12-PAGE FEATURE
SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
Hilton Barbados Celebrates 5th Anniversary since reopening “We support World Tourism Day 2010”
2 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
5th Anniversary Message From Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy. IT IS an enormous pleasure for me to share in the fifth anniversary celebrations of the reopening of Hilton Barbados, which has maintained the fine reputation for which the Hilton brand has come to be known globally. Congratulations to the management and staff on this landmark achievement, particularly at a time when the impact of the economic crisis is taking its toll on so many businesses. The decision to establish any kind of business carries inherent risks, risks that the then Government of Barbados was prepared to take when it came to an agreement with Hilton Global to establish in this country in 1966 a 184-room hotel with a staff of 350 Barbadians. That decision was a key one for the development of Barbados’ tourism industry and I am particularly pleased to have learned of, and personally seen, the growth and development of this hotel over the decades. An often used expression in Barbados says “nothing good comes easy” and so it has been with Hilton Barbados; there have been challenging times in the past and we are currently facing enormous difficulties in the industry. This is why it is important, perhaps now more than ever, for service excellence and professionalism to be the
Message from Shawn Franklin, acting chairman of Needham’s Point Holding. AS THE HILTON BARBADOS celebrates its fifth anniversary of operations since its reincarnation and its handover to the manager, Hilton International (now Hilton Worldwide), the Board of Directors of Needham's Point Holdings Ltd, the owning company, extends its sincere congratulations to the hotel's management and staff. The owner is particularly pleased with the hotel's direct and indirect contributions to the country's economy during the past five years of its operation, concurrent with being an exemplary corporate citizen. It is noteworthy that within those years Barbadians have occupied
The success story continues acknowledge the key role played by Marilyn Soper, the immediate past general manager, in bringing to the Hilton Barbados a style of management which was firm, yet sensitive to the needs of staff and clients alike. Undoubtedly, her sterling efforts in no small measure contributed to making the Hilton Barbados the success that it is today, and RICHARD SEALY to allowing locals to feel as MINISTER OF TOURISM (FP) welcome to the Hilton as watchwords in our tourism do visitors to the island. Hilton Barbados is business. operating in a world totally This hotel exemplifies different from when it first this truism, and I must say opened its doors in 1966. that in the course of the many meetings, receptions The emergence of new and other events that I have tourism markets all across the globe present travellers attended at the Hilton, I have observed a high level with a dizzying array of choices for their next of service and professionalism, both in the holiday destination. This makes it incumbent upon planning and execution of us to work faster and work the wide range of services smarter to attract visitors to offered by the hotel. Barbados. I am certain that Moreover, Hilton you are equal to the task of Barbados has truly finding those new moulded itself to suit the strategies that will help Barbadian landscape and this is admirable, since now keep the Hilton at the top of its game and Barbados a at a time of economic premier tourism destination crisis, visitors and and the Number One Barbadians alike have developing country in the made a contribution world. towards keeping this hotel Congratulations to all at the forefront of the who have been associated tourism industry. It is almost customary to see a in any way with the blend of locals and visitors continued growth of this fine establishment. Best utilising all the services of wishes and every success this hotel. Allow me at this point to in your future endeavours.
SHAWN FRANKLIN ACTING CHAIRMAN NEEDHAM’S POINT HOLDING (GP)
very senior positions ranging from department heads to middle management and supervisory level. Hilton is to be complimented for not only recognising the owner’s policy of providing Barbadians with the opportunity to fill such positions, but also in
promoting and hiring them when the occasions arose. It is the Board’s view that the Hilton’s adherence to this policy has demonstrated to the hotel industry as whole that there are skilled Barbadians who are capable of filling management positions once given the opportunity. In addition, the hotel's general manager continues to develop its employees through continuous training, which is demonstrated in the high level of service provided to its guests, both local and overseas. We look forward to the continuation of the hotel's provision of this high quality service to all of its guest in the future, as well as the continued development and training of its team members as Hilton Barbados continues to be one of the pillars of our vital tourism industry.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 3
Thank you, for your support Some will also remember the old Hilton property with fond memories of that experience prior to the implosion in 1999. I have no doubt you will agree that AS WE CELEBRATE the the team involved has built fifth anniversary of the a beautiful world class hotel facility that will continue to dominate the business and social calendar of Barbados for many years to come. At this moment of celebration, I would like to thank the people of DIRECTOR OF Barbados for the support OPERATIONS R. Leroy they afforded the hotel over Browne has been with the last five years. Whether Hilton Barbados for the it is a wedding, christening, past three years. However, business meeting, banquet he has been involved in the or just a visit for a meal, local hospitality industry for your continued patronage is over 25 years, during which a wonderful testament to he has gained vast the services provided by experience in hotel the team. operations. When you visit, you are Browne served as food among family, friends and and beverage manager at relatives in a welcoming the Colony Club Hotel and LEROY BROWNE: and hospitable environment the Royal Westmoreland DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS and we will remain focused before taking on senior HILTON BARBADOS (GP) on delivering a quality hotel management roles at experience for all. Beverage, Kitchen, such properties as Silver I must at this time Housekeeping, Recreation, Sands Resort, the Crane acknowledge the team Security and all Front Office Resort and Residences members who have done departments. and, more recently, as Browne describes Hilton their nation proud. When general manager of the Barbados as a great place overseas guests visit these Tamarind Cove Hotel. In his present position at to work and one where the team spirit is excellent, Hilton Barbados, he is noting that the business responsible for overseeing offers great challenges, the hotel's operational excellent development and aspects, including the wonderful career prospects. Engineering, Food and Message from General Manager of Hilton Barbados, Matthew Mullan
reopening of the Hilton Barbados, it is good to look back and remember the many days of fun and happiness experienced by the tens of thousands of guests who graced the premises.
