It was a night full of history, humor and entertainment, but more importantly, one that saluted some of tourism’s finest.
Co-hosted by international actor, Clifton Davis, who is best known for his five-year stint as Rev. Rueben Gregory on the NBC television series, “Amen,” and local personality Claudette “Cookie” Allens, the 7th Annual Cacique Awards last night honoured an impressive list of stellar workers in the country’s number one industry.
These are employees, who according to Mr. Ross McDonald, vice-president of the Royal Bank of Canada for The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, have contributed to the pride of Bahamians, their accomplishment inspiring many of us to take the extra step. His bank was the principal sponsor of the annual awards.
Joined by family, friends and special guests, more than 15 outstanding tourism professionals were awarded for their exemplary service to the industry.
One such Bahamian was Romeo Farrington, proprietor of Romeo’s Executive Limousine Services and the proud recipient of one of two of last night’s most prestigious awards – the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A consummate professional, Mr. Farrington was honoured for the consistent positive impact he has made over the years on the quality and growth of tourism in The Bahamas.
Mr. Farrington, who holds many awards for his contributions to the industry, said he was humbled and he vowed to continue doing what he has done for the country over the past 40 years, until he gets much older.
“I was pleasantly surprised, but it all goes to show that you should always press on, because you never know who’s watching,” he said. “I intend to continue setting a good example for my colleagues in the tourism industry, as well as doing all in my power to cause visitors to return to The Bahamas.” He added that it is this type of positive attitude that has motivated many of his customers to return “home” for more than 30 years, a good indication that they are enjoying his service.
“I feel that all we need to do as Bahamians, is simply be nice,” Mr. Farrington said. “If we continue doing a very good job, our tourists will keep coming back again and again.”
Presenting the event’s second coveted honour – the Minister of Tourism award -Minister Wilchcombe said as a result of the foundation laid by such honourees, he is confident of tourism’s future.
“We must continue to build on such achievements,” he reminded both honourees and special guests attending the event at the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, “in order to guard our tourism industry – a very invaluable inheritance.”
The Minister’s Award went to Grand Bahama resident Anthony “Zips” Hanna.
As The Bahamas tourism does not exist in isolation, the Cacique Awards also recognized international partners including British Airways, Travel Lifestyles travel agency, tour operators Air Canada Vacations, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises and travel writer, Ann Vanderhoof.
The annual Cacique Awards, which has an illustrious foundation in the National Tourism Achievement Awards, was initiated in 1995.
Among those attending the event were James Avery, better known as “Uncle Phil” from the sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air;” Xernona Clayton, executive producer of the Trumpet Awards; Judge Glenda Hanchett, jurist and television host; Prime Minister Perry Christie and Mrs. Bernadette Christie, Lady Marguerite Pindling; Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin and Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
By Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
