By John Denny Observer Reporter
(Gingerland, Nevis) ” In recognition of outstanding service in the Nevis tourism industry, a cocktail reception and awards ceremony was held last Saturday night at the Old Manor Hotel. This year’s theme was, “Recognizing Quality Service in Tourism” and 12 workers in various functions of the industry received awards. Hotel Employee of the Year: Glendon Fordyce of the Four Seasons Resort. Taxi Operator of the Year: Bernard Weekes Other Allied Service Worker: Jevan Bissette, Assistant Berthing Officer of NASPA. Hotel Manager of the Year: Mac Kee France of the Four Seasons Resort. Long Service Awards Garden Maintainer and Tour Guide: Nathaniel “Terry” Liburd of the Botanical Gardens. House Keeper: Dorette Parris of Nisbet Plantation. House Keeping Supervisor: Sylvia Nisbett of Mount Nevis Hotel. Maintenance: Bertin Mintos of Hurricane Cove. House Keeping: Juliet Daniel of Hurricane Cove. Assistant Cook and Waitress: Vera Jean Browne of Golden Rock. House Keeper: Sandrene Nolan of Oualie Beach Hotel. “We are moving forward to make the long service awards a more substantial part of our focus,” said Tourism Development Officer Ms. Nicole Liburd. “Every year, we hope to recognize the people that have been at this for a long time because they are the ones making the most difference.” During the reception, Nevis Premier and Minister of Tourism Hon. Joseph Parry made some brief remarks. “People always make the community, the country or any place in the world; therefore, it must be recognized that it is the people that have made Nevis Tourism the positive industry that it is today,” said the Premier. “He also spoke of his recent trips to Montserrat and Cuba. While in Montserrat, the Premier saw the devastation of the volcano and a town he knew well before the eruption that is now covered in millions of tons of ash and debris. “It made me realize how things can change very quickly,” he said. “But the people of Montserrat are doing okay. They still have their culture.” The Four Seasons being closed was also a topic the Premier touched on, stating that the island’s second biggest employer will be closed until April and ‘this is not good news for Nevis.” Parry urged those presently employed to “hold on” to their jobs until the local crisis and the world wide financial crisis eases. “The people of Nevis are still doing well,” he said. A need for diversification within the tourism industry was also mentioned by the Premier, pointing out a need to supplement land-based tourism with cruise-based tourism and begin to find ways to attract more cruise ships to Nevis. “In spite of Omar, in spite of recession, we will shine,” said Parry.
