Caribbean Tourism Week Ends in New York with Award Ceremony

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) wrapped up Caribbean Tourism Week in New York City last Friday (June 15) with the presentation of awards to a number of persons for their life-long contribution and innovation in hospitality management and delivery.
Six persons, whose work have helped to shape the image of the regional tourism product, were recognized for their excellence in the field at the 34th annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The honourees were: Rita Cabrer Botello, writer/publisher, and Josser Daniel, taxi operator from the Dominican Republic; Lasana Mwanza Sekou, poet/story-teller/author/publisher from Aruba and St. Martin; Wyclef Jean, entertainer from Haiti; Earl B. Smith, tourism entrepreneur from Barbados and Canada; and Wesley Winfield ‘Wes’ Hall, sporting legend/tourism administrator from Barbados.
Mr. Smith was presented with the Special Recognition Award for his pioneering approach to regional tourism, designing the policy which today, allows hotels to hold three nights deposit when cancellations are made with no advanced warning.
Cricketing great ‘Wes’ Hall received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the many sports-related initiatives which he implemented during his tenure as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism in the l980s. His acceptance speech earned him a standing ovation from the audience, which represented a wide cross-section of the travel and hospitality industries.
Other highlights of the black tie gala included a display of flags of the Caribbean and performances by the Danza Fiesta Group of Puerto Rico, Lambert & The Matadores Orchestra, Martinique Sunrise (a dance ensemble), and Nadine Sutherland of Jamaica.