Award of Excellence: Accommodation

sponsored by Barbados Tourism Investment Inc.

Kenroy Walcott

Kenroy Walcott can be described as a people-pleaser who makes it his personal goal to ensure that guests feel welcomed and at home in their new environment. This pleasant and devoted worker has dedicated 7 years to the tourism industry and believes in adding his personal touch to the service he provides. Kenroy goes out of his way
to ensure that guests feel happy and safe. He prides
himself on his ability to rise and meet every challenge and spends his leisure time reading literature relevant to his work so that one day he can fulfill his dream of becoming the Chief Security
Officer.

Award of Excellence: Attractions & Activities

sponsored by Bridgetown Cruise Terminals Inc.

Beverly Layne

Beverly Layne believes that service excellence begins with a smile. Described as an honest, dedicated and dependable worker, she meets each challenge headon and has played a variety of roles from wardrobe assistant; mending the straps and fixing the shoes of performers at the theatre, to using her car as an ambulance for guests. After 24 years in the tourism industry the idea of repeat business still excites her. She works hard to exceed her customers’ expectations and relies on the feedback of her clients and team members to ensure that the customer is completely satisfied with the product provided.

Award of Excellence: Cruise

sponsored by Barbados Port Inc.

Jacqelyn Roberts

Jacqelyn Roberts believes in providing the quality of service that she herself would appreciate, and this is the ideal towards which she continues to strive after ten years in the tourism industry. Jacqelyn always responds to her clients’ needs. She takes the initiative to discern each client’s personal likes, dislikes and interests and the time to provide a thoroughly comprehensive explanation of the services provided. This allows her to supply an informed list of recommendations of cruises that best suit the customer. In the end she always follows up with the client to ensure that there was a positive result.

Award of Excellence: Food & Beverage

sponsored by Barbados Investment & Development Corporation

Henry Sealy

After twenty years in the tourism industry,Henry Sealy knows that going beyond the call of duty is the recipe for success. His objective is to ensure that every patron achieves customer satisfaction. To stay ahead he constantly assesses his own performance as well as the performance of his competitors. His primary focus is on encouraging staff participation while inspiring team members to see the bigger picture. He thoroughly enjoys motivating people and would one day like to play a greater role in mentoring and guiding younger persons interested in working in the local tourism industry.

Award of Excellence: Public Sector

sponsored by Barbados National Productivity Council

Ena Browne

Ena Browne has an engendered love of her job in which she has secured this island’s highest halls of justice for some 22 years. Known for her consistent excellent service, she believes in the importance of punctuality and performs her duties with diligence and care. Ready to lend a listening ear, Ena is willing to give counsel to both visitors and co-workers alike. She has even been known to give up her lunch hour to assist a colleague. A lover of nature and the environment she hopes Barbadians will begin to realise the role of a beautiful Barbados in the development of tourism industry.

Award of Excellence: Retail

sponsored by Sandy Lane

Sharon Phillips

Sharon Phillips strives to be an example to all those with whom she works. Achieving the sale is never her foremost priority; she always ensures that the satisfaction of her customer comes first, even if it means delivering their purchases to their respective hotels. Sharon derives the most satisfaction in her job when she and her staff are complimented for the service they provide. She wishes to see sustained growth in the tourism industry, and aims to continue educating herself so that she can reiterate to her staff the importance of tourism in Barbados.

Award of Excellence: Support Services

sponsored by The Plantation Theatre - Home of Bajan Roots and Rhythms

Sophia Catwell

Since Sophia came into the industry eighteen months ago, she has demonstrated a love and significant commitment to her trade. Her job allows her to indulge in her passion for meeting new people and establishing new relationships. Sophia feels successful knowing that she has met and exceeded the expectations of her client. It is her aim to offer the best service possible and demonstrate that Barbados can rise to the occasion and continue to host incentive and other group events. She hopes to stimulate more expansion in the area of conference hosting in Barbados and reads and researches to keep up with local trends.

Award of Excellence: Tourism Services

sponsored by Foster & Ince Cruise Services

David Edwards

David Edwards has developed a unique brand of customer service after some thirty-five years of experience and training within the industry he loves. Known for his comprehensive training and an ability to be attentive to the needs of others, he credits these attributes along with patience and understanding for having allowed him to achieve a high standard of service excellence. David is always on call; assuring an immediate response to passengers should they have any issues. Nothing gives him more satisfaction than when, after encountering a challenge, a customer has been pleased by the result.

Achievement of Excellence Award: Accommodation

sponsored by Insurance Corporation of Barbados Ltd.

Sandy Lane

For more than 40 years this five diamond hotel has established itself as one of the premier luxury resorts in the world. Awarded “Best Hotel in the Caribbean” and “Golf Resort of the Year” in 2007, this exclusive resort has maintained its reputation for luxury, elegance and pampering while renovating and expanding to cater to all of the client’s needs. Whether it’s a romantic retreat for two, a haven of tranquillity or a perfect family vacation, Sandy Lane promises to provide the finest holiday experience. With staff of over 700 employees the entire team strives towards “one resort, one team, one vision”.

