Under the theme Pursuing Perfection Achieving Excellence, the brightest stars of the local hospitality industry were celebrated on Friday night at Sandals Barbados’ annual Prestige Awards.
The ambiance was nothing short of opulent, with the décor meticulously designed to provide the optimum backdrop as attendees stepped out in style for the black and white affair. The evening celebrated not only individual achievements but also the cohesive teamwork at the root of Sandals’ success in delivering exceptional service to its guests.
Reflecting on the organisation’s commitment to rewarding excellence on a grand scale, awardees were presented with enviable prizes, which included some of the latest gadgets like the Samsung Z Flip smartphone and the Microsoft Surface Pro.
The Diamond Award, the most coveted prize of the night, was presented to Zaria Forde, a member of the Sales and Communications team. Forde, who joined the company in 2017 as a Front Office Agent, expressed her elation to Barbados TODAY. She said, “I feel ecstatic, I feel really proud, I love Sandals and I love everything that they offer the team members. I love the service that we give the guests. I think we have a good thing going on here.”
Zoe Skeete-Moses, representing the kitchen team, received the Platinum Award, while Damario Francis from the laundry department clinched the People’s Choice Award, a particularly poignant moment as it coincides with Down Syndrome month. Andrea Green of the Red Lane Spa was honoured as the Most Valuable Player, with her excited team members joining her onstage in the moment of jubilation. The Loyalty and Travel team secured the A Team Award.
Among the other recipients were Seth Lewis from the Housekeeping Department with the Mover and Shaker Award, Xavier Duncan of Club Sandals for the Circle of Joy category, and George Johnson, representing the bars, took home the Legendary prize. The Heart of House Award was presented to Wendy Burnham from the stewarding department.
Surinder Lucky Kahlon, General Manager at Sandals Royal Barbados, and Sandals Barbados Resort, in his remarks noted, “These awards are a testament to the hard work and fun-loving team members of all Sandals Resorts across the region.” He continued, “Every single one of you nominated here tonight are already winners, you have set the bar for excellence and are shining examples to your peers and have shown all that you excel at what you do.” He lauded their remarkable efforts as the driving force for the transformation of the two properties. He added, “While we still have a way to go, you have shown me that we are ready to make Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados the best in the entire team of Sandals.”
Among those in attendance were Renée Coppin, the Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA).
Master of ceremony duties were conducted by Wendy Burke. The evening’s entertainment included the melodic voices of the St Leonard’s Boys Choir who opened the evening with the national anthem and later returned with One Hand One Heart and Love Changes Everything. Spoken word artist LaShawna Griffith was among those featured. Her performance included Sandals Proud, which was penned specifically for the event. The evening closed with an upbeat session by DJ Rico Love.
(ST)
