Anguilla Tourism Awards and Gala 2013

The annual Anguilla Tourism Awards and Gala was held on 6^th December 2013.  This was the final event for Tourism week in Anguilla.  It was held at the lovely Coba restaurant, Viceroy Anguilla.

It was my first time attending the event. Here is a true story. I assumed the event would be starting at 7pm so I neglected to confirm the time on the ticket. As it turns out, Cocktails and the Red Carpet started at 6pm so I totally missed the first part of the evening. However, by all accounts Ms. Jaine Rogers sang beautifully and the conch fritters were given much praise.

I arrived in time for dinner and the awards and was quickly seated by my friend Patricia who was helping out that evening. I sat with my other two friends Derrys and Shantelle Richardson and Patricia was also at our table when she wasn’t busy giving out door prizes. I loved where we were sitting as I had a clear view of the award recipients and also the sea. During the evening my attention was torn between the award presentations and the beauty of the waves crashing on the rocks complemented by the glistening raindrops falling silently into the azure water.

Shantelle, Patricia and I at the Tourism Awards and Gala

The Anguilla Tourism Awards and Gala focused mostly on the award recipients which I thought was a fantastic idea. I think it is so important to recognize those who continue to make a positive difference in the Industry on which we rely for our livelihood. I particularly liked that even though there could be only one winner and in a rare case two winners per category, that all the nominees for employee and supervisor of the year were given prizes as well in recognition of their commitment and dedication to going above and beyond the call of duty and providing excellent customer service.

The excitement of the nominees and recipients was contagious and I couldn’t help but be excited as well. I extend congratulations to all our winners and those who were nominated. Keep up the hard work. Your attitude and accomplishments set positive examples for others in the industry and for us all in Anguilla.

Delroy Lake – Hotelier of the Year, Anguilla Tourism Awards and Gala

Lorin Carty – Allied Member of the Year- Black Orchid Florists with Sharon Richardson , Dean of the ACC

Latoya Scarbro, one of the winners of the Employee of the Year Award

The winners for the 2013 Anguilla Tourism Awards and Gala are below.

Hotelier of the Year– Mr. Delroy Lake, Anacaona Boutique Hotel

Villa member of the year – Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Ricketts Luxury Collection

Employee of the Year – Ms. Latoya Scarborough, Cuisinart Resort and Ms. Judith Rogers, Carimar Hotel

Pioneer of the Year, Mr. Calvin Rogers, Little Bay Charters

Pioneer of the Year, Mrs. Countess Rey, First Permanent Secretary (PS) and First Female PS of Tourism

Supervisor of the Year – Mrs. Ruth Carty, Cuisinart Resort

Allied Member of the Year – Mr. Loren Richardson, Black Orchid Florists

Seaport Employee of the Year – Ms. Condora Fleming

Airport Employee of the Year – Mr. Juan Nouel

Restaurant of the Year – Dolce Vita Restaurant

Media Personality – Mr. Leroy Richardson (Brother Lee), KoolFM Radio

I must recognize the vision and hard work of the Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (and the Board) who organizes this event annually.

Gilda Gumbs Samuel, Executive Director, AHTA – Anguilla Tourism Awards

The staff at the Anguilla Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism also contributed to the success of the evening.

Chantelle Davis, Deputy Director, ATB with Kendell Richardson

Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, Mr. Haydn Hughes, Anguilla Tourism Gala

I could not end this blog without mentioning door prizes. There were not as many door prizes this year as in past years but the prizes were still fabulous ranging from gift bags to dinners to weekend stays to flights to Puerto Rico. A number of persons won prizes but I extend congratulations to my friends Shantelle and Derrys who won a trip to Puerto Rico and to Lily Moses from the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce who was celebrating her birthday that night and won a weekend stay at Princess Heights in SXM and a gift certificate for lunch at Blanchards Beach Shack. Congrats to all other winners of prizes.

After dinner and the Awards Ceremony, the evening continued with dancing. There was music at Coba Restaurant and also at Sunset Lounge and for some the evening was just beginning.

Will Fleming of Anguilla Great House and Vanessa (stopped for a quick pic) at Anguilla Tourism Gala

Scott and Shannon Kircher  from Frangipani Resort at the Tourism Gala

Guests dancing at the Tourism Gala

I had a great time at the Anguilla Tourism Awards and Gala. Cheers until next year. Don’t forget to follow My Anguilla Experience on YouTube and on Facebook.

Did you attend the 2013 Gala? What are your thoughts?