Dominican, Jo-Anne Felix, has been appointed Director of Housekeeping at The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas.
The appointment was announced last week by General Manager of the hotel, Craig Sacco.
“Jo-Anne accepts this new role and responsibility from her present position as Club Services Manager,” he wrote to staff in making the announcement. “Jo-Anne has been a part of The Ritz-Carlton family since 2010. In 2010, she joined the team at the Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas as executive administrative assistant and then was promoted to housekeeping coordinator. Building upon the strong professional relationships she established later became the Club Housekeeping Manager. Her ability to deal with all internal and external stakeholders has led to this much-deserved promotion and we are proud of Jo-Anne’s career ascent to this new leadership role.”
Jo-Anne Felix, 28, is the daughter of former Prime Minister, O.J Seraphin and wife Lily, owners of the Floral Gardens Hotel, now closed awaiting reconstruction.
She is a graduate of the Dominica State College and has traveled widely at various Ritz Carlton properties on the US mainland.
Ritz-Carlton is a luxury hotel chain that operates about 87 luxury hotels in 29 countries.
These fools in the negative have never travelled.
Don’t know anything. Have never been anywhere.
Have no work ethics. Some have never even work ed.
Do they understand education higher than elementary level.
Do they know anything about higher education or degrees?
They should seek some adult education for their illiterate minds and not embarass
themselves publicly..Untill then y’all aren’t qualified to be part of this discussion..
DUMB IS FOREVER!
These fools in the negative have never travelled.
Don’t know anything. Have never been anywhere.
Have no work ethics. Some have never even work ed.
Do they understand education higher than elementary level.
Do they know anything about higher education or degrees?
They should seek some adult education for their illiterate minds and not embarass
themselves publicly..Untill then y’all aren’t qualified to be part of this discussion..
DUMB IS FOREVER!
For any of you who knows the Ritz you would know that this job at this particular hotel chain is no easy task. This position comes along with high level responsibilities and a very demanding clintele that visit the Ritz properties. For all of you who are making jokes at this young lady accomplishment, I would say that you are probably never going to make the kind of money that this young lady will be making in her position as Director of housekeeping. This young lady will be making more money than many people in Dominica whether it be in the private sector or those who work in high level government jobs. She will have the last laugh. Sad that we don’t travel or do our research before we come out on blogs with our nasty comments. But thats Domincan for you. We are always ready to put down our own.
The fact of the matter is, we do not all hold the same positions in life. If we did, it would be very boring. Every body has a choice and we have to respect that.
I remember Joanne ..she was a top student at St Andrews in several subjects ..thought she was either going to be an accountant or Lawyer –she was so outspoken ..a favorite of principal Gloria Shillingford
We all knew she was destined to grow into something ..she has certainly started I believe …
we need to respect the service industry….. Like we do law and other professions it is where the money is for the development of the Caribbean
let me say that the great majority of bloggers have made this human interest a top story in the field of achievement except BIG BANNA !
This is in response to the direction the LEADERSHIP of our country is bringing us –the PM has focused on bringing investors in the fields of HOTEL DEVELOPMENT .. WE NEED PEOPLE EDUCATED IN THAT FIELD to respond to the challenge and opportunity which 5 STAR development which will offer this country an opportunity for economic growth
I recall her family had FLORALGARDENS which was a top service provider- great service and attractions with fountains and high class cuisine
Maybe the lady can come back and rebuild her family hotel or be one to be a lecturer at state college as an MBA qualified person with great experience at such a young age to educate students at college level for the students who wish to function in high class Hotels .
I was A STUDENT with JOJO at ST ANDREWS and State College.. she was always a top student and a LEADER !
Well eh beh, this young lady seem to be very important. I still cannot believe this article generated so many comments. It appears either the young lady or the job is of utmost importance, whichever it is, congratulations Jo-Ann
That beats Floral Gardens anytime darling. You truly have made the next step and more. Show them!
interesting that there are so many comments- what seem confusing to some is the very nature of TOURISM Why does such an appointment make news ? It does because SKERRIT Is talking of 5 star hotels and we need 5 star staff !!
the education bit ?she is fully educated with an Bsc and an MBA
this is not the little guest house by the road…. A 5 STAR HOTEL requires high class, very educuated highly disciplined quailified persons ..this girl with an MBA could have done Law she chose hospitiality
maybe that is how she was raised … SHE WAS FONT DESK MANAGER and worked in the Corporate office as well she is now BOSS of housekkeping …Of A MAJOR HOTEL is that not news ?
