The 14th Cacique Awards were held at the Rainforest Theatre at the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Friday, during which time individuals who have made a contribution to tourism in The Bahamas received much deserved recognition.
Majestic Tours proprietor, William “Bill” Saunders was the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and the Hotelier of the Year Award went to George Markantonis, President and Managing Director of Kerzner International (Bahamas).
Speaking to the country’s youth while accepting his award, Mr Saunders, said, “You can be whatever you aspire to be, providing you have the dedication and the vision to make it happen.”
Mr Markantonis said everybody in the tourism sector, especially over the last two years, deserves an award for their hard work. He said whatever he and his team at Kerzner International Bahamas have done so far, will be done even better in the coming years.
Recently-departed tourism contributors were also acknowledged for their contributions, among them Sir Clement T Maynard, the former Minister of Tourism for whom the Minister’s Award for Hospitality is now named.
In addition, former Cacique sound engineers Lavard Curtis and Clarence “Nat” Williams were acknowledged. Both were killed in a plane crash in October, 2010.
Winners in all categories were:
Sustainable Tourism – Stuart Cove, Nassau
Handicraft – Dorothy Miller, Long Island
Transportation – SkyBahamas
Sports, Leisure & Events – Justin Sands, Abaco
Human Resources Development – Marilyn Brennen, Lyford Cay Club
Creative Arts – Bahamas National Youth Choir, Nassau
Minister’s Award for Hospitality – Ali Bain, Nassau
Lifetime Achievement – William “Bill” Saunders
People’s Choice Award, Gospel – Shaback, Nassau
People’s Choice Award, Secular – KB and The Sting, Nassau
Supervisor of the Year – Vivienne Haynes, Kerzner International Bahamas
Sales Executive of the Year – Molly McIntosh, Green Turtle Cay Club and Marina
Employee of the Year – Micklyn Lightbourne, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa and Resort
Chef of the Year – Michael Adderley, Kerzner International Bahamas
Manager of the Year – Kressville P. Ritchie, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa and Resort
Hotelier of the Year – George Markantonis, Kerzner International Bahamas
Tour Operator of the Year – CheapCaribbean.com
Cruise Line of the Year – Royal Caribbean International
Travel Writer of the Year – Thomas Haines, AOPA Magazine
Airline of the Year – JetBlue Airways
