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EXCLUSIVE: Wilbert A. Mason is no longer Peter Island Resort Mgr

- Says VI has to develop a service culture and that for VI to be successful as a region ‘we have to change the way we think & the way we treat each other’
As Mr Wilbert A. Mason says farewell to the Virgin Islands, he leaves sound advice, dispel claims of being fired and has his name marked as the first black person to head the resort. Photo: VINO/File
In response to questions of him not being a very likable person, especially by the locals, Mr Mason said there are many reasons why one would not like the other but said to get the best out of someone he will push them. Photo: Provided
In response to questions of him not being a very likable person, especially by the locals, Mr Mason said there are many reasons why one would not like the other but said to get the best out of someone he will push them. Photo: Provided
A memorable moment for Mr Wilbert A. Mason during his tenure as General Manager at Peter Island Resort, VI. Photo: Provided
A memorable moment for Mr Wilbert A. Mason during his tenure as General Manager at Peter Island Resort, VI. Photo: Provided
Mr Wilbert A. Mason (left) welcomes Governor John S. Duncan and his wife on their maiden visit to the resort as they supported Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Provided
Mr Wilbert A. Mason (left) welcomes Governor John S. Duncan and his wife on their maiden visit to the resort as they supported Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Provided
Members of the BVI Cancer Society at Peter Island Resort and Spa, with Mr Mason at the helm, as they raised monies for the BVI Cancer Society. Photo: VINO/File
Members of the BVI Cancer Society at Peter Island Resort and Spa, with Mr Mason at the helm, as they raised monies for the BVI Cancer Society. Photo: VINO/File
The Bayside Blazers was one of the many groupings that benefited from the resort under the management of Mr Mason. Photo: VINO/File
The Bayside Blazers was one of the many groupings that benefited from the resort under the management of Mr Mason. Photo: VINO/File
Now former General Manager of Peter Island Resort, Mr Wilbert Mason had once said while raising funds for Family Support Network via a yard sale, that it is not the practice of the resort to “wave a wand in the air” whenever they do a charity as it is the cause that matters and not the entity and their goodwill. Photo: VINO
Now former General Manager of Peter Island Resort, Mr Wilbert Mason had once said while raising funds for Family Support Network via a yard sale, that it is not the practice of the resort to “wave a wand in the air” whenever they do a charity as it is the cause that matters and not the entity and their goodwill. Photo: VINO
PETER ISLAND, VI –Former General Manager of Peter Island Resort Mr Wilbert A. Mason has described his experiences living and working in the VI as ‘Phenomenal’ but said the territory needs to change to a service mindset.

“BVI is by far, of all the Caribbean islands I’ve worked at, the product itself sells itself and for me, as I mentioned to someone last night, it has been one of the best stops I’ve had in my 23 years in the business,” said Mr Mason.

Asked to give his thoughts on how he has seen the tourism product grown or not over his seven years at Peter Island, Mr Mason noted that while the industry has grown, it is very critical that the people of the VI quickly change into a service mindset, especially as Cuba sets to take off.

The Service Culture

“I think one of the major things since the raw product of the BVI is there, what I think over the next couple of years is one of the major things that has happen is that we have to develop a service culture and a service culture will ensure that we get a return business in the future,” said Mr Mason.

He further stated, “Service culture will really ensure that we secure our business for  tomorrow because if we don’t adapt the service culture mindset then guess what, someone else is going to eat our lunch, someone else somewhere, Cuba, eventually is going to open up sometime although if it's years ahead before it becomes a major competition for us, but we in the BVI right now have to change into a service mindset and ensure that the whole customer service experience is a great one because that will be the driving force of tomorrow’s economy.”

VI travel economy on the rebound

“I think that the numbers are getting better in terms of the overall arrivals into the BVI. I think since the whole economy is picking up you can see businesses and also in different hotels like in our hotel, are picketing the way. I think with that economy, things are on the rebound in terms of travel and I think it’s a good opportunity right now for the BVI to take advantage of what’s coming in terms of people now having confidence to start booking a vacation,” he said

In reflection, Mr Mason said that some three (3) years ago the booking window was much shorter. “Because someone would pick up and say okay 2 weeks out you don’t see me booking in a week and then you start to see me booking. Now, people are booking for next year, now people are booking 3 months ahead and that’s a good sign that people have confidence that the economy welcomes the booking act so it’s a good thing for the BVI,” he added

I wasn’t fired, I wasn’t forced out, I resigned

For the past week or so this news site was bombarded with calls from Peter Island Resort’s employees and the man on the street alleging that Mr Mason was fired. For the most part they expressed happiness at such but as it came from the mouth of Mr Mason, he has resigned from the post to take up a better opportunity offered to him in another Caribbean destination.

“Yes, I’ve resigned. I know there have been a lot of rumors saying that “he got fired” or whatever it is but I resigned. I’m going to take another great opportunity in another Caribbean island. It’s bitter-sweet leaving here but the opportunity comes sometimes once, so take hold of it and see what’s out there,” said Mason. He also expressed thanks to the management and staff of Peter Island Resort for their support over the years.

“I’m not saying it was the perfect work situation at all times but overall I think being able to connect with the local community, connect with the staff and just really ensure that the guests experience was a phenomenal one, for me this was a wonderful experience. It will go down as one of the many places that I actually would go back to if the opportunity arises itself, period,” he added.

I ‘WILL’ push you

In response to questions of him not being a very likable person, especially by the locals, Mr Mason said “The whole goal is to change. To change a service culture takes time and it takes a lot of dedication and a lot of love because the people that you’re trying to help to see the service aspect of their job, they may think that it’s because the person doesn’t like them but it has nothing to do with that, it has to do with that I know you can do better and I’m going to push you until you get to that point where you achieve some level of excellence.”

He added, “I’m sad to say that to be successful in any business you have to understand human psychology and I think when I came here to the BVI one of my goals was to basically bridge the gap between Peter Island and the local community and I think I was able to bridge that gap whether it was a charity event or something else, but one of my focus was really to ensure that Peter Island is part of the community. You cannot have a successful business if you’re not part of the community efforts and I was able to bridge those gaps.”

First Black to be General Manager at Peter Island Resort

Research has shown that indeed Mr Mason was the first black person to hold the position of General Manager at Peter Island Resort; it’s something persons recognised as a major and historic achievement.

Asked about his view about attaining such recognition, Mr Mason said, “To put it as being the first black guy I didn’t see it that way. I see it as to be a General Manager here. I didn’t put it into any quantified race. It feels good to have the opportunity to run Peter Island’s innocence. It’s a great product but in terms of equating to me being the first ‘black man’, no, for me it just an honour as a person.”

26 Responses to “EXCLUSIVE: Wilbert A. Mason is no longer Peter Island Resort Mgr”

  • Repo Man (23/02/2015, 09:18) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
    And how this man used to treat employees??? Hmmm
  • Chance (23/02/2015, 10:06) Like (3) Dislike (18) Reply
    He is too proud. Let him go.
  • lets be real (23/02/2015, 10:16) Like (74) Dislike (4) Reply
    The man had a job t do and I am sure the hardest part of his job was dealing with a staff that think they know better, that refuse to change, think its ok to give 3 star service in a five star resort and in many cases were just lazy. A manager that gets his staff to do what they were actually hired to do would always be seen from some quarters as "not a good manager". Good luck to you Sir.
    • $$$$ (23/02/2015, 14:45) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
      @lets be real. You cant expect staff that are receiving 1 star wages to give 5 star service.
  • rattie (23/02/2015, 10:28) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    He will be missed
  • trrefdrfds (23/02/2015, 10:31) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
    Discrimination caused him to get fired. I like the fact that Peter Island owners don't stand for discrimination while many other companies in the BVI do.
  • hello? (23/02/2015, 10:37) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Is this his strategy for seeking employment?
  • staff (23/02/2015, 10:40) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love this story
  • Yes (23/02/2015, 10:43) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where is his new job?
    • @LOL (23/02/2015, 13:02) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      One does not need to have a new job before he leaves his old one! Some people think you can't do without them and that with money, they can get you to do anything. Well for me, I rather leave my six figure salary than lose my integrity! No one on earth can buy integrity!
  • weed (23/02/2015, 12:33) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    he looked out for our people I am sadden to see him go..but may god bless you Wilbert
  • bam (23/02/2015, 13:13) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    We all know that when black people get certain positions that they have to work much harder than their white or indian counterparts for the same position! Here are some reasons why:

    Some black subordinate staff makes life hard for the black man in position - they don't relate to black superiors like how they relate to white superiors and they expect more freebies when reporting to a black man

    The black person in position has to sell himself harder - he can't afford to waffle his way through

    Indians know how to fabricate events and they suck up (kiss a$$) well
  • what's the big deal! (23/02/2015, 13:39) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    I've worked at Peter Island from the late 1970s for several years and I've learnt one thing-Peter Island Resort only belongs to the owners. Everyone else is PAID staff. The gentleman came on, did his time and now its time for him to move on, and knowing the caliber of this good gentleman, he is doing so gracefully. Managers, Chefs, Housekeeping you name it, they all come, and they all leave. Wish you the best sir and wherever life takes you, may God continue to bless you.
  • facts man (23/02/2015, 13:50) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    This man manson has done nothing but good while he was in the bvi for over 7 years he should be clelibrated
  • apple pie (23/02/2015, 16:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    kudos Mr. MKason on your new job there comes a time to move on as you have done well for Peter Island and your self..god bless
  • Tigress (23/02/2015, 17:37) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    to mr mason and all 'success requires no apology' simply put. you did what you had to do and i'm sure a lot of your staff is better for the push. success to you where ever you go.
  • good luck (23/02/2015, 22:20) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    See you in Cuba Mr. Mason, everyone have to do what is in the best interest of them and their family.
  • kids (24/02/2015, 02:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Meet him on my interview he was good person talk professional and very smart

    Wish you all the best
  • GSM (24/02/2015, 15:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Wilbert Mason did an excellent job while at our resort and not only for Peter Island but the BVI as a member on the Tourist board....Go Mr. Mason... From Good To Great
  • charlie (26/02/2015, 08:46) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    i work at peter island only who in the kitchen can feel the heat. only he friends and fans got what they wanted the staff that died not fall in that status suffer. the man was on island care about no but him self .
  • jans (26/02/2015, 11:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you want money to come in and back to the BVI or your resorts, then you have work hard and give EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICES PEOPLE. Mr. Mason is telling you what is needed.
    • Cared! (27/02/2015, 18:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      He was a good manager. Aloft but necessary in some aspects for his position. PI wouldn't be the same without him. Good luck and Godspeed sir. Only better is in store for you. I wish you only the best!!!


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