She will be in her air condition office whilst we take the heat of Roseau !!!
I know the family her younger sister also with a degree was this year r the top sales agent with SANDALS and is now a manager of a 4 star hotel- these are progressive people !
Tell those dunscat
DNO should change the headline of their article but it is an important role. When I first saw the headline I too was thinking I am going to read about an executive level position.
However, the role is very critical in maintaining 5 star status because she will be managing a team, budgets, operations and human resources etc. Based on the article she is doing a great job at rising through the ranks and there are a lot of opportunities in the hotel industry especially a 5-star.
Let’s just support our own as this young lady is doing something constructive and works for a reputable company.
Congratulations young lady. I wish all our young people would have the opportunity and grow a career like you so they can learn to look after themselves.
For those of you IGNORANT people who are quick to criticize here is a snap shot of Ritz Carlton Job Description for the role. It is obviously an important role to maintain its 5 star status around the world. Most importantly this young lady is 28 years old and has earned the title of Director.
JOB SUMMARY
Manages housekeeping functions and staff on a daily basis to ensure property guest rooms, public space and employee areas are clean and well maintained. Directs and works with team to successfully execute all housekeeping operations. Strives to continually improve guest and employee satisfaction and maximize the financial performance of the department. Responsible for inspecting areas of responsibilities and following up with a plan for improving results.
CORE WORK ACTIVITIES
1. Manage Housekeeping Operations and Budgets
2. Ensures compliance with all housekeeping policies, standards and procedures.
3. Conduct Human Resources Activities
4. Ensure Exceptional Customer…
obviously we as a people do not grasp what a 5-STAR INTERNATIONAL RESORT IS ALL ABOUT !!
Miss Felix will be in an air conditioned office with a Manager or 2 below her and supervsiors below the managers
Her job is to manage the managers .she will not be lifiting a finger except by use of her computer .She is A DIRECTOR fore heavens sake !!!
Cadette is right ..the reason for getting that job is she has an MBA— how many of you bloggers who speak trash has one ?
she is in the family of the possibly the world,s best hotel chain and a DIRECTOR with options to travel at 5 star hotels thoroughot the world
what nonsence are you talking about cleaning and toilets and lfting load ??
The girl is ahving a dream job eating at 5 star retaurants all day and a great future the only up for her is as a GENERAL Manager of a branch and she is only 28 about
Great for you JO ANNNE you are living the AMERICAN DREAM .
We will need you here whern Skerritti builds his 5 str resotrs to trsin our…
It is a shame that those who criticize did not take the time out to learn about the role. This role makes or break the financial health of the organization?
I wonder how many of the negative bloggers on here have traveled, stayed in a hotel, or even have a degree and a profession………
Is this the reason why tourism is not thriving in Dominica?
YEs that’s the reason why tourism is not thriving here. WE do not take any job serious enough. The problem with the country is its people
Hello world!!! I have never read more ignorance in my life. This young lady have done well. She deserve more respect than what am reading. Most of you Dominican u all are very jealous of your own people. First of all u read and you dont understand and comprehend. You make comments that makes no sense. She is not doing house keeping.(not. Cleaning hotel rooms) She is director that mans people who are cleaning has to go to her. She has to make sure everything is taken care off in this department. I think many of u all have never travel and so dumb dumb and dunce u all dont know from A TO Z. Many of u all wish u had her pay check every 2 weeks. She gets to travel. Do you? All u all do is sit daily and talk frat. (Its a another word for nonsense) If DNO had it that she is commited a crime you all would hv something to say. Dominicans when will we stop and just compliment each other. Young lady I am proud of u. Hold your head up high. Jealousy is like witchcraft. Stay strong. U are bless
I think it is quite fitting to congratulate this young lady on her achievement which is indeed a remarkable one. This position entails experience, skill, knowledge and a solid work ethic. See? This is the problem with a lot of our people. We enjoy tearing each other down. Let’s celebrate and congratulate and not denigrate. Jo Anne, congratulations are in order. Keep doing a great job like you have been doing. Let the Haters keep talking. TALK IS VERY CHEAP.
