The Tribune

THE Cacique Award, which honour individuals whose dedication and commitment to the tourism industry exceed the highest standard of service excellence, will be held for the 17th time in April, with 25 categories recognised.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Hotel Association held the first annual Cacique Award in 1996 when the long-standing tourism partners joined their respective awards - the National Tourism Achievement Awards and the Hotel Industry Awards - to celebrate the finest in industry.

Since then, the Cacique Award, considered by many to be the most prestigious awards ceremony in the country, has been held as a black tie, red carpet, celebrity-style event. The finalists, and winners are treated like celebrities as employers, fellow employees, family and friends support their “choice recipient” amidst a cadre of industry professionals, organisations, executives, artisans, musicians and lifetime achievers who gather to be recognised for their achievements and to receive the illustrious Cacique Duho trophy.

Carlton Russell, President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) said: “This award plays an integral role in reminding us that everyone matters in the tourism industry. The Cacique Award finalists and winners exemplify that which is ingrained in each of us, aspects of ourselves we must continue to cultivate and contribute to society. This award goes beyond recognising great service and performance, it extols the achievements of persons we are proud to celebrate, admire and emulate.”

The BHTA contributed its design of the Duho as the award trophy, as it had traditionally used the Duho for their Hotelier Awards. The Duho is a befitting symbol of distinction: as the leader of the Lucayan community, the “Cacique” would hold official meetings and perform ceremonial functions, while seated on a beautiful, intricately carved “seat” which represented the Cacique’s authority and superior standing in the community.

The judging panel’s honorary chairman is E John Deleveaux and chairman is Bridget Murray and includes Ruth Gardiner, Natasha Wright, Micklyn Lightbourne, Chef Michael Adderley, Chef Don Ingraham and Chef Edwin Johnson.

BHTA CACIQUE FINALISTS

Manager of The Year: Tyrone Anderson – Valentines Residences Resort & Marina, Harbour Island Eleuthera; Monique Taylor - Comfort Suites, Paradise Island; Shanasco Campbell – British Colonial Hilton, Nassau.

Supervisor of The Year: Avan Wilson – Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bhruna Neymour - Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros; Jerome Sears - British Colonial Hilton, Nassau.

Sales Executive of The Year: Tia Duncombe - Comfort Suites, Paradise Island; Deryn Prabhu - British Colonial Hilton, Nassau.

Employee of The Year (Front of The House): Dicienzo Storr – Melia Nassau Beach; Wilkah Hart - British Colonial Hilton, Nassau; Randy Rahming – Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Employee of The Year (Heart of The House): Kendal Deveaux – Atlantis, Paradise Island; Jarrad Thompson - British Colonial Hilton, Nassau; Tiffany Seymour - Melia Nassau Beach.

Chef of The Year: Clement Williams – Atlantis, Paradise Island; Cheryl Mckenzie - British Colonial Hilton, Nassau; Mario Adderley - University of the Bahamas.

Hotelier of the Year Category: Eltha Deleveaux – Comfort Suites, Paradise Island; Dean Spychalla – Valentine’s Residences Resort and Marina, Harbour Island, Eleuthera; Jeff Birch – Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros.