| Tourism industry shines bright at 4th TCHTA Annual Star Awards |
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| Friday, 02 March 2012 10:54 | |||
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It was a star-studded evening when those hard-working individuals who keep the tourism industry alive put aside their brooms, clipboards, taxi signs, pots and trays to get glitzy and celebrate the industry’s most important members — the staff. The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s (TCHTA) 4th Annual Star Awards, which took place Feb. 23 at The Veranda Resort, celebrated the dedication and achievements of the employees in the tourism sector, the country’s number one industry. This year’s event took place under the stars on the beautifully decorated west lawn of The Veranda. Complete with a red carpet welcome, the “stars” of the TCI’s hospitality and tourism industry were celebrated and entertained throughout the night. The event ceremony kicked off with the Turks and Caicos Youth Chorale singing the National Anthem and the National Song, “My Home, Turks and Caicos.” After introducing the evening’s emcees, Darold Miller and O’Brien Forbes, the TCHTA President Karen Whitt handed the stage over to the opening act, which personified the industry. Barbara Johnson sang her rendition of “Tourism is Everybody’s Business,” while David Bowen, director of Art and Culture, put on a brilliantly entertaining Broadway-like production along with wife Shara and three students from the Bowen Dance Company. His Excellency the Gov. Ric Todd delivered opening remarks, offering a heartfelt thank you to all the hard-working members of the tourism industry who make the TCI a success. After a delicious buffet-style dinner while being serenaded by the angelic voice of Shara Bowen and the beats of Soul Redemption, emcees Darold Miller and O’Brien Forbes kicked off the awards show. Nominees in each category were brought up to the stage while colleagues cheered wildly as the emcees took turns ripping open envelopes to reveal the winners’ names. Winners were presented with trophies graciously donated by BNC Consulting Group by Managing director Bridgette Thomas. “I am thrilled at the turnout of this year’s event,” said Karen Whitt, president of the TCHTA. “We received more nominations than ever before, and I know that tonight’s gala awards ceremony has set a new standard for all future Star Awards. Everyone looked absolutely stunning tonight, and I am so proud to be part of such a prestigious event’s organizing committee. Next year’s event promises to be even bigger and better!” But the party did not stop there. Nominees, winners and colleagues continued celebrating into the night at the first ever “Official Star Awards After Party” at Vino Tiempo Wine Bar in Grace Bay. 2011 Star Award Winners BARTENDER OF THE YEAR – Lewis “Bang Bang” Missick (Meridian Club) TAXI DRIVER OF THE YEAR - Sam Dean CHEF OF THE YEAR – Colin Watson (Beaches) TCHTA SHINING STAR – Dr. Carlton Mills (The Veranda) SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR – Kizzy Adderley (The Veranda) EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR – Tiersa Smith (The Sands) MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Deleria Simms (The Veranda) AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR – Jackson Williams (Ocean Club Resorts) HOUSEKEEPER OF THE YEAR – Hazlin Grimmond (Royal West Indies) HEART OF HOSPITALITY – Theodore “Johnny” Steplin (The Sands) ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR – David Bowen HOTELIER OF THE YEAR – Tom Lewis (Ocean Club Resorts) RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – TIE: Anacaona (Grace Bay Club) and Parallel23 (Regent Palms) ALLIED MEMBER OF THE YEAR – Gilley’s Enterprises HOTEL OF THE YEAR – Regent Palms
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