usvi-on-line
here is the latest on the restaurants closing and employees
I definitely don't want to start a flame war on my own forum so don't take this the wrong way - but honestly - it doesn't seem like the Tradewinds investigated anything. They took a phone call from one party and printed what amounts to a PR piece. I don't see why others shouldn't respond here since the link to the article was posted here. (Running for cover now...)designbyroe wrote:they will take time and investigate.
Anthony for Virgin Islands On Line
I'm with you, Anthony!
Tradewinds is, shall we say, "selective" about what stories they choose to investigate. Although the owner's personal loves and vendettas are not usually as strongly reflected in the paper as they once were (thank God), we cannot possibly consider it unbiased.
In the absence of another public forum, I think it's legitimate for St. John residents to temporarily hijack a thread here...
Tradewinds is, shall we say, "selective" about what stories they choose to investigate. Although the owner's personal loves and vendettas are not usually as strongly reflected in the paper as they once were (thank God), we cannot possibly consider it unbiased.
In the absence of another public forum, I think it's legitimate for St. John residents to temporarily hijack a thread here...
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
I agree with Anthony. It seems to me that Winston called the Tradewinds and told them his "story". The paper did not interview employees that have been affected or do any journalistic digging into the real cause of the issue.
I feel for the people affected and I feel for the people that have enjoyed the great food and great service from so many hard working locals.
I feel for the people affected and I feel for the people that have enjoyed the great food and great service from so many hard working locals.
Understand this.
Sure the Tradewinds or any newspaper is supposed to have "just the facts" correct? Most of the employees would love to do that, but they also understand that while they may have the back up from everyone who works for the company, they also lose their job, their income. Not everyone is in that situation. In fact barely anyone is.
If the Tradewinds decided to do a story and ask employees questions without names being printed...of course, it would be a great article. But you cannot write a letter to the editor without stating your name signing off on it.
The coconut telegraph here at times benefits employees to get the truth out, but then again it also works against them, that rumors are on fire everywhere.
We appreciate a forum where issues like this are brought up and hopefully passed along.
high ho silver
If the Tradewinds decided to do a story and ask employees questions without names being printed...of course, it would be a great article. But you cannot write a letter to the editor without stating your name signing off on it.
The coconut telegraph here at times benefits employees to get the truth out, but then again it also works against them, that rumors are on fire everywhere.
We appreciate a forum where issues like this are brought up and hopefully passed along.
high ho silver
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
My only reasons for suggesting you go and talk with Jaime the news editor at the Tradewinds is......
1. it did or does not seem that the employees have talked to the paper.
2. Jaime's is really good and her hubby works in food service or did and she understands the need to get paid.
3. I have no idea what truth or untruth Mr. Winston is saying. I do not know that deal.
All I know is Tradewinds is a very good option to get your story out there......and it would help not harm I would think.
1. it did or does not seem that the employees have talked to the paper.
2. Jaime's is really good and her hubby works in food service or did and she understands the need to get paid.
3. I have no idea what truth or untruth Mr. Winston is saying. I do not know that deal.
All I know is Tradewinds is a very good option to get your story out there......and it would help not harm I would think.
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
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uptotheminute
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 5:14 pm
Same ol' BS
First, regarding Winston not being aware of the situation, how is it our old buddy Cindy seems to be so knowledgeable, but Winston knew nothing? Hmmmm.... Second, In a meeting with several other managers 4 months ago, Winston was VERY aware of the situation brewing and stated clearly that he did not care. Further, he has been in constant contact with Coby and Michael, and several of us have taken his phone calls to prove it.
Next, writing a bad check is writing a bad check. The payroll transfer explanation doesn't wash for even one round of bad checks, let alone months and months worth. Most employees have several uncashable checks that have been bad for months now and are out thousands of dollars. Payroll transfer? Really Winston? Why are you partly blaming Michael and partly defending him?
Next, when the feds finish auditing these guys, the truth will finally come out that they have had dozens of undocumented employees over the years and paid them with checks made out to "cash". (Tough to explain hundreds of checks signed by dozens of people with foreign ID's, often for the same amount every week). Last week when Winston was hiding at Asolare, an undocumented employee confronted him about the $2400 he was owed. Winston told him to come back the next day. When he did, he was told directly "I'm not giving you any money, and look for a new job".