Achievement of Excellence Award: Attractions & Activities

sponsored by Acute Vision Inc.

Ocean Park

Set in a backdrop of a lush tropical garden on the south of the island, Ocean Park has become known as a magnificent attraction that celebrates the absolute beauty of ocean life and demonstrates a genuine effort to protect and preserve the environment. Officially opened in 2005, this park offers a package that’s fun, educational and affordable. With a vision of one day becoming the best and biggest single attraction in Barbados and the wider Caribbean, Ocean Park has expanded its services to offer to host events such as parties, weddings, corporate functions, sleep over camps and more.

Achievement of Excellence Award: Food & Beverage

sponsored by Tourism Global Inc.

The Restaurant at Southsea

The Restaurant at Southsea’s mission is to make a name for itself as the epitome of excellence in dining. The complete dining experience sets Southsea apart from other restaurants. The setting is beyond compare, overlooking a romantic secluded cove, which is complemented by amiable and attentive staff with a warm and welcoming attitude. With a “limitless libation is always a possibility” as their philosophy, the restaurant is always fully stocked with exceptional wine, brandy and Caribbean vintage rum selections. To complete the dining experience is the imaginatively conceived and flawlessly executed food cooked by the executive chef who believes that creativity is the key to success.

Achievement of Excellence Award: Public Sector

sponsored by the Office of Public Sector Reform & the National Initiative for Service Excellence

Barbados Lifeguard Service

For the lifeguards of the Barbados Lifeguard Service “there is no price tag on life”. Situated on beaches around Barbados, these dedicated and devoted men and women put their lives on the line to ensure added safety on our beautiful beaches. The NCC lifeguards are taught that prevention is the modus operandi and aim to educate the general public by offering lectures to schools, sports clubs and community groups. With extensive training in watercraft rescue, rescue diving and basic emergency medicine, these team members endeavour to maintain international standards.

Achievement of Excellence Award: Retail

sponsored by G4S Security Services (Barbados)Ltd.

The Gourmet Shop

If you have a taste for the exotic and the exclusive, indulge in a visit to The Gourmet Shop. Located on the elite West Coast of the island, this cosy country store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that the customer acquires what they desire. And if you cannot find what you are looking for, put in a request. Unlike wholesale entities dispersed throughout the island, The Gourmet Shop has become established as the place to order speciality items. For an excellent selection of luxury food, wine and excellent service, go to The Gourmet Shop and let them cater to your needs.

Achievement of Excellence Award: Support Services

sponsored by Miller Publishing Co. Ltd.

Barbados Conference Services Ltd

Recipient of the World Travel Award for the leading Caribbean Conference Centre from 2003 to 2006 consecutively, Barbados Conference Services Ltd. has earned a reputation for excellence. Registered in 1997, the BCSL is the parent company to Horizon Event Planners, Horizon Event Coaches and Tours and the Sherbourne Conference Centre. This one stop shop offers the complete integrated package of conference services, event planning and transportation. Whether it’s a banquet, wedding, conference event or exhibition, the Barbados Conference Services team can make it happen for you! 

Achievement of Excellence Award: Tourism Micro- Enterprises

sponsored by Fund Access & the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Ann’s Craft Centre

From loosely bundled straw to superb creations of hats, bags and purses, Ann’s Craft Centre produces a 100% Bajan product of high quality that is sturdy, long lasting and unique. Made from the indigenous Pandana plant or cane lily, these items have graced the runways and magazine pages in London, Paris, New York and Tokyo and have been featured on the Elsa Klench Show. The creator, Gloria Gaskin, strives always to be the best that she can be. Her determination and passion for her work has pushed her to enter many international competitions, to later win many prestigious awards. With Ann’s Craft Centre in operation since 1978, Gloria Gaskin draws inspiration from all elements of Barbadian and Caribbean life, particularly the fragrant frangipani and glorious hibiscus plants abundant to our Barbadian flora. Known for a high quality product, creative designs and fantastic customer service, Ann’s Craft Centre creates appealing products synonymous with quality and originality. 

Achievement of Excellence Award: Community Tourism

sponsored by Ocean Park

Pinelands Creative Workshop

For the last 20 years the Pinelands Creative Workshop has strived to promote ideas of self- reliance, positive self- esteem and personal growth in the community. Known for setting up a number of initiatives such as the National Enterprise Education and Development Need, the Meals on Wheels Programme and the Pinelands Emergency Relief Unit, this group personifies excellence, professionalism and authenticity. Their aim is to look for ways to improve the standard of living through education, employment and the development of enterprise in their immediate community and beyond. The PCW has also used its cultural product as a means for generating income. This enables it to be self-sustaining and to endorse development in its community. Promotion of culture through dance and drama with additional arms in business, social and sports enterprises allows the Pinelands Creative Workshop to provide new opportunities to its community members, promote the advancement of all and by definition be the embodiment of community spirit. 

