Hospitality workers benefit from training exchange between Cayman and Anguilla

For the second consecutive year, Dart has leveraged its position as the owner of a diverse portfolio of worldclass hospitality properties in two well-positioned Caribbean destinations to provide employees with immersion experiences at various leading international hospitality brands.

A pair of young Caymanians pursuing careers in the hospitality industry recently completed a training exchange at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, while a quartet from that property spent a week in Grand Cayman being cross trained at properties including Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa.

Isaiah Hurlston, a recent graduate of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme, and Valerie Walters, a PBX operator at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, spent two weeks in Anguilla during November. While there, they gained experience and insights into leading luxury brand, Four Seasons, aimed at supporting their career development.

Meanwhile, Darren Connor (chef), Mario Connor (assistant director of housekeeping), Daveena Hodge (assistant food and beverage outlet manager) and Roxanne Webster (front desk supervisor) from Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla spent a week in Grand Cayman during October broadening their understanding of international industry best practices.

“These immersion trips provide a unique opportunity for knowledge and skills sharing at leading international brands that would otherwise be difficult to attain, both for our employees in Anguilla and the Cayman Islands,” said Dart Chief of Staff, Joanne Lawson.

“We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service to guests who visit our world class properties. These exchange trips provide a greater understanding for employees on how to deliver high quality service with the perspectives of the different international brands, with the focus on the best guest experiences.”

Hodge, an assistant food and beverage outlet manager at the Anguilla resort, spent time at Ms. Pipers Kitchen + Garden located at Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman, in addition to other experiences.

“My work exchange in the Cayman Islands has been an invaluable experience, contributing not only to my professional growth but also to my personal development. The skills and knowledge I gained during this time have equipped me to approach future opportunities with confidence and a broader perspective,” said Hodge.

Hurlston, who is set to embark on a hospitality career in Grand Cayman, said the opportunity to benefit from exposure to the quality of luxury service at the Anguillan resort augers well for his career development.

“It was an eye-opening experience. My time in Anguilla allowed me to gain further perspectives of delivering luxury service to guests, which I’m truly grateful to have had. There are lots of similarities between both islands but I also have gained a true appreciation of the unique qualities that the Cayman Islands has to offer our visitors,” said Hurlston, who was among 14 young Caymanians who completed the Dart Hospitality Training Programme in September after three months of in-class lessons and on the job training.

This year’s training exchange followed on a similar initiative in 2023 in which four young Caymanians were sent to Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, while eight employees from the resort spent two weeks sharpening their skills and exchanging best practices at Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman.

Lawson said Dart continues to explore opportunities for skills enhancement for its people, including those with an interest in pursuing meaningful careers in hospitality.