Staff with a combined 80 years service gather for a group photo

A gift and certificate presentation ceremony was held on Fregate Island this week to mark the contribution of the hotel's staff of five years standing.

The hard work of staff who have been with Fregate Island Private for a half decade was recognised in the presentation ceremony, which Fregate Managing Director, Patrick Brizio, described as an honour to be involved in.

16 members of staff picked up gifts of watches and certificates for their length of service, taking to 30 the number of employees who have spent over five years working with the resort.

Mr Brizio applauded the long serving staff for their, "exemplary conduct and service to the company," adding that it was pleasing to see the majority of the hotel's departments represented at the ceremony.

Asked why so many staff had achieved such long periods of service Mr Brizio explained that, "people like working here," and that teamwork is an important element.

He acknowledged, however, that the pressures of working in a small island environment tend to limit most employees to between two and three years service before changing jobs.

While Fregate currently has a roughly 60/40 ratio of Seychellois to expatriate workers, Mr Brizio said that company is involved in promoting local employment opportunities.

The Managing Director pointed out that staff are regularly drawn from the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Training College (SHTTC) and said that many departmental heads are Seychellois.

The 16 villa exclusive resort, the oldest five star establishment in Seychelles, is currently under going some major extension projects.

A sheltered marina area has been developed, which has also seen the creation of a wave-protected family beach, and work is underway to construct a new 35 metre swimming pool. In addition is a $750,000 development of the resort's spa facilities, which is already underway.

In another new initiative Fregate has introduced an on site training programme. Administered by the American Hotel Motel Association, all of the training for a variety of courses is conducted on the island, with the exam papers sent to the USA for marking.

Paying Euro 1,700 per villa per night price tag, the island's well heeled visitors cover the cost of maintaining the 140 strong team of staff on the island.

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