and come out stronger from this unexpected experience. I have been through hurricanes and other things, like the swine flu epidemic, so it’s a hard road that I’m familiar with. We have to learn from each of these experiences and turn to a new chapter, looking toward our new goals.
CLEANING HOUSE FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, A NEW OPENING Fabrizio Frías
Personally, I have had the opportunity to be closer to my family, which is my driving force. As a first-time father, it’s been great for my baby who’s barely two years old to have both parents so close. Being surrounded by nature in this wonderful place, where life is different and where I’m sure I’ll learn many things; developing tolerance for our significant others, studying new things, the opportunity to reinvent ourselves, eat a healthy diet and breathe pure air, rounding out this experience that I am sure we’ll always remember.
Gerente General, El Cielo Winery & Resort, by Karisma
THE TEAM IS DOING A GREAT JOB AND IS TRULY ENERGIZED Justyn Jones Gerente General Azul Beach Resort Negril, by Karisma
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/ Karisma Hotels & Resorts
The necessary closure of Azul Beach Resort Negril came at a time when the team was in full swing. It was particularly difficult to have to meet and tell everyone of the need to close the property. Looks of bewilderment and justified concern as to what the forthcoming months on furlough would bring. As is the case with Jamaicans, there was a strong sense of pride, respect and resilience. The three months of closure was somewhat of a surreal experience - our beautiful resort with no guests, an empty beach, quiet walkways… The hard working and committed task force did its best to take care of maintenance, cleaning and security. When confirmation of our reopening was received it was, at least for me, a big sigh of relief. That was mixed with a feeling of uncertainty as to how we would adapt to the new normal of hospitality. Team members gradually began to return to work. I was encouraged by their enthusiasm and participation in the thousands of hours of training that was given to them during the month of June. It was a sprint to reopening day and to ensure our Resort complied with the required government protocols and procedures. July 1st began with excellent weather only to be followed by an afternoon torrential downpour of rain as the first guests arrived. It was truly a pleasure to greet them after what seemed much more than three months. Since reopening the team has adapted to showing the famous Jamaican smile from behind a face mask whilst ensuring our guests’ Peace of Mind. The team is doing a great job and is truly energized. Without doubt this has been a unique and interesting experience. Touch wood that we will never have to go through something like this again.
