Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5332/-1/130/
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Cap Juluca Trains, Awards Workers As New Season Approaches
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Cap Juluca Resort & Spa has trained and awarded its over 400 Anguillian workers as it geared up for its twentieth season with expectations of another successful year – this time under new management and ownership. The hotel reopens on Saturday, October 27.
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The 10-Year Awardees
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The Resort’s Reopening and Employee Recognition and Awards Celebration, along with a special motivational session at George’s Restaurant, was held on Tuesday, October 23. It was ably chaired by Human Resources Director, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks.
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Three of the 15-Year Awardees
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Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board, John Benjamin, said it was amazing that after 20 years, and having gone through its various troubles, that Cap Juluca was still around and making great progress. “It’s because you have steered the course why Cap Juluca has become number one in the Caribbean,” he noted. He recalled that it was Robin and Sue Ricketts, Eustace Guishard and himself who had the dream of the hotel. He asked the gathering to remember the good that the others had done.
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Some of the recipients of the 20-Year Awards
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“I wish them well as they continue their journey in life and I trust that you too will wish them well,” he went on. “It is up to you as Cap Julucans to continue the dream. The dream is not just to make it number one in the Caribbean, but in the world…”
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The Guest Choice Awardees
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Referring to the planned further development of the property by the new owners, Mr. Benjamin continued: “The structure may change around us, but all the tourists who come here, come to see Anguillians. It is Anguillians who made this place number one. Let us bond together and steer the course. Cap Juluca is the flagship for Anguilla and if it goes down, Anguilla goes down.”
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Government and Tourism Officials and Julucans
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Trudy Nixon, Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association, said the AHTA was proud “that Cap Juluca, one of the most loved and respected small luxury hotels in the world has always been an active member of the association.” She stated that the Resort’s contribution to the profile and economy of Anguilla was hugely significant. “Julucans always have and always will be ambassadors in this proud nation,” she added.
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The Departmental Star Awardees
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General Manager, Hans Maissen, said it was a matter for pride that Cap Juluca, one of the world’s premiere hotels, had for the sixth consecutive year retained its No.1 rating in the Caribbean by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.
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General Manager Hans Maissen presenting Employee of the Year Award to Altagracia Ramirez
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“Thanks to all of you for a great season 2006/2007 and thanks for helping us during the closing time with maintenance and landscaping,” he told the staff. “We did not have the time to do all the renovations due to the fact that we are still in transition time, putting the last few lines on paper to finalise the sale. We have done a tremendous amount of work with the help of our Maintenance Department and Landscaping Team.”
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General Manager presenting Supervisor of the Year Award to Norwell Proctor
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He further said: “There are a lot of hotels around the Caribbean, newly-built or totally renovated, that do not get the ratings Cap Juluca is getting. This is mainly due to the fact that they are missing the most important ingredient for the successful hotel that this, the dedicated staff, the naturally friendly Anguillians who are prepared to deliver experiences beyond expectations over and over again which will continue to keep Cap Juluca on top of its competitors.”
It was in this vein that Mr. Maissen announced that approval had been received from the owners of Cap Juluca to increase the minimum wage and to review salaries in general.
“We are looking forward to yet another successful season. November being already sold out,” he concluded.
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Dr. Ben Henry
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During the event, Dr. Ben Henry, regionally-acclaimed Consultant, Trainer, Motivational Speaker and Writer, working with the Customer Service Academy of Jamaica, conducted a motivational session as part of his training of the Resort’s staff.
He told the workers they were the ones who were bringing back customers to Cap Juluca. “Service is a function of technique and attitude,” he said to the employees. “You can be the best Front Office Receptionist knowing all the skills of the job well but if you don’t have the right attitude, that’s not going to bring the guests back. In fact, your attitude will determine your altitude in the organisation. You are in charge of your attitude.”
Just before Dr. Henry spoke, many members of staff were presented with Long Service Awards for 10, 15 and 20 years during which they worked at Cap Juluca. Others received Guest Service Awards and Departmental Star Awards. The Employee of the Year Award went to Altagracia Ramirez of Landscaping and the Supervisor of the Year Award was won by Norwell Proctor, Manager of the Wine and Beverage Department. They both received cheques for US$2,000 and trips for two among other awards.