It only occurred to many who were in attendance just how much work goes into making a 5-star resort like Grand Pineapple operational, during the company’s annual Prestige Awards.

The recently held ceremony recognized and awarded team members, from departments to include Housekeeping, Bars, Kitchen, Food and Beverage, Maintenance, Accounts, Sales, Entertainment among other areas, who have exceeded the expectations of their teammates, guests and management.

Among the shining stars were 2013 Resort Team Member of The Year – Athena James from Accounts, runner-up Clesa Hazelwood from Sales, Manager of The Year – Amber Kirby from Front Office, Supervisor – Joan Joseph from Housekeeping, Most Nominated by Guest – Sasha Mitchell from the Photoshop and Kerry Vital who received the Sandals Foundation Community Spirit Award.

Other winners included Gerald Durand who copped the General Manager’s Award, Youland Morris for the Hotel Manager Heart of House Award, Revenue Earner/Bars Manager Kevin Isaac, Andre Davis from Kitchen for being the Most Improved, Dewanne Browne from Accounts who captured the Sandals Earthguard Award and Monetta Browne for her Smile and Courtesy.

Biggest winner of the Prestige Awards night Athena James spoke of her accomplishment after the ceremony. “It’s really nice to feel appreciated by the team members and managers as well. It is surprising but gratifying at the same time.”

James encourages anyone in the tourism industry especially in hospitality to “go the extra mile” in order to succeed.

In congratulating both nominees and winners, General Manager Fernand Zievinger noted, “In the few months that I have been here, you have all made me very proud to be a part of the best resort with the best team anyone could possibly ask for. Let us continue to rise so that we can become number 1 in the hotel industry across the world”.

Local Radio Personality Sly J – The Chief Rocker hosted the Grand Pineapple Prestige Awards.