Hard work and dedication brings true joy. The staff of Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa can attest to this saying. On Thursday, April 3, 2014 the resort held its annual staff awards ceremony “Saluting Their Stars”. The staff awards is an event to recognize the efforts of the staff throughout the year. Over 50 staff members were awarded in various categories, for their contribution to the hotel.
Topping the awards was Employee of the Year Althea Williams of the Dining Room. An elated Ms Williams, on receiving the top award of the afternoon, told The Times that she was not expecting such an award. “I am speechless; I didn’t expect it but I am glad and proud,” she said Williams is a mother of three children, from the community of Steer Town and a past student of the Marcus Garvey Technical High School. She said it was always her passion to work in the hospitality industry. She described herself as a team player who is always willing to assist her co-workers with any needs as well as one who carried out her duties at the hotel effectively. Williams won several prizes which included: overseas trip, courtesy of Caribbean Airlines, $50,000 in cash courtesy of Sagicor and trip to Sheraton Lake Buena Vista in Florida. The manager of the year was Maygon Allen of the Accounts department; she received a 42-inch flat screen television set, courtesy of Singer, and other prizes . Other awards included top wine-seller, which went to Marcia Grant; Bartender of the Year, Damion Whittingham; Chef of the Year, Kevin Hanson; Most Exemplary, Kerecia Stewart and Ambassador of the Year, Kevin Finderson.
Department of the Year went to the stewarding department; the team was very ecstatic about such an achievement. Supervisor of the year was Wenden Henry of the Food and Beverage Department. Among her many prizes was a tablet, courtesy of Coldfield Manufacturing. The event was emceed by Ricardo Foreman & Angelia Tulloch, staff members of the resort. Guest speaker was Dr. Nsombe Jaja, lecturer at the Mona School of Business. She implored the awardees to chase their purposes and life will be amazing. She said vision was very important to an individual and that persons are to envision their lives for their long term goals. Tanya Stephens had the audience well entertained.
