‘Employees were like family to us’ – David V. Johnson
The sudden closure of the resort has affected some 73 employees, some of whom had more than 20 years of service at the popular resort.
The management of Biras Creek Resort has continued not to respond to calls but in a release to the media Mr Johnson shed some light on the unfortunate situation when he noted that the Premier and Minister of Finance was aware of what was about to go down, in advance.
“It is with sadness that we announce that we will be discontinuing operations of Biras Creek Resort as of today, June 16. The closure is due to a combination of business reasons, but is primarily because we have been operating the resort under a limited term lease. We have had some preliminary discussions with the Premier and Minister of Tourism regarding the situation in recent days; however, at this time the future is uncertain,” said Mr Johnson.
Premier Smith, in a statement issued to the media after this news site broke the news of the resort closure, said he only knew of the impending closure last Friday June 12, 2015. He also noted that 23 of the employees affected are Virgin Islanders.
"My Government will do everything possible to soften the impact of the resort closure on the workers, their families and the community. Already, We have asked the Labour Ministry to facilitate as efficiently as possible, the transitioning of any of the workers to other employment opportunities that they may find. We are engaging other resorts to determine whether there are opportunities to place any of the workers. We have asked the Immigration Department to allow the workers that are subject to immigration control appropriate time to seek and find other job opportunities," Premier Smith stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson in his release stated that management is currently utilising every resource to support the Biras Creek employees, “..who are like family to us, and cannot be more thankful to them for their loyalty and for creating incredible memories for our guests throughout the history of the resort. Furthermore, we will honour all obligations to our employees under the BVI Labour Code.”
Mr Johnson offered deepest gratitude to the Virgin Islands government for their support of Biras Creek Resort and for encouraging their ongoing management of the property over the past nine years.
He said management is exploring all options to relocate existing reservations and will be in touch with each guest individually.
David V. Johnson’s other ties in the VI
According to oilnutbay.com, David V. Johnson spent 10 years touring the world before concluding that the stunning beauty and political stability of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands was the perfect location for his family community of luxury homes.
“Johnson's passion to create a development of luxury homes in the Caribbean has come to life with meticulous attention to detail and environmental integrity at Oil Nut Bay.
“Victor International is also visionary developer of the superyacht marina and yacht club, YCCS Virgin Gorda, in the North Sound, British Virgin Islands,” the website stated.
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20 Responses to “‘Employees were like family to us’ – David V. Johnson”
and we look forward to his prompt return.
The big celebration was spending $1 mill in renovations to Biras while the other slight of hand was buying 400 acres.
Dr smith mother will be turning in her grave to hear his unt***s
Biras Creek is an excellent establishment. Mr. Johnson has infuriated and outraged many people across the spectrum
rich or poor. He is being held liable and faces legal response from both customers and guests of Biras Creek as well
as all those who were employed there. I don't know why the South American owner chose to put Mr. Johnson and
his questionable (at best) company in charge, even though they did some good, and last time I was there in February,
it was as usual a wonderful visit. But his alleged using it for the sake of Oil Nut, and then closing it, and so on - he could be
dealt with by international law and I hope he has the billions claimed he has - 'cause he will need it. It will be opened
again...
Could it have been co-ordinated to dissuade voters in the ninth from voicing opposition to the incumbent party?
Hmm........I wanna know!