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The hotels have not yet opened their doors to guests. On the other hand, seasonal and permanent employees are already hard at work. These first professional steps are of course accompanied by a discovery of the island, its charms, its constraints and its dangers. This is particularly true of the information sessions organized, as they are every year, at most of our establishments. The Gendarmerie, the Territorial Fire and Rescue Service, the Territorial Environment Agency and the Coral Restoration association all send representatives to give talks to young employees. It doesn't matter whether they've just arrived or are starting their second or third season. All attend these sessions to learn about the island's specific features, the rules to be respected and the dangers they'll have to guard against.
On Monday October 13, employees of Le Barthélemy hotel in Grand-Cul-de-Sac listened attentively to the speakers who had come to meet them. In groups, in the restaurant dining room, in a villa lounge or in a suite, they took their seats to receive advice and instructions.
"Always be careful who you associate with
Soline, 23, will be working in the hotel's catering department. She has just been briefed by Captain Quinchon, Commander of the Saint-Barthélemy Gendarmerie Brigade. Initially, the word training is a bit scary," confides the young woman. You think it's going to be boring. But I found gendarmerie training interesting and captivating. The commanding officer gets straight to the point and talks about prevention, especially scooter accidents. It's reassuring to have a gendarme's opinion on road traffic on the island. "A view shared by her colleague in catering, Candice, 22, who says: "This training with the gendarmerie is useful, as we deal with concrete cases from everyday life on the island. It was short and fairly clear, so we weren't drowning in information. I particularly remember that you always have to be careful who you go out with, especially if you're a girl. "
A stance of caution and vigilance has also taken root in the mind of Iris, 22. I've learned not to accept drinks just anywhere, or from just anyone," she explains. These are important reminders that we're going to keep in mind. "Here again, fellow student Yanis, 25, agrees. It's important for everyone to be aware," says the young man. Depending on where people come from in mainland France, they haven't necessarily all had the opportunity to attend this kind of training. "The importance of paying attention.
Questions of safety and preservation, such as traffic on the roads or the danger of narcotic temptations, are therefore at the heart of these sessions. But respect for the environment is just as important. David Blanchard, from the Coral Restoration association, and Emma Tinelli, from the Agence territoriale de l'environnement, are on hand to meet newcomers face-to-face.
Emma Tinelli is well-versed in this type of exercise, conducting her presentations with rhythm and precision. The role of the ATE, environmental regulations, case studies, the use of sunscreens, species protection (flora and fauna) - nothing is forgotten. On the beach, you don't pick up anything," she scolds with a smile. It'll look good at home, but it won't do any good. But it's useful on the beach or in the sea. "The employees assimilate the information before heading off to another workshop. Hopefully, the advice has not gone in one ear and out another.
