FEATURE
MEET A BAJAN
DUDLEY ‘SAMMY’ KING FLORAL ARRANGER AT THE CRANE Sammy began his career at the once prestigious Sam Lords Castle, where he started doing floral arrangements, but he honed his skills at The Crane. Photo: Andrew Hulsmeier
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Ins & Outs of Barbados
here are not many resorts in the world that can boast of having a resident Floral Arranger, who is also a self acknowledged Marriage Counsellor. And with that little known secret, we introduce Dudley ‘Sammy’ King who is without a doubt one of the friendliest, most charismatic people you will ever meet. When asked to describe his duties Sammy states with a slight grin, “I am a floral arranger, I mend marriages and so forth.” He goes on to describe the joy he receives from making those special arrangements that help to pacify the most difficult of situations. Sammy relates one of them: “There was a gentleman who didn’t know how to make his wife happy, I told him I could make things work out for him. I made a big flower arrangement and he asked me to take it to the room. I said, “no, I brought this for you to take to your wife. If you want your marriage mended take this to her.” He recalls his initial interactions with owner, Paul Doyle, who encouraged him to start making floral arrangements at the resort even though there was already a resident florist. “He liked my arrangements so much that I knocked out the competition.” Sammy and Paul also share the same birthday, a coincidence which has deepened the mutual bonds of loyalty. Having spent a decade at The Crane, Sammy has many fond memories and recalls when he first came to the resort. At that time there was only The Historic Hotel, Building 2 was under construction, there were no cascading pools, no tennis courts and certainly no Crane Village. Sammy is also known for his diligence. Upon arrival at work, he first checks to make sure that all the hanging and potted plants are adequately trimmed and watered. Then he visits Guest Services to collect orders for special projects, such as wedding arches, bridal bouquets and tabletop arrangements. In his spare time Sammy enjoys travelling, especially the occasional trip to St. Vincent & The Grenadines, where, in his early 20s, he met his first girlfriend. He also thoroughly enjoys going on picnics at his favourite spot in Farley Hill, on the East Coast. In Sammy’s mind, everyone should come to The Crane since it is “the best place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze away from the hustle and bustle.” He is so happy in his position and proud of his job that he is not looking forward to retirement; he particularly enjoys the camaraderie with his immediate boss, Landscaping Manager, Edwin Franklyn. His wish? To continue to work as long as he is physically able.