Browne is director of operations
Barrow focuses on business development JENNIFER BARROW started at Hilton Barbados at the beginning of this year in the new role of director of business development with responsibility for sales and marketing, reservations and revenue management. She spent over 20 years in the tourism sector, involved with property management and marketing as well as destination marketing. During that period her roles included JENNIFER BARROW: regional sales manager in DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS Canada, the United States DEVELOPMENT and United Kingdom for the HILTON BARBADOS (GP) Barbados Tourism Authority. Barrow also held the position of worldwide director of sales and marketing for the Elegant Hotels Group and deputy director of tourism, marketing, for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.
5th Anniversary and ensured that the real facts about Barbadian warmth and hospitality are continually spread around the world. It may be the big smile on arrival, the hand of friendship on departure or indeed everything that happens in between that ensure it all adds up to an experience that many in this world will only dream of. My heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of the team members who has played a part in this success. As we reflect on five years of history we must also look ahead to the challenges we face in these difficult times. I reassure you that with the knowledge and expertise gained over the last five years we are fully prepared to lead the resurgence of MATTHEW MULLAN: Barbados tourism. With GENERAL MANAGER, HILTON BARBADOS (GP) your continued support I have no doubt we will enjoy shores they receive a returning home. wonderful, warm welcome This has delivered a high significant success that you as though they are proportion of repeat guests can be proud of.
4 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
5th Anniversary
CHERYL CORBIN: DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES HILTON BARBADOS. (GP)
Corbin committed to excellence CHERYL CORBIN joined the team of Hilton Barbados in August 2004 in preparation for the opening of the new property. Her career in hospitality covers over 25 years, with
Garnes well grounded in hotel finance field SHIRLEY GARNES became director of finance in April 2010, having previously held the position of assistant director of finance from October 2007. Garnes possesses over 25 years’ experience in the area of accounting with her primary experience having been gained in the hotel industry. She is a certified management accountant and holds a Masters in Business Administration. Her experience spans all SHIRLEY GARNES: aspects of accounting in the DIRECTOR OF FINANCE hotel environment from the HILTON BARBADOS (GP) preparation of budgets, management of foreign funds to the development of cost controls. Garnes has worked regionally in St. Lucia, Antigua and Jamaica.
the majority of these years spent in the areas of human resources, and learning and development/training. She holds a BSc. in Management Studies with a concentration in Hotel Management and a MSc. in Human Resources and Training. Corbin's responsibilities as a member of the executive team, involve leading, planning, directing and integrating the human resource processes and programmes. These enhance the company's ability to deliver exceptional service and to support the company's financial and business targets. Having served on a number of committees related to people and industry development, along with direct involvement in the human resources development of industry personnel both locally and overseas, Corbin seeks to maintain high standards and unparalleled degrees of excellence in the workplace.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 5
MEMBERS of Hilton Barbados’ Sales and Marketing team with Jennifer Barrow (centre), director of business development. (GP) A DYNAMIC TEAM of professionals with a wealth of industry experience driven by a desire for continued success. This sums up Hilton Barbados’ Sales and Marketing team whose members are responsible for the marketing, brand development, advertising and revenue generation of the hotel. Jennifer Barrow, the hotel’s director of business development, heads the department whose 11 members are subdivided into various sections, each of which has a specific responsibility to develop business globally from various market categories. The department includes Gina Sealy, director of sales who oversees the team consisting of two group sales managers – LaToya Louizon and Dianne Gaskin; two group services managers – Rosina Valasse and Tracy Jones and one business travel manager – Lisa Gibson. Working in tandem with the above are Jo-Ann Boyce, catering sales manager; Teresa Nicholls, catering sales coordinator;
5th Anniversary
Dynamic sales, marketing team Simone Reid, sales agent/weddings coordinator and Judy Agard, administrative assistant, who manages the hotel’s Club Liaison Incentive programme. These members of the team handle all group rooms and catering sales specific to conferences, company meetings, exhibitions, board meetings, family reunions, graduations, weddings and the many other catering sales events hosted by the hotel.
6 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 7
5th Anniversary HILTON BARBADOS’ management and team members with some of Barbados’ key tourism partners after the fifth anniversary thanksgiving church service at the St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. (GP)
MARISSA LINDSAY entertaining guests at the fifth anniversary dinner in The Grille.
