Antigua & Barbuda Monday November 25, 2024 — The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala 2024 shone a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality and tourism professionals. Held in a spectacular setting, the event celebrated individuals and organizations whose hard work and dedication continue to elevate the twin-island nation’s reputation as a world-class destination.

Highlights of the Night:

Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association Award Winners

  • Employee of the Year:
    Alisa Smith (Hermitage Bay)
    Prize: A complimentary 2-night stay for two at The Inn at English Harbour.
  • Supervisor of the Year:
    Lunessa Mills (Awesome Development Ventures)
    Prize: A complimentary 2-night stay for two at Jumby Bay Island.
  • Rising Star of the Year:
    Abigail Bynoe (The Escape at Nonsuch Bay Resort)
    Prize: A complimentary 3-night stay for two at Carlisle Bay Antigua.
  • Young Hotelier of the Year:
    Kris Krisendat (Cocos Hotel)
    Prize: A complimentary 2-night stay for two at Blue Waters Resort & Spa.
  • Young Chef of the Year:
    Shirlon Anthony (Jumby Bay Island)
    Winning Dish: Pan-Seared Lamb Rack with Curry Infused Eddo Silk, Carrot Bone Marrow stuffed with Jumby Garden Spinach & Eggplant Caviar, Crab Chimichurri.
    Prize: A complimentary 2-night stay for two at Barbuda Belle and a customized white chef’s jacket.
  • Chef of the Year:
    Eustace Cabral Jr. (Jumby Bay Island)
    Winning Dish: Poached Codfish with Butternut Coffee Puree, Gratinated Cockle, Infused Polenta, Sorrel Gel, Cockle & Citrus Beurre Blanc
    Prize: A complimentary 2-night stay for two at Curtain Bluff and a customized black chef’s jacket.

Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Award Winners

  • Customer Service Excellence Award:
    Chesley Simon (Royalton Antigua)
    Prize: A complimentary 2-night stay for two at St. James’s Club Antigua.
  • Tour Guide of the Year:
    Nutilia Simon (Ocean Point Resort & Spa)
    Prize: A Bulova Ladies Electro-Plated Gold Watch with Diamond Dial from Colombian Emeralds International Antigua.
  • Port Frontline Employee of the Year:
    Sergeant Jaime Charles (Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda)
    Prize: An island tour for two with CalvinAir Helicopters.
  • Transportation Service Provider of the Year:
    Llewellyn Willock (United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd.)
    Prize: A complimentary 2-night stay for two at Cocobay Resort.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Award Winners

  • Digital Marketing Excellence Award: The Escape at Nonsuch Bay Resort
  • Social Media Excellence Award: Antigua Inside Out

Special Awards

  • Lifetime Achievement Award:
    Chef Brian Joseph
    Executive Chef at the Hawksbill Resort Antigua. Chef Brian is a culinary icon with over 35 years in the industry, he has been recognized for his remarkable career, international training, and dedication to community service. A culinary icon with over 35 years in the industry, Chef Brian has been recognized for his remarkable career, international training, and dedication to community service.

Prize: Two complimentary American Airlines tickets sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (USA Office).

  • Cruise Industry Awards:
    • Antigua Cruise Port: Celebrating 25 years of service.
    • Jeannie Joseph: Operations Manager at Bryson’s Shipping, honored for her exceptional career growth.
    • Mrs. Belinda Hanson-Peters: Vendor at the Vendors Mall for over 20 years, recognized for her outstanding customer service and contribution to tourism.

Culinary Excellence

This year, Team Antigua and Barbuda dazzled at the Taste of the Caribbean, earning prestigious accolades:

  • Ronald Wilson (Bronze Medal, Senior Chef)
  • Azarie Crump (Bronze Medal, Junior Chef)
  • Britanya McLaren (Silver Medal, Pastry Chef)
  • Auslando Davis (Bronze Medal, Mixologist)

These professionals, guided by Manager Chef Maurine Bowers and Mentor Chef Olvanah Richardson-Burnette, have been named Culinary Ambassadors by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

The Gala, attended by industry leaders and government officials, underscored the dedication and talent of its honourees. The collective efforts of these individuals and organizations continue to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry.