Dear Partners, Associates and AHTA Members,
The Board of Directors and the Secretariat of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association wish to mark the retirement of Chief Executive Officer, Gilda Gumbs Samuel, with profound respect and appreciation for her significant contribution to the AHTA, CHTA, the broader Tourism industry, the nation of Anguilla and the wider Caribbean region.
Close to four decades after her first debut onto the Hospitality scene, AHTA CEO Gilda Gumbs Samuel is retiring from her unwavering 14-year tenure at the AHTA. Her career at the AHTA started as Membership and Events Manager, followed soon after by her assuming the post of Executive Director, culminating as CEO of this non-profit association. Navigating through a myriad of challenges including natural disasters, economic woes, health challenges and an ongoing pandemic, her commitment to her members and the industry has been nothing short of stellar.
Known for her frank and direct style, her contribution has always made its presence felt, whether she was wearing the hat of President of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (2014-16), or galvanising membership and community support for the Tourism Gala in Anguilla – making it the most highly-regarded and well-subscribed event of its kind, aimed at honouring hard working hospitality professionals in Anguilla.
Locally, some of Gilda’s big wins surrounded growing the membership base, passionate advocacy on critical matters affecting the industry, keeping members connected and informed of pertinent issues and happenings, networking to fortify tri-partite relations with the Ministry of Tourism and Anguilla Tourist Board, securing funding for the sustainability of the association, opening the door to the AHTA’s first stand-alone office, and planning training and environment community programmes for the island.
Gilda is currently the active “mother” of The Anguilla National Culinary Team and worked with the team for many years, in the trenches, preparing for local and regional competitions, which brought much success for Anguilla in the culinary arena.
Ms. Gumbs Samuel, a CTO Hospitality Assured Certified professional, was the face of Anguilla for many years at CHTA fora. She has been active and still consults on various regional boards and committees including the CHTA Educational Foundation and the CHTA Advocacy and Membership Committee, contributing to the growth and development of these important initiatives.
This hospitality professional attracted many awards and accolades over her years, in the areas of customer service and hospitality – and she was named the CHTA Executive Director of the year in 2012 among a slate of esteemed candidates.
Remarkably, Gilda Gumbs Samuel carves out the time to play as passionately as she works, as she explores her keen interests in floral design, fashion design and sewing, travelling, dancing, entertaining, baking, cooking and gardening. Her heart lies within the community and she generously contributes her time and resources to vulnerable groups and worthy causes, both in her personal and professional life.
The AHTA Board of Directors is working on finalizing plans to ensure a smooth transition to continue its works, and appreciates the support of Ms. Gilda Gumbs Samuel through this process. Gilda will continue to provide support to the AHTA through the transitioning process.
We honour Ms. Gilda Gumbs Samuel for her distinguished service over the years, and invite members and well-wishers to reach out and send notes and gift gestures of appreciation to her as she moves on to other endeavours.
Sincerely
AHTA Board of Directors
– Press Release
