Providenciales, 04 Nar 2016 – Immigration Officer, Ms. Deandra Dames was the first ever winner of the newly created Star Awards category – Hospitality Hero. This award goes to a frontline employee in the Public Service who exemplifies our nation’s ongoing commitment to great service, who extends a “wow” factor to our visiting guests and who rise to unexpected occasions to a positive and memorable resolution. The selection process included observation of officers’ zeal and cordiality as they interacted with the travelling public, their punctuality, attendance, and passenger feedback.
Ms. Dames joined the Public Service on November 1, 2005 as an Assistant Immigration Officer. Prior to that she served as a teacher at the Doris Robinson Primary School in Middle Caicos and worked with two private sector organizations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. When questioned as to the reason why she wanted to become an Immigration Officer after working in the private sector she cheerfully responded; “I really wanted to work in an area that will help to protect my country’s borders and to welcome genuine visitors to enjoy true paradise.”
Head of the Civil Service, Deputy Governor Anya Williams added; “On behalf of the entire public service I would like to both recognize and congratulate Ms. Deandra Dames on her stellar service as an Immigration Officer at the Providenciales Airport which was recently recognized at the Star Awards.
“The quality of the immigration function at the Providenciales Airport has significantly improved during the last few years, with positive comments continuously being received from tourist that traverse through the airport. Ms. Dames has certainly played a key role in this as she continuously demonstrates a zeal for her job and is fully cognizant of the importance of her role. We are certainly grateful to her and her colleagues for their continued service and would like to encourage them to continue serving with pride and excellence.”
Given that Immigration Officers are the first to greet visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Minister of Border Control and Employment said; “I am elated that an Immigration Officer was selected as the first ever Hospitality Hero at the annual Star Awards event. No doubt this highlights the importance of the service that staff at the Immigration Department render to our country on a daily basis.
“I have had personal experience of the warm welcome home extended to me by Ms. Dames and I have no doubt she is deserving of such an award. For this, I extend my hearty congratulations to her. I also wish to commend other serving officers for the work that they do in welcoming guest to our beautiful shores and encourage them to give of their best at all times. ”
Ministry officials including the Minister of Border Control and Employment, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Clara Gardiner and Director of Immigration, Mr. Larry Mills attended this event to celebrate with Ms. Dames on this crowning moment in her public service career.
