OPEN LETTER
To:
The Management of St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC) and Global Port Limited
Dear Management,
I write to bring to your attention a matter of considerable concern affecting the welfare, comfort and dignity of employees, business operators, and other stakeholders conducting daily operations within the Heritage Quay Duty-Free Shopping Area.
It has come to our attention that the public restroom facilities at Heritage Quay are being closed at approximately 4:00 p.m. upstairs and 5:00 p.m. downstairs, despite the fact that several retail establishments remain open and continue conducting business beyond these hours. Furthermore, Customs personnel and other stakeholders also continue to perform their professional duties within the area.
This arrangement creates an unnecessary hardship for the very people who contribute to the daily commercial activity and overall success of Heritage Quay.
We are now entering one of the longest, busiest and most commercially significant seasons for Antigua and Barbuda. During this period, the volume of visitors, cruise ship passengers, shoppers and general business activity increases substantially. Consequently, employees and business operators are expected to work longer hours to accommodate the increased demand.
It is therefore difficult to understand why restroom facilities would become inaccessible while businesses remain operational and employees are still required to be at their respective workplaces.
Of particular concern is the impact on the predominantly female workforce.
Access to clean, safe and functioning restroom facilities is not a luxury or an optional convenience; it is a basic necessity and an essential aspect of workplace welfare, dignity and consideration. Female employees, in particular, have personal hygiene and sanitary needs that require consistent and reasonable access to restroom facilities throughout their working hours.
It is unreasonable to expect employees to continue serving customers, managing businesses and fulfilling their professional responsibilities without adequate access to these essential facilities. This situation also raises practical concerns for business owners who must consider the welfare of their employees while maintaining their operations.
We respectfully submit that the operating hours of the restroom facilities should be aligned with the actual operating hours of the Heritage Quay commercial district.
Accordingly, we are making a sincere appeal to both SJDC and Global Port Limited to consider the following:
Extend restroom operating hours to ensure that facilities remain accessible until the closure of the majority of retail establishments and commercial operations.
Maintain at least one designated restroom facility upstairs and downstairs, where operationally feasible, throughout the business day and evening.
Establish a coordinated restroom management and cleaning schedule that ensures proper sanitation, security and maintenance without prematurely restricting access.
Consult with store owners, employees, Customs personnel and other stakeholders to establish reasonable operating hours that accommodate everyone working within the Heritage Quay Duty-Free Area.
We recognize that the management and maintenance of public facilities involve operational costs, security considerations and logistical responsibilities. However, these considerations should be balanced against the needs of the businesses, employees and stakeholders who collectively sustain Heritage Quay as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s important commercial and tourism destinations.
Heritage Quay is not simply a shopping destination for visitors; it is also a workplace and a source of livelihood for hundreds of Antiguans and residents who dedicate their time and service to its success.
As we prepare for an exceptionally busy season, we should be strengthening the working environment, not inadvertently creating additional challenges for those who keep the commercial district functioning.
This is a plea for consideration, fairness and basic human dignity.
No employee, particularly a female employee, should have to endure unnecessary discomfort or be placed in an embarrassing situation because restroom facilities have been closed while she is still required to work.
We are therefore appealing for your urgent attention and a favourable response to this matter. A reasonable extension of restroom operating hours would demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee welfare, stakeholder relations and the continued success of Heritage Quay.
We trust that both organizations will give this matter the attention it deserves and take the necessary steps to implement a practical solution before the peak of the season.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Respectfully,
Concerned Heritage Quay Business Owners, Employees and Stakeholders
Heritage Quay Duty-Free Shopping Area
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: OPEN LETTER: The Management of St. John’s Development Corporation and Antigua Cruise Port.