The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) hosted its annual Tourism Awards Gala on Saturday night, celebrating the outstanding achievements of workers across the hotel and hospitality sector. Held at Sandals Grande Antigua under the theme “Mirror Ball Gala: A Night to Reflect and Shine,” the event highlighted the dedication, professionalism, and service that continue to drive the nation’s tourism success.

ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall said the awards represent the association’s commitment to investing in the people who form the backbone of the industry.

“We invested in stronger collaboration — working closely with government, unions, training partners, and the private sector,” Marshall said. “Our meetings were honest, passionate, sometimes spirited, but always geared toward strengthening the industry we all love.”

He added that the association continues to push for fairness, standards, and opportunities that elevate both workers and visitor experiences.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), Colin C. James, also reflected on the theme of the night, noting that individual brilliance fuels collective success.

“When each person shines in their own way, collectively that lights up the entire room — and our entire industry,” James said. “Our tripartite partnership is one of the greatest strengths of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism success. We share one vision and one mission. If you want to go far, go together — and tonight, we celebrate how far we’ve gone together.”

82 Hospitality Professionals Recognized
This year, 82 individuals from hotels and ancillary services were recognized for exemplary service, including employees, supervisors, chefs, customer service professionals, and tourism ambassadors.

Top Award Winners

Employee of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Albev Wade, Blue Waters Hotel
•⁠ ⁠Finalists: Tevin Johnnie (Keyonna Beach Resort), Joyette Pigott (Siboney Beach Club)

Supervisor of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Sophia Welch, Mill Reef Club
•⁠ ⁠Finalists: Tamolla Joseph (Curtain Bluff), Michelle Martin (Sandals Grande)

Rising Star Award

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Shemaiah Gordon, Royalton Antigua
•⁠ ⁠Finalists: Khari Shaw (Mill Reef Club), Masadie Isaac (Sandals Grande)

Young Hotelier of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Leon Norville, Sandals Grande
•⁠ ⁠Finalists: Gishawn Whyte (Royalton Antigua), Careena Eastwood (Trade Winds Hotel)

Young Chef of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Kahendi Jackson, Hermitage Bay
•⁠ ⁠Finalists: Unique Roberts (Jumby Bay), Jaleel Edwards (Sandals Grande)

Chef of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Jean-Pierre Tuitt, Jumby Bay Resort

Customer Service Excellence

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Sandy Ramsaran, Sandals Grande
•⁠ ⁠Finalists: Solange Benta (Hermitage Bay), Que Brathwaite (Siboney Beach Club)

Port Frontline Employee of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Jahlyn Turner, Department of Immigration

Tour Guide of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Philbert John Baptiste

Transportation Service Provider of the Year

•⁠ ⁠Winner: Ian Richards

Social Media Excellence

•⁠ ⁠Winner: @Antigua_inside_out

Lifetime Achievement Honoured
The ABHTA also paid tribute to its former chairman, the late Alex De Brito, presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. His family accepted the honour on his behalf, receiving warm applause from the tourism community.

The evening closed with heartfelt reflections on the sector’s resilience and the people who continue to elevate Antigua and Barbuda as a premier Caribbean destination.