"Feel the Warmth & Live the History"

14th December 2010

To all my excellent team,

Another year is drawing to an end and shortly another new year will begin, when hopefully the government grant of US$ 1.8 billion will be received and the re-structuring of Failka Island will begin.

It is now seven year since we started the 'never ending' work on the construction and operation of Failaka Heritage Village, the work is still ongoing, the rewards are few but the satisfation is great.

I want to thank all my management and their team, shown below for all their loyal and devoted work over the years which has been greatly appreciated, and is the eternal constant in the success of the village.

Denise, not only for putting up with my moods as my wife of 37 years, but also with her Assistant Housekeeper Ryan D'Silva for the excellent work the housekeeping department is doing and also with Ria Dunseith the Assistant Stables Manager for operating one of the best stables in Kuwait,

Abdulaziz Obaid for running a smooth front office and reservations system, he also has worked hard for very little reward, but I am sure that eventually his reward will be great.

Chief Engineer Rahimi and his team who are the 'backbone' of the village and manage to keep everything in operational order and well maintained.

My Personal Assistant Maria D'Souza who apart from working with me also runs the Personnel Department in an excellent manner.

Phillip Jospeph, Kamal and Ronaldo, for running a very difficult food and beverage department and to all the other 'hero's of the team either in the village or Kuwait.

It would be very remiss of me not to mention Masharee Al Khair our owners, and particular the Vice Chairman, Mr Abdualaziz Al Jassar, the Finance and Administration Manager, Mr. Sameh Hussien and his team for all the support they have given.

Eternal thanks to Captain Mohamed Hassan and his ecellent crews onboard Bint Al Khair, Umm Al Khair and Walad Al Khair, for all their hard work throughout the year. They have weathered every storm with success.

Particular thanks to Mr. Fawzi Al Mussallam and Mr. Helmut Meckelburg at Safir Hotels and Resorts for always being on hand to offer advice when needed, and to all the Safir team at the corporate office in Kuwait you also have my thanks.

I am presently in the UK but will be back on the 29th December (the ice and snowy conditions permitting), until then I will raise a glass 'or two' to you all on Christmas Day.

Both Denise and I are very fortunate in regard to all the friends and colleagues we have made over the last seven years and hopefully in the years to come.

May the spirit of Christmas be with you all, and all my wishes that your dreams come true in 2011 be realized.

My thanks to you all

Christopher J Hartley, FIH

Our house during the early part of December, snowed in with more snow forecast over Christmas.