Oct. 17, 2006 – The Tommy Star Awards and Gala, the annual hospitality event of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association, will take place Nov. 4, at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef. The fifth annual gala recognizes employees that demonstrate exemplary service in the hospitality industry.
This year's awards will laud associates in the following categories: airline, attractions/activities, hospitality support service, hotel associate and supervisor, restaurant, public service, retail and taxi operator. The Tommy Star Award of Excellence will be awarded to a 50-year veteran employee of Caneel Bay Resort, Cornelius Matthias. He continues to share his island wisdom to visitors arriving on the Caneel Bay ferry. The Association will also offer special recognition to three elementary school students–Nicole Berry (Joseph Sibilly School), Nadira Blondell (Leonard Dober School) and Cleve Wyatt (J. Antonio Jarvis School) — for winning the essay contest offered during the release of the first "Tommy Goes to School" newsletter.
"The pride of the nominees and the impending excitement of the gala are in itself gratifying," said Beverly Nicholson Doty, president of the Hotel & Tourism Association. Fundraising events such as this allow us to award student scholarships and subsidize other educational programs. This year, we presented Bernell Lanclos and Latisha Ramsey with $2500 each for their continuing studies."
Star Sponsors, those contributing $5000 to the event, include: The West Indian Company Limited, the Department of Tourism, First Express, the Ritz Carlton, Southland Gaming, WSTA and Film VI. A host of other companies and individuals have offered financial support and in-kind services to ensure that this year's event is successful."
Tickets are now available, priced at $100 including dinner and dancing. Tables of 10 are also available for purchase. For additional details or to support the event, contact the Association office at 774-6835.
