Freeport – Unemployed hotel workers took to the streets of Freeport yesterday to draw attention to their plight by marching to the Government Complex and the Royal Oasis resort.
The group marched from downtown Freeport to the Government Building Complex on the Mall, where they stormed into the lobby and demanded to meet with government officials at the Prime Minister’s office.
“We want justice,” they shouted.
Pineridge MP Ann Percentie parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, met with the workers outside to hear their concerns.
The Royal Oasis resort was forced to close and lay off more than 1,000 workers in September due to extensive hurricane damage at the Crowne Plaza and Sunspree resorts and casino.
The operators had initially announced that the resort would reopen by February, but later rescheduled the opening to April.
Casino worker, Dennis Britton, believes that the April opening will not happen now that construction has stopped.
“We have been through the fire, the two hurricanes and then being without a job. Everyone is hurting,” said Mr. Britton.
“All we are hearing is rumours and nothing is being done on the property.
“And so there is no guarantee that the place will reopen in April. So we want answers and we feel that our government should have those answers forthcoming to us,” said Mr. Britton.
Source: Denise Maycock, The Tribune
