I need to know something about the St. Kitts Marriott, and I know this is a bit random, but it has to do with work visas for the island and I haven't had much luck in my research yet. I'm potentially relocating to St. Kitts later this year, and want a bit of info that i haven't been able to find easily.
If you are going in the next couple of months, please keep a look out for this and perhaps you'll remember to post here when you return...
If you have already been there, I want to know who worked there-- were the employees nearly all natives of St. Kitts/Nevis, or were there Americans doing any work? I expect that the housekeeping was performed by locals, but what about the specialty jobs and the sales department employees? It was probably something you didn't pay much attention to, but regardless of your answer I'd like to hear from someone who has been there.
Also, was there much of a 'sales' effort for purchasing future vacations or weeks of timeshare ownership, and did anyone experience a meeting with sales staff for this?
As I said, it's kind of random and not what you'd expect on these boards, but it's very pertinent for me, and the best way to find out is from people who have see who's there first-hand. Thanks in advance!
Dan
danorton@hotmail.com
IF you've Seen or will Visit St. Kitts Marriott, Please Read this---
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Try posting your questions on the St. Kitts Newsgroup at www.geographia.com/guestbook/kittsnevis/
Go to
http://www.sknvibes.com/local/Ministries.cfm
You'll find the names, addresses, and email addresses of all the ministers in government, especially those with labor responsibilities. I wager you'll be able to get an answer from one of them.
By the way, everything I looked at using "work permits in St, Kitts" on Google indicates that all non-Kittians require work permits, and that the employer (or potential employer) is required to file for them. I saw nothing that indicated individuals file for them.
Also, I would contact Marriott here in the US and ask them your same questions.
I looked a little farther and found this in reply to a question by a non-Kittian student on island asking about work, and I quote:
"Working on St. Kitts
It is illegal to perform any services while on St. Kitts that reward you with any salary, wage, tip or gratuity unless you hold a valid work permit, specific to each job. Each expatriate that works on St. Kitts must renew such a permit yearly.
Work permits are difficult to obtain: 1) legally, they must be provided by the company/person that hires you; and 2) your services must be highly desired and not obtainable amongst the citizens of St. Kitts.
It is uncommon for you or your spouse be allowed to obtain a legal work permit. It is important for you to realize this so as not to plan on gainful employment whilst in school. You should manage your finances to be able to do without such monies.
Remember that work permits are job specific; obtaining a work permit to teach school does not allow you to repair cars? if a fee is charged or gratuity accepted.
Please understand that the government has warned us repeatedly that students caught violating this law are subject to deportation and declaration of persona non grata."
Thanks you two... I really enjoyed the info provided on the geographia newsgroup. golfguy, i think I actually read that same quote somewhere a while back when i started looking into it all.
In reviewing my original post, i guess I didn't really elaborate on what part of my research i was having trouble with... because [unfortunately] the easy part is finding out the official stance on working without a permit and the fact that work visas are not easy to get. As a matter of fact, many people have said don't even bother trying. Basically, you can get one IF you have a certain skill that is not available from a native... which means that teaching and technical experts have a chance, while sales and marketing people aren't usually so lucky. With a new and Major resort in town, though, i'm trying to find out from people who have seen it already.
The government and corporate contact will only give you an official 'line', and I'd really like to hear from vacationers who have been there and are more likely to tell it the way it is.
Anyone else?
I am in St.Kitts and applying for jobs.
Most employers will turn you away. The work permit is extremely difficult to get even with a job offer since National Security can deny it.
Don't think about working illegally either; you will be deported.
The Marriott told me in so many words that they won't be hiring any
foreigners because the laws for work permits has changed a lot. Also, once your permit expires,they won't automat ically renew your permit. Employers must re-advertise the position to satisfy NS that you are the only person qualified to do the job.
90% of employees at the hotel are Kittians.
A website you might find helpful is www.myislands.myeyez.net
If you post your question there, Paula should be able to help you as she is from the US.
My family is from St. Kitts and I have been going down for years. It is a beautiful island.
I know a few Canadians working in SKB (Marriott casino & Ross University admin and as a teacher).
LIZ
Salaries are low compared to North America and food, gas and electricity is very expensive there.
You do realize you have resurected a thread that is 2 1/2 years old!!!!
Hi Dan,
If you're still interested, feel free to e-mail me. I can tell you that Marriott in the US is selling Marriott St. Kitts now. Of course, there's other info you might be interested in so fell free to e-mail me at: AdrinaBlue@gmail.com.
.A.
As a foreigner, you can get a work permit and a job in St. Kitts. I verified this with a friend of mine here that is looking to hire someone now. I'm also aware of other positions in St. Kitts that don't have to be filled with Kittians. It's just a matter of networking.
There are rules and ratios, just like in the US but, employment is not impossible and poverty is not necessary. Yes, the cost of groceries is unbelievable, but other factors help to keep the thought of paying $8 for a tv dinner out-of-mind
Sometimes it's the right connections and sometimes its responding to an ad. If your a foreigner going to the Marriott you might attempt to make the right connections first. Not everyone with the Marriott was born on St. Kitts.
Also, I don't think the casino employment is the same as the Marriott. They are connected physically, but I think that's about it. If you've been there and talked to any of the dealers, you know that they aren't all from St. Kitts.
St. Kitts and Nevis are great places to live, but you have to know the rules...and make the right connections.
If your looking for a timeshare connection, I'm thinking that you might want to check with timeshare beat online.
Good luck and don't get discouraged. .A.