the Harmony Club will not be laying off staff following the announcement that the Island's only all-inclusive package hotel will soon be up for sale.

Forte Plc, owners of the 71-bedroom property in Paget and the Belmont Hotel Golf and Country Club, made the announcement last week when Forte regional vice-president Mr. David Pantin arrived on the Island. Forte have been the owners of the two properties for 25 years.

During his visit, Mr. Pantin met with Harmony Club employees and Forte general manager Mr. William Griffith to reassure them that the successful purchaser of the property would be retaining all 75 staff.

As a profit-making enterprise, the business is to be sold as a going concern, meaning all present staff will be kept on.

Mr. Woolridge said he hoped the Harmony's future purchaser would uphold the fine standards of its predecessors and recognise the Island's commitment to offering visitors high standard hotels.