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Uton Graham, Bars Manager at BTC masters his mix with training the next generation
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Persons having an interest in careers within the hospitality industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, will always look towards attaching themselves to the most recognised international brand in the industry, the Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC) resort. This is true for Bar Manager, Uton Graham, who has been with BTC for over 25 years.
Having developed his craft within the department, this father of four credits his growth to the training and mentorship of the largest all-inclusive family resort on the islands, Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Joining the organisation in 1998, Uton started as a bar porter. With training, came regular promotions to bartender, supervisor, assistant manager and now the manager of one of the most dynamic departments at the resort.
“When I started with this company, little did I know that I would become the head of the bar department. I knew that this was the best place for me to improve my skills and Beaches Turks and Caicos provided the best opportunities for growth and improvement,” Graham shared.
While revealing that he knew very little about the standards affiliated with providing international bartending services at family resorts, he was quick to point out that it was through the many training courses that he became an expert. “Within Sandals and Beaches resorts, training and mentorship the hallmarks we live by. Former bars manager at BTC, Sam Hall, was the first person who saw the talent in me and exposed me to the qualities of being the leader I am today,” Uton noted.
Being guided by experienced leaders throughout his career, Uton is committed to also training and building those who enter his department. He views as one of the major factors of his leadership structure, the need to empower and build leaders in whatever career path they may be interest in. This experience, according to one of his protégés, Simone Woodfine, a bartender for more than 10-years is one of Uton’s biggest strengths. “Uton is patient with us as team members and is always encouraging us to challenge ourselves to be certified and empowered in our respective areas. The many online courses that are offered by the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) are mandated by him as our manager. He oftentimes tells us about his growth within the organisation and reminds us about the value of working at BTC,” Woodfine shared.
James McAnally, general manager shared, “Uton is arguably one of the finest leaders that we have at our resort. He has grown within the organisation and is currently sharing the blueprint of his success with those he’s leading. He maintains an open door policy which allows his team members and those from other departments to relate to him as a leader and friend. He has shown genuine interest in the development of his team members and has been a father figure to the young professionals entering the field.”
“Being able to manage the bar department at a family resort takes tact and drive. You have to be firm and fair in how you train the staff to relate to guests while maintaining a professional demeanour at all times. Uton adds value to his team as he empowers them to enroll in SCU courses that will allow them to grow and develop as leaders,” McAnally noted.
When asked what would be his advice to young professionals entering the industry, Graham shared “The opportunities for growth, educationally and professionally are endless. In order to excel in the career of choice each person is given the tools with which to build their skillset. It is not difficult to accomplish your goals here at BTC, you just have to prepare yourself for the change and make it happen. The opportunities are endless.”
Having shared his story of seizing every opportunity to grow, Uton oftentimes encourages his team members to always look for new ways to excel. Getting started as a bartender was never easy, but the leaders he had around him saw the potential in him and empowered him to grow beyond his comfort level. “The support from family, both at work and at home, will always be the pivotal part of my career as these are the people who enabled me to dream bigger and enjoy a more prosperous and fulfilling life. They are my biggest supporters and they have consistently made it possible for me to empower my team to be able to provide world-class professional service to all our guests,” Graham shared.
Release: BTC
Photo Captions:
Header: Bar Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos Uton Graham
1st insert: Uton Graham, Bar Manager at BTC pours one of his signature cocktails at one of the many bars at the resort
2nd insert: Uton Graham (left) Bar Manager at BTC and Bartender Andrew Clarke show off two of the many top shelf liquor that they have within that department
Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.
Our world is unequal and divided.
Hunger and poverty are rife.
The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
We can choose to eradicate poverty.
We can choose to end inequality.
We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.
We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.
Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.
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AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) set to strengthen Africa-CARICOM linkages
Speakers at ACTIF will include global superstars Viola Davis, Serena Williams, Didier Drogba and African and CARICOM Heads of States
Nassau, Bridgetown, Georgetown, May 28, 2024 – Excitement mounts as The Bahamas prepares to host the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) from 12 – 14 June 2024 in The Bahamas. Themed “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,” ACTIF2024 is set to forge significant pathways for economic prosperity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Other distinguished speakers will include Heads of State from seven CARICOM countries, former Prime Ministers, Ministers of Trade,
Economic Development and Finance, Dr. Roger W Ferguson, Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, USA, Prof. Andreas Klasen, Professor of International Business and Director of the Institute for Trade and Innovation at Offenburg, and many more.
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said: “We are witnessing shifts in the global economic landscape and the trade strategies of major economies, making it imperative for African and Caribbean nations to unite for mutual prosperity. The Afreximbank Annual Meetings and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in The Bahamas will serve as a strategic platform to enhance our economic bonds. These events indicate a vibrant assertion of our shared destiny. We are poised to harness the dynamic economic growth within our regions, enhancing our collective resilience and prosperity.”
The event promises to be a pivotal platform for high-level discussions on economic development and regional integration.
Building on the successes of the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022 and the gathering last year in Guyana, this year’s Forum in The Bahamas will further elevate and expand upon the discussions and initiatives previously set in motion. ACTIF2023, which focused on strengthening economic bonds and creating new investment opportunities, sets a precedent for meaningful collaboration between Africa and the CARICOM nations.
Afreximbank invites industry leaders, trade organisations and other stakeholders in the CARICOM region to participate and attend.
Registration is now open at https://2024.afreximbankevents.com.
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