My brother, I concur. That’s the field that this young sister chose so what’s the big deal with some on here who are despising her career? Some of us should not show our sheer ignorance before the whole world. Instead of congratulating her, many are despising what she has obtained. Many people who post comments here think that they have arrived. If we all did the same thing in life it would be very boring. Instead of the criticisms, we should congratulate her. There is a creole proverb that says,”petit payee, petit pep.” We need to stop the small-mindedness and accept each other for who we are and not the jobs that we do. We are greater than the jobs. At the end of the day, we are just humans.
UNAPOLOGETIC
Jealousy oh gosh
No one should make fun of her position,but should this be news?
Yes, it meets the news criteria for the Dominican market on a number of fronts. 1. It is a good human interest story because it portrays the advancement and achievement of a Dominican – be it local or international; 2. the Director of Housekeeping is a senior management position in the hospitality industry; 3. The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious and famous hotel brands in the world. I am a former daily newspaper editor and news manager.
I guess news for you means something to do with politics every minute every hour every day. Not your fault- you all are brainwashed listening to trash in certain media circles anyway. So you come to expect the same from DNO. Happy NeW Year DNO and I really wish to see more of this in the NeW Year.
Congratulations! I visualize that your new position will be a very busy one and extremely demanding. I would think too it entails working extra hours but it will be well worth it.
I wish you all the best. Good luck and strive as high as you possibly could., taking one day at a time.
God bless!
I have read the comments and did note that for reasons which are unclear that the position is thought to be less important than say an attorney …..
The lady I understand has an MBA AND GOT HER FIRST DGREE as an honor student at the UNIVESITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
If we wish to get into tourism we need to understnd the Mnagemennt structure and appreciate the importance of the lines of authority ..how many of our people reach DIRCTORS position on major international hotel chains ?
convince me, thanks for your educated comments. The position is a very well-respected one in the US where I live. A Director position is highly-sought after and it involves senior management responsibilities in the hospitality industry. She has achieved a MAJOR milestone with her appointment at a top-notch hotel chain in the world. Congratulations, Ms. Felix.
Congratulations young lady, Be all you can be, and shine while the haters eat their hearts out. SMFH!! The heights by Great men and woman reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they while the haters slept were toiling upwards in life, while some haters, and loosers remain just that.Haters and loosers. pray for them all the same.
I do understand that MISS FELIX has an MBA and was a Manager of the front desk and is now a Director at Ritz Carlton ..clearly the 2 or 3 persons who failed to understand the importance of that appointment can be guided by Mr.Carrette who detailed the functioms of that position
Really if we have to enter into tourism as said by the PM we need to have such qualified persons to be the resource persons of the industry at such high levels
We need to understand that TOURISM is the lead industry in the Caribbeam andd the Ritz Carlton is a leader worldwide
Congratulations Miss Felix
The Director of housekeeping is the position of eminence above that of the Manager of that department .Ritz-Carlton is a very eminent international 5 star hotel
There is much to be said of a lady who with an MBA is recognized by such a prestigious hotel chain ..and given an appointment of such eminence
Congratulations on your new appointment. Stay focused and you will continue to climb that corporate ladder…slowly but surely.
We WERE so oblivious back in the days when we thought folks who worked as a bank teller had a “big” job. Not until we travel we realize it’s at the minimum wage level. Haha
Sweetheart be the best Housekeeping Director that ever showed up on the block. Appreciate and cherish your position and “PRAY AS YOU GO”. God will bless you to move on to bigger and better things and while you are at it have them reimburse your tuition to get a good education.
David started as a Shepherd Boy and became “King”
Joseph started in prison and was put in charge of “Pharoah’s household
Ruth was gleaning corn on Boaz field then became his wife and from her line came “JESUS” our Lord and savior who by the way was born in a manger and is our “FOREVER REIGNING KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”
I can go on and on and on.
