The High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda will be visiting some of the hospitality venues in Jersey that have hired professionals from the Caribbean islands this week.
Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill will be here between Sunday and Wednesday following the signing of a formal partnership agreement between the governments of Jersey and Antigua and Barbuda to support both jurisdictions’ hospitality and tourism industries.
The three-year partnership is providing opportunities for professional staff from the two islands to work in Jersey during the peak summer season, while also helping Jersey businesses facing recruitment shortages.
At a reception at The Grand Hotel on Monday afternoon, High Commissioner Hill will meet some of the 48 people who have already started working this season.
JHA (Jersey Hospitality Association) Chief Executive, Claire Boscq, said: “We have been really impressed with how well the Antiguan and Barbudan staff have integrated into the venues which have taken up this opportunity. The agreement means that we will have dedicated professionals to help our businesses recover from two years of disruption caused by the pandemic.
“The Government of Jersey was very aware of the struggles many businesses were facing with recruitment and approached the High Commissioner’s office in the UK. That relationship has blossomed, and I am so pleased to see how well those that are here already have settled into their new roles. I am sure the delegation will be equally impressed with the standard of service the new staff are providing.”
Up to 100 people from Antigua and Barbuda are available to work in the island after undergoing an interview and selection process before their applications are matched with requests from businesses in Jersey. So far, successful candidates have arrived to work in cafés, restaurants and hotels, joining seasonal staff from all over the world.
