Two of The Bahamas’ finest were recognized on Tuesday for their outstanding achievement at this year’s Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference being held at the Hyatt in downtown Miami.
Capturing the award for Caribbean Hotel Employee of the Year from Radisson Cable Beach was Dellarese Frazier while Bahamas Hotel Association Executive Vice President Frank Comito received the honours as Hotel Association Executive of the Year for large associations.
“We are thrilled to see that two of our finest have received this regional distinction” stated BHA President Earle Bethell, who is attending the conference along with a large delegation of hotel and allied members from BHA. ﾠ”Both of them epitomize the highest ideals and commitment to excellence for our industry and we offer them our wholehearted congratulations” he added.
Ms. Frazier was this year’s Cacique Award winner in the same category. She entered the industry in 1985 as a bus person, and was promoted to waitress within three months. ﾠIn 2000 she was promoted to the position of Captain in the Banquet Department. ﾠRecently she was promoted to the position of Supervisor at the Radisson’s Bimini Grille. ﾠHer commitment to providing the highest quality of service is evident in her long record of commendations as an employee as well as glowing comments which she has received from guests.
A team from the Radisson was in attendance at the awards ceremony to lend moral support. ﾠMs. Frazier was notified in advance that she was one of the finalists. ﾠOn hand was Michael Sansbury, Executive Vice President for Bahamar, Ben Davis, General Manager for the Radisson, Ricardo Pearce from the Radisson and Ms. Frazier’s mother.
“We are extremely proud of Dellarese and her accomplishments” stated Mr. Davis. ﾠ”Her enthusiasm, her deep understanding of her ambassadorial role not only for the Radisson but for the entire Bahamas, and her commitment to excellence provide example for all of us” he added.
Mr. Comito has played a leadership role in workforce development and economic development throughout his career, earlier in the Virgin Islands, then with a leading organization in Washington DC which focused on improving America’s workforce. ﾠOver seven years ago he assumed the position of Executive Director for the Nassau Tourism & Development Board, where he engaged the organization in a range of programs which have led to improvements in a number of areas of the tourism product in New Providence. ﾠHe presently serves as Executive Vice President for the Bahamas Hotel Association and has been active in advancing new member products and services, and supporting the organization’s partnership role with the Ministry of Tourism and other in a range of product development, education and training and sustainable tourism efforts.
“Frank’s dedication and his tireless work in helping to improve our industry and indeed our nation deserves recognition. ﾠHis earlier work with the Nassau Tourism & Development Board captured the attention of many of us in industry and at the Ministry of Tourism. ﾠSince joining BHA less than two years ago he had put in place several new programs and is laying a foundation which we believe will have long-term meaningful impact on the industry” stated BHA President Earl Bethell.
The awards were presented at a special luncheon attended by nearly 1,000 conference delegates. ﾠThe annual “Salute to the Stars of the Caribbean AMEX Awards to Outstanding Achievement in the Hospitality Industry” is sponsored by American Express in cooperation with the Caribbean Hotel Association. ﾠPresenting the awards were Berthia Parle, President of CHA, and Dee Dee Rodriquez representing American Express.
