After winning the Ministry of Tourism’s top award at the Cacique Awards Sunday, entrepreneur Anthony “Zips” Hanna hopes it will change the attitudes of “negative” Grand Bahamians.
The Seventh Annual Cacique Awards was all glitter and glamour, with local and international entertainers, including actor James Avery and ZNS sports broadcaster Christopher Saunders, as presenters.
However, it all came down to the most prestigious, coveted award of the night, the Minister of Tourism’s Award.
Before presenting the award, Obie Wilchcombe said: “This evening has been educational for the most part, as we explore our vision that has been carried out by pioneers in our tourism industry.
“Each of these nominees creates service and hospitality, which empower tourism throughout these islands of The Bahamas. Our future in The Bahamas will not lay in what they have started, but how it built upon. Tourism is indeed everyone’s business,” he added.
Upon receiving his award, Mr. Hanna thanked God, the Ministry and his mother for supporting him.
“This award is very important, because we have a lot of attitude problems in Grand Bahama. I think this will help people to see that they need to change their attitudes,” said Mr. Hanna, owner of Tony Macaroni Conch Experience restaurant.
With this “attitude check,” he said maybe Grand Bahamians will see an increase in cruise ships visitors.
While his purpose is pleasing visitors who come to the island, Mr. Hanna hopes his actions are noticed and emulated by other Grand Bahamians.
He has entertained tourists since the age of four, when Mr. Hanna sang for tourists outside the old British Colonial Hotel. Later, Mr. Hanna was a guest on several American talk shows, including Regis and Kathy Lee. Now he is entertaining tourist at his restaurant in Grand Bahama.
Leviticus Farrington, a 40-year veteran of the limousine business, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Lady Marguerite Pindling.
“I feel super,” Mr. Farrington said. “My life’s achievements have paid off, but I do not feel as if it is the end; I see this as one more step up the ladder. I think the industry needs positive people in it. You must be positive in some way to achieve this.”
Mr. Farrington said he will not leave the industry yet, planning to continue setting an example for other people in the business.
Receiving the Special Award was British Colonial Hilton Hotel owner Ronald Kelly, for restoring the hotel and contributing to the tourism industry.
Entertainer Franklyn “Count Bernadino” Ellis received the Creative Arts Award for his musical work.
Mr. Ellis thanked the Ministry and the awards committee for rewarding him before he passed away and encouraged them not to wait until future and present contributors are just memories.
Other award recipients include Grand Bahamian Albert “Bert” Bell, Carnetha Carew, Karen Cargill, Adelaide Smith-Hamilton, Ivan Evans and Anthony Pinder, Anthony Richard Hall.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
