HOTEL WORKERS gathered in huge numbers recently as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) Hotel and Restaurant Workers’ Week.
Nine hospitality workers were rewarded for their commitment, dedication and exemplary work in the industry, while hundreds enjoyed a week of fun and relaxation, hosted in their honour.
The presentations were made by Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, and deputy chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority, Austin Husbands.
In addition to Caleb Clarke, a security guard at Sandy Lane Hotel capturing the Council Member Of The Year Award, eight current and former tourism industry employees were in the spotlight.
They were BWU member David Babb, head of security of Sandpiper Inn, who has spent 40 years in the industry; shop steward at Colony Club Hotel, Michelle Worrell-Forde, a sous chef with 25 years’ service; Anthony Bowen, who has worked in the industry for 33 years and is a restaurant supervisor at Island Inn Caterers; former shop steward Casville Hunte, who spent 40 years at Sam Lord’s Castle and has been a member of the BWU since 1964; June Worrell-Jones, a room attendant at Coral Reef Hotel, (46 years in the industry); and Vileen Denny, a room attendant at Southern Palms Beach Club, who has spent the past 37 years in the tourism sector.
The Hotel and Restaurant Workers’ Week was officially launched at St Mary’s Anglican Church earlier this month, where a presentation was made to the church by treasurer of the Council of Hotel Workers, Ethrille Crichlow.
Secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Hugh Riley, also addressed the workers who staged a concert at Solidarity House and visited a number of places of interest, including Bath, Harrisons Cave, and Hunte’s Nurseries, as part of their activities.
On September 11, the workers, members of the BWU and well-wishers will take to the seas on board the Harbour Master, thus bringing the curtain down on their annual celebrations. (CCH)