It was an evening of glitz and glamour recently, as Sandals LaSource hosted its Annual Staff Prestige Awards, crowning Sous Chef Doniella Thornville as its Diamond Talent of the Year.
The annual red-carpet event, hosted at Spice Basket, acknowledges the dedication and hard work of the Sandals LaSource team, standing as the crème de la crème of its year-long recognition exercise.
The staff were decked out in gowns and other formal wear in keeping with the event’s Hollywood theme. They strolled down the red carpet to professional photography and cocktail greetings from their managers in keeping with their prestigious standings for excellent year’s performance.
Stephanie Sylvester, Human Resource Manager for Sandals LaSource Grenada, said the second annual Staff Prestige Awards stood on par with the three-decade long standards associated with Sandals Resorts, even for its team.
“We all work to create a luxury experience for our guests but at the awards we want our talents to luxuriate and to know that they are the true stars of the success that is Sandals LaSource,” Sylvester said.
Guest speaker at the event was one of Grenada’s top rated tourism professionals, Certified Caribbean Hospitality Trainer, Edward Frederick, who delivered a stirring and thought-provoking presentation touching on the career-building and dedication — factors that define the property’s highest awardee — Doniella Thornhill took the top award; Diamond Team Member of the Year.
Sous Chef at the resort’s critically acclaimed Butch’s Steakhouse, Thornhill “exudes a sense of pride and zeal that moves her team in a positive way’, according to general manager Peter Fraser.
Thornhill will for the next year be the face of the Sandals LaSource Grenada and will represent the island at the annual Ultimate Awards later this year in Jamaica, where her counterparts are from all Sandals and Beach Resorts and sister companies throughout the Caribbean.
She has also secured herself an all expenses paid trip for five nights for two at any Beaches or Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean, along with a Samsung Flat Screen TV and Surround Sound System and a cash prize.
Trailing close behind Thornhill is the property’s Platinum Team Member of the Year by the likes of Elite Butler, Chrystel Connaught. Her journey with Sandals Resorts began at the bartends and she has since proven herself to be an outstanding talent.
Another shining star was Manager of the Year Chef Aprioniano Jhun Agad.
“Chef Jhun exemplifies leadership in every sense of the word, he inspires, teaches, motivates and ultimately uplifts his team”, said Hotel Manager, Supratik Guha.
The A Team Award of the Year, bestowed upon the most outstanding team, went to the Landscaping department, which stood as the only department to maintain a consistent five score rating in guests’ reviews. The 15 person team is responsible for the carefully manicured gardens and special features around the 17 acre Sandals LaSource Resort.
Other winners of the night are: Nathaniel Jacob who won the Earth Guard award which is given to the team member who makes the most effort to conserve energy and best contributes to the safekeeping of the environment; Nasha Smith-Bailey, Sandals Foundation Community Spirit Award which is given to the team member who participates the most in the philanthropic arm of the organization; Rondelle Modeste for Most Guest Nominated; Aneesha Andrews for Smile and Courtesy Award; Junior Charles for Most Improved; Elisha Francis for Heart of the House; Randy Lewis for Supervisor of the Year; Paul Murrell for Financial Controllers Award; Hedia Gray Telesford for Top Revenue Earner; and Caprice Collins for the People’s Choice Award.
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