Coba Restaurant, at Viceroy Anguilla, saw a sea of white, as tourism industry partners and patrons gathered, dressed in white, to celebrate and award the superstars of the industry. The all white event, held on Friday, December 4th, by Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association marked the climax of Tourism Week 2015.
Christopher Khoo, Owner and Managing Director of MasterConsult Services, and a veteran in Singapore’s consulting, research and tourism industry, delivered a few remarks in which he said: “I am astounded by the potential of Anguilla… There are many challenges that need to be confronted. I am confident that those who have recognized the gregarious position in which you find yourself, recognize the urgency to address those problems so that tourism can prosper”.
The most prestigious award, Hotelier of the Year, went to Mrs. Vida Lloyd – Richardson, Manager of Da’ Vida’s Restaurant. Along with her husband (Clive A. Richardson) and brother, David Lloyd, she orchestrated, managed and completed the Da’ Vida Restaurant project at Crocus Bay. She is currently the General Manager and Co – Owner of the Da’ Vida’s Restaurant and Spa and Lloyd’s Bed and Breakfast, one of Anguilla’s first and longest standing accommodation facilities. Mrs. Lloyd – Richardson expressed her gratitude to those who supported her over the years as well as her fellow industry colleagues. She encouraged her colleagues to continue contributing to the overall development of the industry for the better: “Though we live in a wonderful place, the quest for us everyday must be to improve. In today’s world it is ‘do or die’. We learnt in the session with Mr. Khoo that islands are everywhere. Sand, sea and sun are everywhere. You have to be preoccupied with what makes Anguilla special – you have to love this country. Though it is unusual, special and different, you are either growing, changing, developing or declining. I am honored to be born in a place like Anguilla and my goal everyday is to make…wherever I go a bit better”.
Mr. Fred Thompson, former General Manager of Carimar Beach Club, an integral member of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association and who received the prestigious title of Hotelier of the Year three times, was named Hotelier of the Year 2014 and was specially recognized at Friday’s event.
Restaurant of the Year was awarded to The Pumphouse; Villa of Member of the Year went to Mrs. Elaine and Mr. Bruce Hearn of Properties in Paradise. The Pioneer Awards went to Mr. Clive Carty who was one of the persons responsible for the development of tourism in Anguilla, and Ms. Mary – Ann Martin.
Other Awardees were Lynne of IrieLife who won Allied Member of the Year; Mr. Lester Gumbs who was named Supervisor of the Year; Mr. Jose Garcia Rodriguez, the Rising Star Award; Edgerton “Edgie” Edrum, Employee of the Year; Zemi Beach Hotel, Digicel Business Solution Award; Boss and the Horsepower Band, Entertainer of the Year; Shiniqua Mussington, Seaport Employee of the Year; Shana Hughes Airport Employee of the Year and Mr. Wycliffe Richardson of ATV who received the Media award.
The Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association expressed thanks to all those persons and businesses who supported the event.
