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TCI: Ritz Carlton mostly sold, mostly staffed with Turks & Caicos Islanders
#TurksandCaicos, April 21, 2021 – Of the sixty residences at Ritz Carlton Grace Bay, nearly all are sold and of the 300 staff to be hired for the July opening of the country’s newest hotel, three quarters are Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Sixteen-year realtor, Carolina Malcolm, who is a senior Executive Sales Agent with Regency Christies is ecstatic about the interest in the Ritz Carlton. Malcolm, on Monday, explained only six units remain unsold at this stage, making the high rise resort in Providenciales a very hot ticket.
Turks and Caicos Labour Commissioner, Edwin Taylor had an equally healthy report about the ratio of locals to expatriate workers.
“I would say three quarters of the people who have been offered a job at the Ritz Carlton are Turks and Caicos Islanders. At the Open Day and Job Fair, which we hosted jointly with the hotel, we had 384 people turn out to apply and interview for jobs. At least 45 individuals made a lasting impression, some of them for senior positions; these candidates will be offered a place at the Ritz,” explained Taylor.
Striking what is perceived as a fair balance on the employment scene is often a pressure point for indigenous residents, who argue they are overlooked for the best jobs or are not allowed a foot in the door.
Both the Ritz Carlton and the Department of Labour have gone to great lengths to upend that narrative, with positive results said Mr. Taylor who adds salaries are also very competitive.
“The Ritz Carlton is offering starting salaries above minimum wage, at least two dollars over others in the market. It gives the hotel an edge and helps them to fill their staff quotas quickly.”
Danitra Clare, Human Resources Director with the Ritz Carlton, said the recruitment needs continue to grow with the exceptionally strong sales of the residences and strong bookings for July, which is when the country’s newest, tallest resort opens.
“We are looking at approximately 150 plus, local islanders who would have been offered positions within the Turks and Caicos so far and today, with this turn out, I pretty sure this is going to help us finalise our numbers,” said Clare during the staging of the Open Day held on April 14 at the Gus Lightbourne Gym, in down town Providenciales.
“We are specifically looking for persons in the Turks and Caicos and that is why we do these job fairs. To give persons that live here the opportunity to take on the role within hospitality.”
Steering those interviewees at the one day Job Fair was the energetic general manager, John Hazard who agreed that bookings are going well, dropping that the July 4 weekend will be sizzling at the RitzCarlton.
“Grace Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in the world and that address alone generates a level of buzz that we have already seen. Our forward reservations are already very strong and really encouraging. We continue to see that (throughout). There is just an incredible buzz around the hotel, the brand coming to the island and Grace Bay beach,” shared Mr. Hazard.
On the sales side, Regency Christie’s, as the exclusive brokers for the Ritz Carlton is pleased with movement of residences at Tower B. Tower B is home to 24 luxury two and three bedrooms suites.
In an idea of what buyers are prepared to pay to have a sky high home on #1 Grace Bay Beach, Malcolm shared that residences at RitzCarlton start just over $1.9 million USD; and if one scales up to the ninth floor, a home at the Ritz can cost just over $2 million USD for an ocean view suite.
On the hotel side, reservations are being accepted from July 2nd and currently the hotel is over 50 per cent booked. Carolina Malcolm is also encouraging those interested in a Ritz Carlton holiday in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos to visit the Marriott’s website to book your stay.