It's not just the payroll either, and it's not just since 2005 that there have been problems, as Winston claims. Several employees have now gone to the Social Security office to find out their balances and found nothing has been paid into their accounts... despite up to 8 years in one employee's case of having their SS money taken out of their pay.
It gets better... A chef was flown down here to lead at Chloe and Bernards and was promised to be wined, dined and put up in a nice hotel until they could find a place to live. The chef was put up at Maho (Maho is great, but not what was promised....). This along with discovering the issues confronting this horrible company and its management, the chef has since told management to go to hell and flown home. Additionally, one of the chefs who has been with the company a while now (and is very well liked and respected amongst all the employees) just resigned today. Coby is trying to point the finger at him for a number of things, but none of us are falling for it.
Speaking of Coby, I've been predicting all along they'd make him the patsy and so it is. Couldn't happen to a better guy. I understand he's pretty upset about the Tradewinds article. But he's been screwing over (sorry, most appropriate term) so many employees on his superior's behalf for so long, he is finally getting what he deserves. Funny HE never complained about not getting paid....
As for the Tradewinds article, I'm disappointed in you Jaime. There was no fact-checking (Winston IS still part owner and always has been. A minimal paper trail investigation would have shown this) and the story was completely one-sided. You could have... and should have done better. It's called responsible journalism.
As for you Anthony, thank you for giving so many of us a voice that otherwise wouldn't have one.
Next, writing a bad check is writing a bad check. The payroll transfer explanation doesn't wash for even one round of bad checks, let alone months and months worth. Most employees have several uncashable checks that have been bad for months now and are out thousands of dollars. Payroll transfer? Really Winston? Why are you partly blaming Michael and partly defending him?
Next, when the feds finish auditing these guys, the truth will finally come out that they have had dozens of undocumented employees over the years and paid them with checks made out to "cash". (Tough to explain hundreds of checks signed by dozens of people with foreign ID's, often for the same amount every week). Last week when Winston was hiding at Asolare, an undocumented employee confronted him about the $2400 he was owed. Winston told him to come back the next day. When he did, he was told directly "I'm not giving you any money, and look for a new job".
It's not just the payroll either, and it's not just since 2005 that there have been problems, as Winston claims. Several employees have now gone to the Social Security office to find out their balances and found nothing has been paid into their accounts... despite up to 8 years in one employee's case of having their SS money taken out of their pay.
It gets better... A chef was flown down here to lead at Chloe and Bernards and was promised to be wined, dined and put up in a nice hotel until they could find a place to live. The chef was put up at Maho (Maho is great, but not what was promised....). This along with discovering the issues confronting this horrible company and its management, the chef has since told management to go to hell and flown home. Additionally, one of the chefs who has been with the company a while now (and is very well liked and respected amongst all the employees) just resigned today. Coby is trying to point the finger at him for a number of things, but none of us are falling for it.
Speaking of Coby, I've been predicting all along they'd make him the patsy and so it is. Couldn't happen to a better guy. I understand he's pretty upset about the Tradewinds article. But he's been screwing over (sorry, most appropriate term) so many employees on his superior's behalf for so long, he is finally getting what he deserves. Funny HE never complained about not getting paid....
As for the Tradewinds article, I'm disappointed in you Jaime. There was no fact-checking (Winston IS still part owner and always has been. A minimal paper trail investigation would have shown this) and the story was completely one-sided. You could have... and should have done better. It's called responsible journalism.
As for you Anthony, thank you for giving so many of us a voice that otherwise wouldn't have one.
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
Re: Same ol' BS
uptotheminute wrote:First, regarding Winston not being aware of the situation, how is it our old buddy Cindy seems to be so knowledgeable, but Winston knew nothing? Hmmmm.... Second, In a meeting with several other managers 4 months ago, Winston was VERY aware of the situation brewing and stated clearly that he did not care. Further, he has been in constant contact with Coby and Michael, and several of us have taken his phone calls to prove it.
Next, writing a bad check is writing a bad check. The payroll transfer explanation doesn't wash for even one round of bad checks, let alone months and months worth. Most employees have several uncashable checks that have been bad for months now and are out thousands of dollars. Payroll transfer? Really Winston? Why are you partly blaming Michael and partly defending him?
