Pink Gin Beach, Grenada, May 29 2017– At the third Annual Prestige Awards for Sandals LaSource held last Thursday at the Spice Basket, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Patricia Maher, recalled her global professional journey. ‘Throughout my career I have been invited to train, to run, to lead organizations and I believe these opportunities were offered to me because I exhibited ten things that required zero talent. These 10 things are: being on time, work ethic, effort, body language, energy, attitude, passion, being coachable, doing extra and being prepared.

‘You have an amazing opportunity with this fabulous company Sandals Resorts International, to exhibit these 10 things, to get invited to grow with your company. The power is in your hands.’ The night’s big winner, Diamond Award recipient Curtis Bailey, is a perfect example of someone who seized the training opportunities of the regional resort chain; moving from a Beach Attendant to now, the top PADI® Scuba Instructor for the resort. Among his prizes were a paid 5-nights/6-days’ vacation for two inclusive of airfare, and a 42” Samsung Smart Television.

Human Resource Manager Stephanie Sylvester reiterated, ‘Training and Development is one of the corner stones of the success of the Sandals brand. We hire the right attitude and aid in acquiring the skill. Tonight we celebrate our talents who have been able to combine the two and stand out.’ Miss Sylvester awarded the House Keeping Department, as the ‘A- Team of the Year’.

General Manager, Peter Fraser, awarded Cook, Patricia Charles as the Platinum Team Member of the Year; Information Systems Manager, Lensely Lloyd, the MVP or Manager of the year; and gave his special Pace Setter’s Award, to Bartender Varnel Phillip. In closing, the General Manager encouraged his team to ‘Shine on!’

Other winners included: Chef Anthony Linor, Kitchen- All Rounder; Sophia Skeete, Accounts- People’s Choice; Clifford Peters, Landscaping- Heart of the House; Elisha Francis, Accounts- Standing Ovation; Kimony Benjamin, Entertainment- Legendary Team Member; Claudian Marrast, Spa- Money Maker; Finton Pascal, Weddings- Mover & Shaker; Joaquin Greenidge, Maintenance-Circle of Joy; Reina Benjamin, Bars- Sandals Foundation Sentinel; Terry Thomas, Tours- Earth Guardian.

Diamond winner, Bailey will now join his fellow Team Member of the Year winners from across the Luxury-Resort chain and vie for the title of Ultimate Team Member later this year.  He will then have a chance to win, among other things, an upgraded trip to include private jet transfer to his resort destination of choice.