While our ‘Beautiful by Nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands are naturally attractive to visitors, it is also the excellent services provided by personnel in the hotel and tourism industry that keep the destination flourishing and famed.
Last Thursday evening the ninth annual Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s (TCHTA) Star Awards celebrated the dedicated individuals “who go above and beyond the call of duty” to deliver stellar service to our visitors.
The opulent event, held at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club, was well attended by tourism and hospitality industry partners, nominees and supporters.
Attendees enjoyed an entertaining evening and dinner as they saluted the nominees and winners that keep our tourism industry growing.
Welcome remarks from TCHTA’s Executive Director Stacy Cox, Director of the Tourist Board Ramon Andrews and The Hartling Group’s Karen Whitt, all hailed a bright future for TCI’s tourism and lauded the island chain as a strong destination, while thanking every industry worker who makes its success possible.
Cox said: “The pursuit of excellence in our sector can never be obtained without the continued dedication and commitment of every worker. Excellence is also, of course, about hard work. It is the hard work of
everyone sitting here tonight that propels us forward.”
A riveting keynote speech by psychologist Darron Turnquest, Director of Youth Bahamas Corporate Training, who inspired patrons as he reminded everyone how difficult it can be in the service industry and that it was about the process in getting the award, rather than the actual award.
Other highlights of the evening included a fashion display by ‘House of Jeritt’ models, performances by Clement Howell High School Choir and Wesley Methodist School dance group and a captivating rendition of the British Anthem and National Song by Chrystal Charles.
With strong competition and over 165 nominees in the eighteen categories, it was mentioned that judges had difficulty deciding the winners as all candidates were outstanding.
2016 TCHTA Star Awards Winners
Bartender of the Year – Carton Waite, The Palms
Chef of the Year – Edwin Gallardo, Seven Stars Resort
Housekeeper of the Year – Carlton Salmon, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa
Employee of the Year – Shanice Williams, Ganseveoort TCI
Supervisor of the Year – Duval Phedre, The Sands on Grace Bay
Manager of the Year – Jessica Rigby, Gansevoort TCI
Hospitality Hero – Kirkford Gardiner, Ministry of Border Control
Taxi Driver of the Year – Edward Barranco, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa
Fan Favourite – Roxanne Wade, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa
Hotelier of the Year- Tendra Musgrove, Villa Del Mar and Urmas Karner ,The Somerset on Grace Bay
Restaurant of the Year – Graces’ Cottage, Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar and Parallel 23
TCHTA Allied Member Restaurant of the Year – Mango Reef
Hotel of the Year – Point Grace Resort
Heart of Hospitality – Dennis Been, Windsong Resort
Ambassador of the Year – Sherman Lopez, Beach House
Allied Member of the Year – The Wine Cellar
TCHTA’s Shining Star – Lauren Callighen, The Palms
Entertainer of the Year – Chrystal ‘TESS’ Charles
