Sandals salutes staff

By Anesta Henry

Outstanding employees of Sandals Resorts in Barbados have been celebrated and awarded for their dedication and commitment.

On Friday evening, the Resorts hosted the Seventh Annual Prestige Awards themed Grand Masquerade Ball.

Managing Director Sandals Resorts Barbados, Carl Otto Beviere, told the attendees who were dressed in their finest and treated to cocktails, cuisine and entertainment from local artistes including Cultural Ambassador Dr The Most Honourable Anthony ‘Gabby’ Carter, that the awards were a testament to the hard working and fun-loving team members of all Sandals resorts across the region.

Beviere said the occasion was the opportunity for the management to say thank you to team members for their efforts.

He congratulated the awardees, and indicated that all nominated were winners in their own right.

“You have set the bar for excellence and are a shining example to your peers and management that you excel at what you do.

‘I have been privileged to be here for just about five months. I know where you are coming from, and can see where you are going.

“The transformation of this resort has been remarkable and don’t fool yourselves, it starts with all of you here tonight,” he said.

The Managing Director extended gratitude to the employees for playing a significant role in helping the resorts to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ashfall last year.

“We still have a way to go, this team has shown me that they are ready to make Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados the best in the entire chain of Sandals Resorts. This year is very special for us as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.

“Who would have imagined that the purchase of the Bay Roc Hotel and its fantastic beach near the airport in Montego Bay in 1981 by our founder Gordon Butch Stewart, would have evolved into the mega-brand that we are today,” he said.

Under the Sandals Spirits Awards, The Mover and Shaker of the Year was awarded to Ezra Worrell, George Johnson was awarded the Legendary Team Member of the Year, while the Circle of Joy Award was given to Allista Cumberbatch.

In the Make A Difference Awards category, Ronnie Walkes received the
Earth Guardian Award, and the Foundation Sentinel Award was given
to Zoanesha John.

Meanwhile, in the Hall of Fame category, Melissa Hope was the recipient of the Standing Ovation Award, Cherie-Ann Charles received the Money Maker Award, the Heart of the House Award was given to Harold Belgrave, and Brian Shepherd was the recipient of the Pace Setter Award.

Glenroy Cadogan was awarded the People’s Choice Award.

In the All Stars Awards category, Nekoda Hamilton was presented with the All Rounder Award, MVP of the Year was awarded to David Monrose, and the A-Team of the Year was awarded to Landscaping.

The Platinum Team Member of the Year was Mario Barrow. And Dwayne Walkes was awarded Diamond Team Member of the Year.

Walkes, who has been working at Sandals for the past four and a half years as a bartender, told members of the media that he was surprised that he won the prestigious award.

However, the employee said that despite the challenges the pandemic and the ashfall presented him and his colleagues, he remained steadfast and committed to ensuring that guests had a wonderful experience enjoying the product and making memories.

“This is a shocker to me to be honest but thanks very much. I have been doing it for a long time and I love what I do. I may not always like who I work with but anywhere else you go you get that. But I like what I do and I just excel in the process,” Walkes said.