SVGHTA recognizes key players in tourism industry

Principal players in the hotel and tourism industry were last week recognized by their peers, for their contribution to the sector.{{more}}

Kay Wilson, William ‘Bill’ Tewes, Dawn Smith and Beresford and Ruth Stevens, along with a number of key players, were presented with tokens of appreciation, from the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, and the Tourism Authority of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The awardees were recognized at a cocktail on Thursday, November 29, at the Paradise Beach Hotel in Villa.

The awards ceremony was preceded by addresses from the heads of each organization: Kim Halbich, Cecil McKie and Glen Beache.

The Stevens, proprietors of Hotel Alexandrina, were cited for, among other achievements, the energy conservation techniques and practices, management and staff training at their resort, located at Prospect.

The couple’s corporate responsibility was also mentioned, their contribution to education and sports, especially the SVG Cricket Association.

Former executive director of the SVGHTA Dawn Smith, popularly known for her successful catering business, also received kudos from the organizations, for her years of service to the industry, as a caterer and hotelier and also for being the consummate professional.

Not limited to the service industry, Smith, a MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), also played a major role in the publication of two recipe books of local dishes.

Indigo Dive owner Kay Wilson was recognized for making her mark on the tourism industry, with the development of the water sports sector, which had previously been non-existent.

Now providing service to the Buccament Bay Resort, Wilson and Indigo Dive have been a driving force in the fight against the invasive lionfish species, which pose a threat to the marine environment.

Bill Tewes was credited for putting this country on the world map as a dive destination, when he moved here 30 years ago and started DIVE St Vincent.

His citation credited him as being instrumental in St Vincent and the Grenadines attaining a prominent place as a leading Caribbean dive destination, which he called the “critter capital of the world”.

Also lauded for dedication and service on the night were taxidrivers Calvert Mills and Robert Gibson, with a total of 56 years of service between them, immigration officer Vonell Mashare Smart, for hard work and dedication, as well as the Wallilabou Community Group, for their work at the tourism site at Wallilabou.(JJ)