Thirty four recognised at annual Tourism Awards Ceremony

Bartender of the Year, James Spencer; Chef of the Year, Christopher John; and Most Compliant Tour Operator, Ronald Fraser were three of the 34 persons and businesses recognized and congratulated by tourism officials last Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The spotlight was shone on their exceptional contribution to the tourism industry in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), during the 2024 Tourism Award and Cocktail ceremony which was held at Beachcombers Hotel, Villa.

The annual event is an initiative staged by the Ministry of Tourism; the SVG Tourism Authority (SVGTA); and the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association (SVGHTA).

On the night of the event, each organization awards its chosen outstanding individuals and businesses.

Starting off the night with their prizes was the SVGHTA which showed their appreciation to 11 people and businesses.

Taking these awards were Bartender, Spencer of the Young Island Resort; Chef John, also of the Young Island Resort; while Dive Operator of the Year went to Serenity Dive. Also recognized under the SVGTA umbrella were front office Person of the Year, Mary Yearwood of Barefoot Yacht Charters; Gardener of the Year, Kenroy Pierre of Sandals Resort; Island Ambassador of the Year, Ken Isaacs of Fantasea Tours; Room Attendant of the Year, Vellana George of Mariners Hotel; Supervisor of the Year, Lisa Allen of Horizon Yacht Charters; Waitress of Year, Valerie Thomas of Grenadine House; Yachting Operator of the Year, Horizon Yacht Charters; and Hotelier of the Year, Isola Giddings of Grenadines House.

The SVGTA’s turn to recognize its chosen saw the Most Compliant Accommodation Establishment go to Stonerail Villas (mainland); The Lookout Boutique Villa and Apartment (Grenadines); Most Compliant Taxi Operator, Arrington Burgin; Most Compliant Tour Guide (mainland), Elma Maloney; Most Compliant Tour Guide (Grenadines), Noelene Osborne; and Most Compliant Tour Operator, Ronald Fraser of Sky-Blue Taxi Tours SVG. Also recognized by the SVGTA were Most Compliant Short-term Vehicle Service, Kenroy Glynn of KVG Rental Services; Most Outstanding Taxi Operator in Training, Quilan “Barry” DaSantos; and Most Outstanding Tour Guide in Training, Lafayette Johnson. The SVGTA’s Employee of the Year award went to Kimisha Bailey-Browne.

The SVGTA also recognized six persons and organizations for humanitarian efforts. These were Michael Richards of Richview Guest House; Jeremie Tronet of JT Pro Centre Limited; Rondell Weekes of R and C Guest House; Jean Marc Sailly of Bougainvillea; Rosemon Adams; and Abdon Whyte.

The Ministry of Tourism chose to recognize the Barrouallie Tourism and Heritage Organization as the Most Outstanding Community Group; Most Outstanding Tourism Site, Owia Salt Pond Recreation Park; Airport Ambassador of the Year, Reuniqka Martin-Thomas; Port Ambassador of the Year, Kelesha Small; Customs Officer of the Year, Pethra Hooper; and Immigration Officer of the Year, Sheren Arrington.

The Service Excellence Award by the Minister of Tourism went to Matthew Harry; while the Stakeholder of the Year Award went to Hotel Alexandrina.

Among those delivering addresses at the ceremony were Minister of Tourism, Carlos James; Chief Executive Officer of the SVGTA, Anette Mark; and President of the SVGHTA, Isola Giddings. Director of Tourism, Faylene King delivered the vote of thanks.