Next, when the feds finish auditing these guys, the truth will finally come out that they have had dozens of undocumented employees over the years and paid them with checks made out to "cash". (Tough to explain hundreds of checks signed by dozens of people with foreign ID's, often for the same amount every week). Last week when Winston was hiding at Asolare, an undocumented employee confronted him about the $2400 he was owed. Winston told him to come back the next day. When he did, he was told directly "I'm not giving you any money, and look for a new job".
It's not just the payroll either, and it's not just since 2005 that there have been problems, as Winston claims. Several employees have now gone to the Social Security office to find out their balances and found nothing has been paid into their accounts... despite up to 8 years in one employee's case of having their SS money taken out of their pay.
It gets better... A chef was flown down here to lead at Chloe and Bernards and was promised to be wined, dined and put up in a nice hotel until they could find a place to live. The chef was put up at Maho (Maho is great, but not what was promised....). This along with discovering the issues confronting this horrible company and its management, the chef has since told management to go to hell and flown home. Additionally, one of the chefs who has been with the company a while now (and is very well liked and respected amongst all the employees) just resigned today. Coby is trying to point the finger at him for a number of things, but none of us are falling for it.
Speaking of Coby, I've been predicting all along they'd make him the patsy and so it is. Couldn't happen to a better guy. I understand he's pretty upset about the Tradewinds article. But he's been screwing over (sorry, most appropriate term) so many employees on his superior's behalf for so long, he is finally getting what he deserves. Funny HE never complained about not getting paid....
As for the Tradewinds article, I'm disappointed in you Jaime. There was no fact-checking (Winston IS still part owner and always has been. A minimal paper trail investigation would have shown this) and the story was completely one-sided. You could have... and should have done better. It's called responsible journalism.
As for you Anthony, thank you for giving so many of us a voice that otherwise wouldn't have one.
I am not here to defend Tradewinds or Jaime.
My point was since the first story was pretty much one sided, that the employees should go to the Tradewinds to tell their side.
I have no idea who the players are, who is telling the truth who is not.
The only thing I do know is there are 3 sides to every story
yours
mine
the real one
It would not hurt for the Tradewinds (since it is the newspaper) on island to have the facts from the employees as well.
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
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iamyourserver
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:08 pm
- Location: STJ
Coby Cooper is the sole person who deals with us employees. HE is the one cutting the bad checks, forging signatures etc, there in not one ounce of truth that man has ever said in his life. He and he alone, at least to us staffers, is responsible for this mess. Asolare had to close tonight because they had no food, The Balcony and Paradiso are putting together whatever they can on a nightly basis. As far as the chef who resigned today - he has been the one who has tried to turn things around since he has been here. I spoke to him today, and he said he was just fed up with the BS and was moving on...trust me, his absence has already been felt. We all know that Coby throws anyone he can under the bus, and now that he had been tossed to the wolves, he can't handle it..I am looking forward to how this week plays out.. DO NOT EAT AT OUR RESTAURANTS..we will never see a nickel of that $$$. Things are geting worse under Winston instead of better...like we were promised.
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HeyWatchThis!
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Oct 13, 2009 8:56 am
- Location: st John
Simmer Down Now...
Just so you know, I work for Bennett, and for those of you wondering, Jaime from the Tradewinds IS trying to get the other side of the story. She has been trying since the weekend. Her email was forwarded to the people who work for the company and it is up to me and them to respond. If Winston did, indeed, call for the interview to "cleanse" his sullied reputation, he just bit himself in the arse because he just opened a can of worms for response from employees. Btw, those of you that DO work for the company and haven't received the forward..please just call Jaime to set an interview or go to the office(it is on 3rd floor at the MarketPlace) or I am sure she would love and email to her editor@tradewinds.vi
I understand this is a forum for travellers and I implore to continue to eat at all the restaurants on St John. If you can pay cash, great, but, if not, TIP IN CASH at every restaurant, EVERYWHERE!
I understand this is a forum for travellers and I implore to continue to eat at all the restaurants on St John. If you can pay cash, great, but, if not, TIP IN CASH at every restaurant, EVERYWHERE!
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HeyWatchThis!
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Oct 13, 2009 8:56 am
- Location: st John
hey now!
"Coby Cooper is the sole person who deals with us employees. HE is the one cutting the bad checks, forging signatures etc, there in not one ounce of truth that man has ever said in his life. He and he alone, at least to us staffers, is responsible for this mess."