Tourism Student Excellence Award

sponsored by the Tourism Development Corporation & the Caribbean Tourism Organisation

Janelle Murray

A natural leader, Janelle has proven her interest in tourism through her focus, application and initiative during her two years of study in the Associate Degree in Tourism and Travel programme. A student of the Barbados Community College, she hopes to pursue further studies in tourism and would eventually like to become either an events planner or a tour operator. An internship at the Hilton Barbados availed her with the opportunity to put her training into practice and Janelle would like to see more rigorous programmes, initiatives and training of this type implemented into her programme at BCC. In the meantime, Janelle will continue to nurture her passion for improving service standards. This friendly, fun-loving, determined student strongly believes in the importance of giving the best service and quality attention to Barbadians and visitors alike. Her desire is to see Barbados follow current market trends and expand its tourism marketing into the continents of Africa and Asia. This move would be beneficial to the island, whose main source of revenue depends on the tourism product. 

Environmental Excellence Award

sponsored by Barbados Golf Club

Ocean Park

In a genuine effort to protect and preserve the environment, Ocean Park has placed informative signage throughout the park and provides guided tours for schools and groups through which they seek to inform and educate. In-house policies have also been put in place to encourage staff to recycle paper and conserve water and electricity. A member of numerous environmental organisations, Ocean Park launched the Clean Up Barbados Campaign in 2006 and conducts Eco-Camps for children during Christmas, Easter and Summer to create a better environment for tomorrow. 

Visitors’ Choice Excellence Award

sponsored by Virgin Holidays

Oistins Fish Fry

A Friday night lime at the Oistins Fish Fry is as Bajan as it gets. By day this colourful and bustling fishing village is alive with fisher folk, their boats, nets, and bustling market trade of fresh fish. By night the village comes alive once more in spectacular fashion, to welcome visitors and locals alike with the aromas of pot fish sizzling on open grills and in traditional iron pots fuelled with wood and fiery coals. On offer is a mouth watering variety of fish accompanied with the traditional, sweet potato, macaroni pie, coleslaw and other island delights. Patrons mingle, soak up the lively atmosphere while enjoying everything from Calypso to Karoke, and seizing the opportunity to experience a true taste of authentic Barbadian life. No matter which side of the island visitors are staying, a visit to Oistins is a must. 

People’s Choice Excellence Award

sponsored by KPMG

The Restaurant at Southsea

The Restaurant at Southsea’s mission is to make a name for itself as the epitome of excellence in dining. They have proven that they are well on their way as they have received many international and local accolades as a top restaurant. The complete dining experience sets Southsea apart from other restaurants. The setting is beyond compare, overlooking a romantic secluded cove, which is complemented by amiable and attentive staff with a warm and welcoming attitude. With a “limitless libation is always a possibility” as their philosophy, the restaurant is always fully stocked with exceptional wine, brandy and Caribbean vintage rum selections. To complete the dining experience is the imaginatively conceived and flawlessly executed food cooked by the executive chef who believes that creativity is the key to success. 

Minister of Tourism’s Special Commendation: Individual

sponsored by Barbados National Bank Inc.

Dennis Tull

Minister of Tourism’s Special Commendation: Business

sponsored by Barbados Shipping and Trading Co. Ltd.

D.B. Productions Inc.

Pillar of Tourism Industry Award - Business

sponsored by FirstCaribbean International Bank

The Crane Resorts & Residences

Set on what was named “one of the Ten Best Beaches in the world”, the Crane Beach Hotel became the first Resort Hotel in the Caribbean in 1887. Poised on a shallow cliff face overlooking the crystal azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this truly unique property combines sophisticated elegance, old-world charm and incredible natural beauty with a romantic sense of seclusion, creating a feeling among guests of having indulged in a small slice of heaven on earth. The new development of private residence units successfully merges nineteenth century grandeur and furnishings with twentyfirst century luxuries, conveniences and world-class amenities. Barbados’ oldest vacation hotel has created a new level of exclusive resort living with a staff that strives in a family-oriented teamwork environment. This unique and dynamic approach has succeeded in cultivating the type of regular guests affectionately known as ‘Craneheads’. 

Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Paul Foster

Paul Foster has been described as a perfectionist, whose enthusiasm and love for Barbados propelled him to become a household name in the local and international tourism industry. After five years as an airport reporter and photographer for the Barbados Advocate, Paul Foster became the First Manager of the Barbados Tourist Board. During his tenure he was part of the first promotional tours for Barbados, in Canada and in the United States. Under his leadership the number of cruise ships to Barbados increased from 27 to 146, the value of tourism had risen from $10.4 million to $26 million and the number of long stay visitors rose to 65,000. As President of the Barbados Jaycees he spearheaded the first Carnival celebrations in 1958, which were a prelude to our Crop Over Festival. By 1987 he was Chairman of Paul Foster Travel and Foster and Inc. Cruise Services and it was his travel agency that pioneered the “cruise and fly” industry in Barbados. As past President and Executive Director of the Barbados National Trust, he strongly believes that if Barbados chooses a metropolitan route it will take away the warmth and beauty of the island that has attracted visitors in the past.