Soar like an Eagle where you presently are and God will give you an Open Heaven to move to higher heights. While you are soaring to the top just don’t come back down on the level of “CHICKENS” and other birds who cannot fly.
It is really disheartening to read these negative comments. Does this job description need to be spelt out? Or are some so low-minded? Is that how we encourage the youth? My goodness ! Young lady, God bless. Feel great on your accomplishments.
hmmm
Congratulations to Jo Ann on her promotion, The Ritz carlton is one the the top elite hotel resorts in the world. The pay is good, she has to be earning well over 50 thousand dollars a years, the perks are great, free lunch. And she has access to stay all the Ritz and Marriott property’s around the world, for free or at discount. Also she is cover by two pensions, Ritz and social security.
I just don’t understand how these people think this is not an elite role! So only law, medicine and engineering that important? The salary plus perks and retirement benefits are excellent. Plus she is only 28, can you all imagine the career track she has already built for herself?
Congratulations young lady. Keep on striving.
Plenty have engineering and attorney degree with no money!
There is just no winning with Dominicans. Lord help us! Anonymity enables us to hide to levy all types of insults at others for no reason. Congratulations Ms. Felix! Don’t allow the negativity to discourage you. Keep focused, the sky is your limit.
No somethings you keep to yourself. head of housekeeping and stocks and you advertising that publicly and people even talking about congratulate. Child go to school and stop this foolishness. I warned you with this nonesense a while back.
Moushay Sylvester Cadette get the job yourself if you find it so lucrative.. you will enjoy this and write non-sense not chairs you were loading in and out of Hilton conference room for 6 hours nanay karnel and going home and sleep nah.. doh start no bs there bon. stop with the bs you feeding on DNO. That girl is very very intelligent but for some reason she enjoys these housekeeping roles non stop and glorifies them. Would you want your daughter doing this. Ritz Carlton can certainly find another position for her.
Whoever you are by the name of “REASON” who is afraid of identifying yourself and lacks reason, you surely got the wrong person as per your HILTON Nonsense. usually I do not answer such irrelevant foolishness but I just thought it necessary to tell you that you have the totally wrong person.
CALM DOWN BRO AND GET SOME REASON .
I worked as teacher at St. Andrew’s High School, then off to study up to Master’s Level, started a PhD, did not have the funding to complete so worked with an international humanitarian organization under the auspices of Israeli Government funding, worked as Director of Telecoms for 15 years and now with a UN Agency.
No Hilton there
Hahahaha its a good thing you are anonymous. I have never read so much ignorance. Loading chairs? I suspect you have a deep grudge inside since I refuse to believe you are that ingorant
Reason, a Director of Housekeeping is a senior management position in the hospitality industry. Its has a salary range of US$60,000 to US$100,000. Calculate that in EC$.
I do think you should give DNO credit for posting it. It is my feeling that if DNO thought it was a position of no consequence, it would not have been posted. Some people do not utilize their common sense. Probably they do not have one.
Her position is no little one. The youths especially should take note that if they study diligently and apply themselves, someday they could obtain a good paying stable job with status and the amenities which go along with it She is another Dominican they should emulate.
Seriously? why are we so mean? any form of gainful employment should be praised. Everyone was not born to hold only prestigious positions. Without even the sanitary workers we are at a health risk.
Just congratulate and give the young lady a break!!!
We are so quick to criticize.
You are correct. Know that some of those jobs are higher paid than some office jobs. Note her new job status. She has done well.
Furthermore, when commencing work in another country, new applicants/staff must take what they are able to obtain. In many instances they have to start from scratch and they work their way up. There is nothing wrong with that. It is money for their livelihood. Right? Consider her new income. I am certain it is worth being envied including her status.
DNO does not discriminate that’s for sure. Even the head of toilet cleaners make headline news.
This level of ignorant statement can only come from someone who is clueless about the hospitality industry. If everyone felt like you and showed their emptiness so publicly then tourism would go nowhere. There’s nothing shameful in being a Head of Housekeeping or a housekeeper! Way to go, Jojo. I am proud of your achievement!!
This head of toilet cleaning is probably going to make more money than you are making.
WHOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS GIRL i on the floor. I thinking is big appointment de woman get then i see house keeping. Carmem great job Puss. DNO is a mess to do the lady that.
Where did it say she was a housekeeper? My gosh I feel ashamed for you! You have no idea what she does right? Google the title that’s all I can offer to you, that and prayers cuz no school is going to be able to help you.
Yes, it meets the news criteria for the Dominican market on a number of fronts. 1. It is a good human interest story because it portrays the advancement and achievement of a Dominican – be it local or international; 2. the Director of Housekeeping is a senior management position in the hospitality industry; 3. The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious and famous hotel brands in the world. I am a former daily newspaper editor and news manager.
VERY UNEDUCATED comment ….M/s Felix is an MBA holder and a honors student with a Ist degree in Marketing from the UVI as well as having been executive secretary with the BOARD of Directors ..Manager of front office amd Housekeeping –the nerve centres of the industry ..now promoted to DIRECTOR of one of the worlds premier resorts RITZ CARLTON!
An acomplishment which is rare for Caribbean folks
We reside in the twenty first century, the year 2015 and soon will be 2016. I thought you would be broadminded.
People are people and everyone has to be respected no matter what their status and job position they hold.
More so, likewise God. His concern is that the jobs are legal. When we die He will not ask anyone what legal jobs they had but how well they performed it.
In addition, when I resided in D/ca I knew her father; still do. What I recall of him, he is a decent person and no doubt gave her a decent life. Therefore, when you make such a statement, do your research.
You should apologize also to Dominican nationals.
You really did not comprehend her position. Re-read the article and broaden your narrow mind.
Congrats too you,but this company use our black and latino people to the brink,keep your head high,all the best.
Let us say they are hardworking people. Their own do not work as hard. As long as they make a decent livelihood.
Congrats to you keep up the good job you are doing it will pay off its not where you started but where you finish
Dno needs to do research before talking crap,congrats to her promotion but thats not no high position to make news dno rise…..
We need to educate our kids send them to state college wit a plan
You’re a strong-minded idiot. What’s wrong with her accomplishments? Once someone is gainfully employed in a legitimate job we should encourage them.
You are not a smart person. You should be aware that not everyone was meant to have such degrees that you refer to. Some attend college/university and drop out.
Let people do what they are able to do and what they like. In the end they love their job and progress in it. These people could write a book about where they commenced and ended. It makes for good reading and encouragement for others, no matter what their chosen field. It is broad-mindedness to consider this.
Do you know the ritz carlton? The actual toilet cleaner makes more than your entire family combines. Ignorance is really bliss, you are the one who needs a college plan. The director of sanitation obviously has a degree, so you should actually try to get a GED then start talking. The same way we look down on farmers but all our Doctors do farming and they make tons of money to buy all the land and do more farming and make more money while people like you go from hand to mouth and blame Skerrrit. The problem is you not Skerrit, Edison or Lennox. Sad people
Yes, it meets the news criteria for the Dominican market on a number of fronts. 1. It is a good human interest story because it portrays the advancement and achievement of a Dominican – be it local or international; 2. the Director of Housekeeping is a senior management position in the hospitality industry; 3. The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious and famous hotel brands in the world. I am a former daily newspaper editor and news manager.
not a hater but how is that news DNO? REALLY? congrats my girl
some of you people are so damn byass stupid and ignorant and critize for every little thing that’s what the UWP and it’s leaders taught you all what would you all have said if DNO had posted something like she was arrested for stealing at the hotel i think she and her family would have to hide in a crabhole come on you people
Please men that have nothing to do with politics
Grow up and mature! Do not look at one level. Think!
It is news, also for those who say they do not have jobs and day after day blame others for their unemployment status. They could very well learn a lesson from her, “Get out there, seek employment and obtain a job for their livelihood.
Later on some branch out into another field and higher position. They could even own the business or open a business of their own.
Yes, it meets the news criteria for the Dominican market on a number of fronts. 1. It is a good human interest story because it portrays the advancement and achievement of a Dominican – be it local or international; 2. the Director of Housekeeping is a senior management position in the hospitality industry; 3. The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious and famous hotel brands in the world. I am a former daily newspaper editor and news manager.
