The screams and shouts of approval filled the Lily Pond Lawn as Couples Sans Souci Resort on Thursday, April 14, rolled out the red carpet to honor and celebrate the outstanding performance of their staff for 2015.
The annual staff awards ceremony was held on the property of the hotel located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
The master of ceremonies for the event was media personality and comedian, Elva Ruddock, who kept the gathering of staff members, management officials and guests entertained as they celebrated the success of those being recognized.
General Manager of Couples Sans Souci Resorts, Pierre Battaglia, in his remarks, congratulated the employees of all departments, in delivering quality services. This he said had made Couples Sans Souci win several awards over the years and maintain a high ranking on the renowned tourism travel website, Trip Advisor.
CEO at Couples Resorts, Glenn Lawrence, who was the guest speaker, lauded the staff for their contribution and recognized especially those members of staff who had been with the hotel for ten years.
“Couples has benefitted from everybody’s effort… That’s why the organization has achieved so much,” he explained, while adding that even with 150 rooms, the hotel had managed to be right at the top with its competitors in the tourism market.
“If you really enjoy what you are doing, then you are enjoying what God really intended man to do,” Mr Lawrence told the employees.
The awards presentation saw employees from all departments receiving trophies, plaques and gift certificates for their hard work throughout 2015.
The employee of the year in the front of house category went to Tasha-Gaye Braham of Front Office, while the back of the house category winner went to Samantha Pryce of the Kitchen. The team leader of the year went to Andrew Rodney of the Bar. Leroy Walker of the Maintenance Department won the manager of the year title, while junior manager of the year 2015 went to Allestean Johnson of Cost Control.
Emotions were high for Sasha Lewis as tears streamed down her face as she collected the General Manager’s award for 2015.
The bubbly Una McIntosh, alias ‘16’ of Housekeeping walked away with the most active environmental warden award, while the Laundry department won the most environmentally friendly department.
The most prestigious award of the afternoon’s function was the department of the year for 2015. That award was copped by the Front Office.
Employees were also rewarded for giving five and ten years of service to the hotel. Entertainment was provided by 2015 Digicel Rising Stars winner Jody-Kay.
