BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Christophe Harbour Development Chief Operation Officer LeGrand Elebash has confuted rumours that the Southeast Peninsula project is experiencing difficulties as a result of the global financial crisis.
The development project came under scrutiny following the recent laying off of about four staff members.
Elebash has declared that although the company is not immune to the crisis, its decision to dismiss several staff was one to encourage “operational efficiency”. In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, he indicated that the company had to make a number of decisions which do not in any way compromise its commitments to the Government and people of the nation.
“When our development [Christophe Harbour] merged with Auberge-Firesky Development, our company became larger than it needed to be to get the job done. After assessing the situation for a number of weeks, we realized that in the name of operational efficiency, we had to reduce staff by removing a number of redundant positions. We had to make sure that we were deliberate and careful before we made a decision.
“This decision does not have an impact on the development of Christophe Harbour as we only eliminated positions that became unnecessary. So we still have a full complement of staff. In fact, we have still maintained an 85% local staff, and we have everyone that we need on hand.”
Elebash said that it was a “difficult decision for the company” noting that they were all good people and it was a difficult decision to make. However, we are keeping their information on file in the case of future growth.
He added that the company is still hiring but in areas that “require a certain level of expertise” including landscaping and security, adding that “we are still growing our operation but we have to be very proficient”.
Christophe Harbour has employed local personnel for construction and for various services at its beachfront Beach House restaurant and has outlined objectives to develop human resources in St. Kitts. The entire development project is expected to have a world-class Tom Fazio golf course, Mandarin Hotel, marina village and high-end restaurants and various luxurious resort facilities over at the South-east Peninsular.
