Large crowds of job-seekers attend Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Career Fair

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Vice President and
General Manager Jean Cohen along with doorman
Andrew Schwan at the resort’s Career Fair held last
Friday and Saturday – photo Alan Markoff

Peggy Hassinger (right) of The Ritz-Carlton corporate
offices in Maryland assists Edna Isip with her
application at the Career Fair held last week

Monday, June 28, 2004

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman held a Career Fair at the Family Life Centre on Walkers Road last Friday and Saturday.

There was a high turnout of those looking for work, and a large crowd formed outside the doors an hour before the event began on Friday, and lines ran outside to the parking lot for hours.

Managers from Ritz-Carlton properties worldwide greeted attendees and handed them applications. “The fact is that this is the Ritz-Carlton, such a prestigious hotel. Who wouldn’t want to work for them,” explained applicant Neil Henlin.

Jean Cohen, vice president and general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, welcomed the crowd and announced, “The first position to open up will be Executive Director of Culture & Environment, and that job will be filled by a Caymanian.”

The owner and developer of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Michael Ryan also spoke on Friday, recalling his vision of a luxury hotel on Seven Mile Beach. “Aligning with Ritz-Carlton was the first step toward that vision,” he said. He stated that 75 percent of the residences have been sold and that the hotel will require 800 workers by this fall.

The Leader of Government Business, Hon McKeeva Bush declared that this single project with The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman would ultimately increase the Cayman Islands Gross Domestic Project (GDP) by seven percent.

“There is already $18 million in business booked to begin in December. Every tourist dollar is rolled over four times, which means these Islands can already expect over 70 million dollars in new business,” he said.

Julia Martinez, who came to apply for a position, said, “I would love to have a career with the Ritz. The company has a lot of goodwill internationally.”

The husband and wife team of Ranford and Gloria Broomfield learned about the Ritz through television commercials. They were both interested in positions in landscaping, housekeeping, or in the kitchen.

Laughing on her way out of the fair, Rena Hydes said, “Amazing. It seems as if the whole island is unemployed. Maybe unemployment is high, or people are looking for higher paying jobs, or want the benefits from working for a stable hotel,” she said.

In comments after the opening ceremony, Hon McKeeva Bush focused on the importance of this day and the entire project. “The Cayman Islands needs this project. This is an upscale project. When tourism takes a dip in the future, this clientele will continue to come to the Cayman Islands,” he said.

Admitting that the inevitable increase in traffic on West Bay Road would create problems for commuters, problems the Government is working to alleviate, Mr Bush stood by the overall impact of this project.

When asked if he will look back on The Ritz-Carlton as part of his legacy to the country, Mr Bush said, “My name will be stuck on this project for good or ill. I believe it will be for the good.”

“Today is a tangible indicator of our progress. We have reached many milestones along the way. Seeing hundreds of people lined up outside this morning makes it more real,” concluded Mr Ryan.

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