I just read this, and I AM A STAFFER and I don't agree with that statement. Let's stop with the broad sweeping statements..."not one ounce of truth that man has ever said".."he and he alone, at least to us staffers" . I understand you are upset, just use your words carefully as you have no CREDEBILITY when you write that way. We are all in this together...so keep it together and stop writing like an upset teenager. It reflects on the reputation of the staffers.
Thanks
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toes in the sand
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:21 pm
Re: hey now!
Thank you HWT, I like hearing what is going on without the venom. You are correct that it does detract from the credibility.
"got a drink in my hand and my toes in the sand"
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iamyourserver
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:08 pm
- Location: STJ
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uptotheminute
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 5:14 pm
Snake bites
I can back up iamyourserver. It's all true. And how much venom would you have if YOU hadn't been paid in months? By the way, I have not injected any venom in my comments either. My personal feelings regarding the management of these restaurants has been kept safely tucked away. Just reporting the facts.
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HeyWatchThis!
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Oct 13, 2009 8:56 am
- Location: st John
[quote]" not one ounce of truth that man has ever said in his life. He and he alone, at least to us staffers, is responsible for this mess."
Dear,
I Am your Server,
I understand that alot of this is true! I am just being particular in the WAY you write.
When you state something so broad and sweeping like"not one ounce of truth that man has EVER SAID IN HIS LIFE"...that statement is not and CANNOT be true. Of COURSE he has said something true in his life. I UNDERSTAND that you are "just saying". It is just not an intelligent comment. I am pointing out that tired old way of expressing yourself by having diarrhea of the mouth.
There are just better ways of explaining your anger without writing untruths. Of course I expect you to be upset. I am upset that I have not been paid since May. I am upset with the lies that Coby has told us. It is possible to write with expressing your anger.."I feel that all that comes out of Coby's mouth are lies" would have been a great way to say it.
I am making a point of the common way of writing, esp on blogs.....Here is an example " ALL Republicans are racist." or " All Democrats kill babies," or "Coby Cooper has never said a truthful statement in his entire life". THESE are BROAD SWEEPING STATEMENTS THAT ARE FALSE.
Got it? I am pointing out that the USE of your words, not the validity of your feelings, are incorrect.
I am expressing my view on your inept way of communicating that will surely not garner respect or empathy, that's all.
I am just tired of the way people post crap all over the internet, really! Has nothing to do with this situation at all. I could easily be writing to the person that says"All Democrats kill babies."
Oh, and Up to the minute.. I wasn't commenting on your skills. You have not used any broad sweeping statements. I know everything that is going on in the company. I just don't like broad, poorly written statements to reflect on the staffers. I WAS COMMENTING ON THE USE OF WORDS.
Regards
Dear,
I Am your Server,
I understand that alot of this is true! I am just being particular in the WAY you write.
When you state something so broad and sweeping like"not one ounce of truth that man has EVER SAID IN HIS LIFE"...that statement is not and CANNOT be true. Of COURSE he has said something true in his life. I UNDERSTAND that you are "just saying". It is just not an intelligent comment. I am pointing out that tired old way of expressing yourself by having diarrhea of the mouth.
There are just better ways of explaining your anger without writing untruths. Of course I expect you to be upset. I am upset that I have not been paid since May. I am upset with the lies that Coby has told us. It is possible to write with expressing your anger.."I feel that all that comes out of Coby's mouth are lies" would have been a great way to say it.
I am making a point of the common way of writing, esp on blogs.....Here is an example " ALL Republicans are racist." or " All Democrats kill babies," or "Coby Cooper has never said a truthful statement in his entire life". THESE are BROAD SWEEPING STATEMENTS THAT ARE FALSE.
Got it? I am pointing out that the USE of your words, not the validity of your feelings, are incorrect.
I am expressing my view on your inept way of communicating that will surely not garner respect or empathy, that's all.
I am just tired of the way people post crap all over the internet, really! Has nothing to do with this situation at all. I could easily be writing to the person that says"All Democrats kill babies."
Oh, and Up to the minute.. I wasn't commenting on your skills. You have not used any broad sweeping statements. I know everything that is going on in the company. I just don't like broad, poorly written statements to reflect on the staffers. I WAS COMMENTING ON THE USE OF WORDS.
Regards
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villa_owner
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:23 pm