Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
MAHO--Top performers across the different sectors of the tourism industry were honoured once again at the ninth annual Crystal Pineapple Awards organised by the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) at repeat gala host Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino on Friday night, November 21.
Sonesta's conference room formed a mecca for the who's who of the tourism industry, as a jam-packed room of professionals enjoyed a five-star buffet dinner, silent auction, song and dance performances by ARIAS and Dance Theatre of St. Maarten, and a raffle, in addition to the announcement of those deemed top performers.
In addition to the service industry award categories, a number of top performers were selected by SHTA. Outstanding Educational Achievement was awarded to the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, while Outstanding Environmental Achievement went to Nature Foundation. Outstanding Tourism Industry Achievement went to regional tourism tradeshow SMART, organised by the hotel associations and Tourist Boards of both sides of the island.
Cyndi Miller, who was not present, was named Tourist Ambassador for her destination marketing efforts in the United States. The Public Media Award went to Arts Video Studios (AVS) News represented by Ricardo Williams.
Be The Change Foundation's late founder Erika Cannegieter was named Person of the Year, a decision met with a standing ovation from the audience. Be the Change has raised more than US $22,000 to date for various organisations on the island and facilitates volunteering. Erika's mother Barbara Cannegieter accepted the award on her behalf, calling the award "heartwarming."
In the Trade category, the Employee of the Year award went to Angie Prince of Asha Stevens Hillside Christian Schools, Supervisor of the Year to Rafael Martinez of St. Maarten Sightseeing Tours, and Manager of the Year to Myrtille Brookson of Ennia Insurances.
In the Restaurants and Bars category, the Employee of the Year award went to Valda Revan-Dawes of Mark's Place, Supervisor/Manager of the Year to Cleopatra Blair of Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort and Casino, Restaurateur of the Year to Pierre Ferland of Pineapple Pete's who was unable to attend the gala, Chef of the Year to Raymond Kaper of Holland House and Bartender of the Year to Paul Peterson who also won the title last year.
In the Accommodations category, Rookie of the Year went to Priya Forde of Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Employee of the Year to Marcia Gordon of Sonesta Great Bay, Supervisor of the Year to Adil Benjamin of Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Department Manager of the Year to Barbara Warren of The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa who also won the title last year, General Manager of the Year to Carlo Zambrini of Sonesta Maho, and Timeshare Salesperson of the Year to Murvin Priest of Royal Islander Club.
Outstanding Community Service Achievement was awarded to Nicole de Weever of Art Saves Lives (ASL) Foundation, who flew in from New York for the event. The founder accepted the award alongside ASL Project Manager Ari Sutton and paid homage to the late Erika Cannegieter for being instrumental in establishing ASL.
The awards were presented by caretaker Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and various key industry players such as hotel owners and SHTA board members.
One lucky audience member won a two-night stay at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, the latest addition to the upscale hotel chain set to open this week
