Contributors to this country’s tourism product were recognized last weekend, as the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, along with the Tourism Authority and the Hotel and Tourism Association of St Vincent and the Grenadines brought down the curtains on Tourism Month 2013.{{more}}

Individuals and stakeholders, as well as tourists, were feted by the organizations, at an awards and cocktail ceremony, held on Saturday evening at the Paradise Beach Hotel in Villa.

Seven awards were handed out and citations read for the top performers in various categories this year.

Jacqueline English, who started out as marketing officer in the Ministry of Tourism in 2003, before joining the Tourism Authority six years later, was the Authority’s Employee of the Year.

English was credited for her coordination of familiarization tours for international journalists, publicists and travel agents, as well as her management of the various tourism websites.

The marketing officer was described as meticulous and thorough in her planning, and precise in the execution of her initiatives.

She was called an invaluable cog in the Authority, where, according to the citation, she produces quality work and continues to demonstrate her commitment to achieving the overall goals of the Authority.

Also lauded for her work over the year was Abigail Genevieve Cato, the Best Immigration Officer. Cato, who joined the ranks of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force 12 years ago, was said to be steadfast in carrying out her duties. According to the citation, Cato displays a passion for her duties, through her deportment, punctuality, and regular attendance at work.

The Best Taxi Driver award went to Clinton McCloud, who has been a taxi operator for over 25 years. A member of the local Taxi Drivers Association, McCloud was cited for being a positive role model and coordinator of various clean-up campaigns of tourism sites.

Other award winners include the Vermont Nature Trail for Best Tourism Site, Flow Wine Bar for Best Restaurant, Mariners Hotel for Best in the Accommodation Sector and TUI for Best in the Marine Sector.

Saturday’s award ceremony capped off a month of activities organized to heighten tourism awareness in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Some events held during the month included primary schools’ choral speaking, sporting events, exhibitions, a church service and a colloquium.

The month of activities was held under the theme “Tourism is Everyone’s Business, Live it, Love it, Embrace it.”