DNO….Really
Are you jealous? What type of job you have. Are you employed?
Yes, it meets the news criteria for the Dominican market on a number of fronts. 1. It is a good human interest story because it portrays the advancement and achievement of a Dominican – be it local or international; 2. the Director of Housekeeping is a senior management position in the hospitality industry; 3. The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious and famous hotel brands in the world. I am a former daily newspaper editor and news manager.
A reminder we need to educate our children so they do not end up cleaning up after other people for a living . The Wise man once said “never major in Minor things”.
With due respect to you, clearly you seem not to know what this entails. If indeed you do know what it entails then you are just being unkind to the young lady and her family. Director of Housekeeping in the Hospitality Industry (Hotel Industry) is a higher-level managerial and supervisory position.
Workers fulfilling this role need skills in supervision, procurement, budgeting and problem-solving. For example, managers set the housekeeping standards and oversee the training of new hires. Conducting in-service sessions, they teach company policies and the correct use of equipment. Managers track the inventory of supplies, keep payroll records, maintain the department budget and prepare expense and occupancy reports. They help keep worker morale high and ensure that safety procedures are obeyed.
At the level of manager, you’ll typically need a minimum Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, experience as a housekeeping supervisor plus knowledge of office computer software.
Thanks for explaining Sylvester. Some people are just too eager to cut others down. Weh. Why can’t we be happy for one another?
You have stated it well. Those critics are narrow-minded. They really do not know a.thing.
Her job is an important one. She has to answer to the higher up. She has subordinates who must perform their job responsibly. The hotel’s reputation and progress also depend on them. She is responsible for their performance.
Tell them …ignorance. Who is going to do the cleaning if people like Big Banan even get to sleep in a hotel? Each job is important but of course yoru embecile mind cannot understand that, how sad.
So if she was a nurse what would that be? Please if you do not have anything to say SHUT UP. I am wondering what’s your position if you have one anyway.
@concerned and S Cadette I concur. Congratulations JoAnn. Ignore the naysayers.
If she was a nurse she would have to clean up after a booso lavi like you so best she head the cleaning dept in a hotel where people don’t have to talk shit in her head. Respect nurses little boy/girl. Good job Ms. Felix. Gainful employment anywhere is a plus.
The biggest talker is the laziest f………….
You are fool and a small-minded a…..
To big banana she will soon be running her Ritz Carlton at Concord village and you’ll be doing the minor job,
just remember that idiot!!!
Its so sad to see that our people do not even know what the job entails oh my. But they talk about educate and college and degree heehee I wonder where they heard those words, maybe on the radio? Jeez get an education and stop embarrassing yourself Big Banan. How sad!
Your are just being ridiculous, that’s all.
congratulations to you Ms. Felix. keep up the good work. perseverance and hard work pays off so keep reaching for the skies.
Congrats, young lady! Remained focused and an inspiration to other young ones.
Congrats dear lady. You’re an inspiration to others.
If this is the real Vellie Nicholas from Lagoon girl you look as young as I knew you ages ago
She really is. I admire her for her achievement. All Dominicans should be proud of her. After all, she is one of us, a fellow Dominican. Even though some of us do not know her, we have reasons to be proud of her, to congratulate her and to wish her all the best.
I hate to rain on the young lady’s parade, but the top appointment at the Ritz Carlton is not Director of Housekeeping; it is President and Chief Operating Officer. And per the last sentence, with about 87 hotels in 29 countries, there are many directors of housekeeping. Congratulations anyway.
You sound like such a hater. Just congratulate and move on. If you have nothing good to say don’t comment. Sakway crab.
The article never suggested that Director of Housekeeping is the top appointment. Just congratulate the young lady my friend. Let us uplift her to even higher heights. In so doing we will be encouraging and uplifting ourselves too. Cheers
Do you know where the President and COO or CEO commenced? As an example, some commenced as a mail boy, in the mail room, running errands, etc. People as you are biased. You need to read about relevant matters and how some achieved the heights which they are in today.
congratulations Miss. may you continue to grow and shine.
i concur
Congrats young lady