Tourism Minister Calls for Fair Treatment in Tourism Sector following Royalton Protest

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has weighed in on the recent walkout by some staff at the Royalton Antigua Resort, describing it as a “symptom” of deeper labor issues that need to be addressed in the tourism sector.

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Fernandez underscored the importance of fair treatment for workers and the need for government intervention where necessary.

“While it wasn’t all the staff, as far as I’m concerned, it is a symptom of what we have to look at coming down the road,” Fernandez said.

He noted that similar incidents have occurred in Jamaica and highlighted the importance of ensuring Antigua and Barbuda does not replicate a “tourism plantation” model.

Fernandez reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring tourism workers are valued and fairly compensated.

“We can’t afford to replace a sugar plantation with a tourism plantation,” he remarked, stressing the need to improve conditions for employees who form the backbone of the industry.

He also criticized what he described as a lack of responsiveness from unions, recounting an instance where his ministry sought input on a 10-year tourism plan.

“In 2022, we put out a 10-year plan in tourism. We wrote to every stakeholder—the taxi operators, the vendors, the youth—and the union never responded,” he said.

The minister shared plans to revise the investment incentives for tourism projects, ensuring that factors like employee welfare, green energy, and sustainability are prioritized. “

We are looking at changes in our investment portfolio, including green energy and how investors treat their employees. For example, is there a way for employees to share in the profits of the company?” Fernandez stated.

He also proposed dedicating resources to support workers with troubled pasts or financial difficulties, suggesting that interventions could include education or financial assistance.

“We need to carve out something so they don’t feel the only way out is to commit a crime,” Fernandez said.

To address these issues on a broader scale, Fernandez announced plans to host a regional symposium in Antigua in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization. “

We are working on having a symposium with Caribbean tourism ministers and union leaders to discuss employment, sustainability, wages, and job security,” Fernandez revealed.

He emphasized the importance of regional unity to counter exploitation by external investors. “We have to learn to understand that we’re stronger working together, and it benefits all of us,” he said.

Reflecting on the Royalton incident and other challenges, Fernandez called for continued investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism workers. “At the end of the day, it’s the employees that really carry the thing,” he remarked.

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