Sandals Prestige Awards Celebrates African Heritage

On Friday, the ninth annual Sandals Resort Prestige Awards were presented in a regal setting.

In honor of Sandals Barbados’ “kings and queens,” the Sandals Royal Barbados Ballroom was turned into an African castle.

The evening of African elegance, which had the theme “Ubuntu,” an African expression that means “I am because we are,” emphasized the great staff and their amazing service.

It was a fitting topic for the awards event as Carl Beviere, Regional Managing Director of Sandals Resort International, emphasized that the success of the widely acclaimed hotel is a result of the extraordinary efforts of their amazing team and distinctive service.

Renee Coppin, the chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), and Ian Gooding-Edghill, the minister of tourism, were among the audience members. In his opening remarks, Beviere praised all of the staff members for acting as admirable ambassadors and helping to restore Barbados’ tourism industry and social life following the inconvenience of COVID-19’s visit.

“We at Sandals are proud to be associated with the island and do our part to promote and provide employment opportunities for the people of Barbados in every sector of the resort.

“What makes tonight even more special is, there are no losers here, everyone is a winner and role model to their department and peers to emulate… “

After leaving COVID three years ago, I can declare with pride that we are back and better than ever. When I say that, I’m not just talking about Sandals Resorts; I’m talking about Barbados as a whole.

For our late chairman, Barbados has consistently been the crowning achievement. The island has long been distinguished and regarded as a desirable travel destination by tourists because of its beauty, its people, and its legacy.

We at Sandals are happy to be affiliated with the island and do all in our power to support and give Barbadians job opportunities in every area of the resort.

Their dedication has so far paid off, as every Barbadian has earned a Sandals Diamond Talent award from the program’s inception, setting the standard at the absolute highest level.

As the recipient of the prestigious Diamond Team Award, Dischawn Alleyne of the landscaping department was the talk of the awards event. Dwayne Carter of Stewarding received the Platinum Team Award, while Patricia Arthur of Wedding & Romance received the MVP Award.

The Haynesville Community Dancing Group’s rhythmic movements and sounds, as well as a well-chosen playlist by well-known DJ team Salt & Don, added to the occasion’s festive atmosphere.

Sandals Prestige Awardees: