Buccament Bay Resort hopeful that employee would be found alive

The management of the Buccament Bay Resort is hoping that one of their employees who was washed away in the flash floods of Christmas Eve, could be found alive.{{more}}

Josell Small is one of three persons (see story on page 33) still missing in the aftermath of heavy rains and flooding experienced in St Vincent on December 24. She was employed at the Buccament Bay Resort.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Tuesday, general manager of the resort Michael Ibrahim said that he hopes the young woman, who worked as a chef, will be found alive.

“I hired Josell four years ago. I like Josell very much and my heart goes out to her family,” he said.

“I hope she is alive…,” he said. Ibrahim indicated that the resort has taken steps to try to locate its employee.

“I sent a search party. We called the coastguard and they came and they were looking and looking. They couldn’t find anything. The next morning, I sent our diving instructor, our tennis pro and a guest…the water is so murky they cannot see anything right now,” Ibrahim said.

The general manager added the human resources department at the resort contacted Small’s family, soon after hearing about the tragedy.

Furthermore, Ibrahim revealed that he has informed their insurance company that one of their employees has gone missing and that the company is looking to set up a fund for Small’s eleven-month-old child. He also noted that guests have indicated that they would like to do something for Small’s family as well.

“Until right now, Josell is pronounced missing. However, I called the insurance company,” Ibrahim said.

“I’m gonna put in some money, Dave is gonna put in some money…and we’ll go to her family. That’s besides the insurance… We’re gonna take care of you for the long run. We’re not gonna come and say here’s a hundred dollars and thank you. That would be an insult. We’re much better than that”.

Chairman of Harlequin Resorts David Ames also revealed to SEARCHLIGHT that he and his wife intend to pay a visit to Small’s family and will do so in a discreet manner, as he does not wish to generate publicity.(BK)