#TurksandCaicos, March 11, 2021 – Annually, the members of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association host a night of celebration, applauding the exceptional service and achievements of employees in the hospitality sector.
This year, the 13th annual TCHTA
Star Awards focused on the efforts of those in the industry and on the front-line
who showed selfless commitment to their teams and to the wider Turks and Caicos
communities.
The closure of the country’s borders due to
COVID-19 delivered a devastating blow to the tourism sector; the largest
industry and revenue-generator in Turks and Caicos. Still, these Pandemic Icons
went above and beyond to do their part in maintaining the strength and vitality
of the sector and the country at large.
Many of the country’s most anticipated
events have been cancelled because of COVID-19. Todd Foss, President of the
TCHTA, said it was important to the association that it not lose the
opportunity to give accolades to these beacons in the community. “The heroism and
selflessness shown by employees in the tourism industry and by the essential
workers in our community is something we are honoured to pay tribute to. We are
thankful to the Board of Directors and members of the association for their
continued support of this event, and especially thankful to The Palms for
providing a venue and protocol team to assist us in producing this special
edition of the TCHTA Star Awards.”
In contrast to the fanfare of the sold-out
formal event held a year ago, this year’s ceremony was limited to awardees and
their managers in strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols. Awardees were scheduled
in groups and set to arrive every half hour. A greeter ensured each group was
sanitized and properly distanced as they filed onto the lawn, and seating was
spaced appropriately. Once awards were
received, the awardees exited the space immediately and the resort team
re-sanitized the area in preparation for the next group.
Despite the strict protocols, the beauty of
the event left nothing to be desired. The perfectly manicured Croquet Lawn was
immaculately decorated with confetti-filled balloons in the event’s signature
black, white and gold colours, and each group provided with white parasols to
keep them shaded. Take-away breakfasts
sponsored by The Palms and Beaches Turks & Caicos were available to guests
as they exited.
Stacy Cox, CEO of the association shared
her excitement at the execution of Pandemic Icon Awards, “This year’s event was
intimate, yet dynamic. Our awardees have exceeded the standard set by the TCHTA.
They are gold-star individuals who embody the true spirit of the Star Awards.
We are ecstatic that the event was so seamlessly executed, and that our new
Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly could join the festivities. The
TCHTA is proud of the accomplishments of these hard-working tourism
professionals, and those of our essential workers who have dedicated themselves
to working keeping Turks and Caicos healthy and safe.”
Along with the tourism employees, special
awards were given to Ministry of Health, the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands
Police Force, Interhealth Canada, and The Salvation Army for their work in the
communities throughout the pandemic.
Cargo Express, TCI Distributors, and the TCHTA Community Staples
committee were also awarded for the accomplishments of the feeding program held
last year.
Hon Matthew Stubbs was in attendance as shadow Minister to the Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly, who gave the keynote address and joined in the presentation of the awards. Mr. Jeff Morgan, General Manager at The Palms, delivered the welcome address. Ms. Sonia Simmons, TCHTA Communications Manager, was Mistress of Ceremonies.