ROSEANNE MYERS (left), general manager of Atlantis Submarines, Inspector Jeffery Howell (centre), the Royal Barbados Police Force’s tourism liaison officer and British High Commissioner Paul Brummell enjoying Hilton Barbados’ fifth anniversary cocktail reception. (GP)
Grand celebraTERESA FONTENELLE from the Banqueting Department (left) enjoying the 5th anniversary fun day with her family at the Boatyard. (GP)
TEAM MEMBERS cutting the fifth anniversary cake with Matthew Mullan (centre), Hilton Barbados’ general manager, during the team member luncheon to celebrate the significant milestone. (GP)
CALLY BOYEA (right), country manager of Esso Standard Oil, speaking with Dr Brendt Hart, chargé d’ affaires at the United States Embassy, in discussion during Hilton Barbados’ fifth anniversary cocktail reception. (GP)
SOME of Hilton Barbados’ Team Members enjoying a game of dominoes during the fun day at the Boatyard. (GP)
8 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
Food and Beverage feeds all fancies
WITH OVER 200 team members out of a total of 450 company-wide, Food and Beverage makes up the largest department in the hotel. The main function is to provide all guests, both non-resident and in house guests with excellent food and beverage offerings and exceptional service delivery. This department fulfills all food and beverage requirements of the hotel 5th Anniversary including in room dining, fine dining at The Grille, casual dining at The Lighthouse Terrace or cocktails and a snack while lounging either poolside or on the beach at the Water’s Edge. The team is led by Mark Welch, food and beverage manager and his assistant, Trisha Chothia. They are MARK WELCH (right), Hilton responsible for ensuring that optimum service levels Barbados’ Food and Beverage are maintained which is achieved through a team of manager and Trisha Chothia restaurant managers, a banquet manager, (left), assistant food and supervisors, captains and other team members. beverage manager with some The Food and Beverage Department also of the team from the includes the Hilton Meetings operation. Lighthouse Terrace. (GP)
Reservations team always ready to assist PRIOR TO ARRIVING at Hilton Barbados whether for leisure, business or with a group, one of the hotel’s friendly reservation team members is always there to assist. The friendly voices of the members of this department welcome guests as they make or amend reservations and facilitate any special requests that will make their stay more enjoyable. Reservations manager Annabelle Callender leads the team which includes Sabrina Marshall as reservations supervisor along with Carolyn
Babb-Thorne and Juann Gibbons as reservations agents. This team is based on property and is responsible for handling all room bookings. This department is supported by brand Hilton Reservations Call Centers.
MEMBERS of the Reservations Department with Annabelle Callender, reservations manager. (GP)
THE Housekeeping Department with Donna Boyce, executive housekeeper (left). (GP)
Housekeeping does fine job EIGHT SUPERVISORS and 52 full time team members are employed in Hilton Barbados’ Housekeeping Department to ensure that every guest room and public area is impeccably maintained and compatible with the highest expectations of all who elect to stay at or visit the property. Taking care of business in this department are executive
housekeeper Donna Boyce, along with her assistant executive housekeeper, room attendants, public areas attendants, floor housemen and order takers. It’s also from this department that in-house guests are able to enjoy such additional necessary services as babysitting, nightly turndown and same day dry cleaning and laundry.
MARK WELCH, Hilton Barbados’ food and beverage manager (left) and Trisha Chothia, assistant food and beverage manager, with the Banquet team. (GP)
SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 9
HR helps enhance experience HILTON BARBADOS’ promise of a unique home-away-from-home experience for its guests is made a reality through the selfless efforts and dedication of a highly trained cadre of team members, whose needs are coordinated, implemented and maintained by the Human Resources Department. Their ability to respond efficiently and effectively to the varied daily demands is achieved through a sustained unique Barbadian experience, hassle-free service, consistency of product, entrenched Hilton Worldwide brand
standards and quick response to any issues that may develop. Director of human resources Cheryl Corbin leads the division that is charged with ensuring this ideal is maintained with consistent training as the key element of the entire operation. The department is also responsible for the administration of benefits, wages and salaries; employee relations; labour/industrial relations; counseling and coaching; general administration; management of the employment process; budget management; learning and
Right mix in Engineering A UNIQUE BLEND of youth and experience in Hilton Barbados’ Engineering Department or Property Operating Maintenance and Energy Costs (POMEC) is responsible for the highly praised smooth running and maintenance of the property. The staff of this department provide the technical and manual skills required for the correct operation and proper maintenance of the buildings, structure, equipment, mechanical and electrical plants and other aspects of the operation. They are responsible for the integrity of the internal floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, fixtures, and equipment as well as the electrical transformers, the domestic water distribution and sewage, the HeatingVentilation-Air Conditioning System (HVAC), the fire alarm system and fire safety components, the vertical
5th Anniversary
development/training; and health and safety. Corbin notes: “Our department plays a pivotal role in the overall success of the property through our understanding of the business, thereby contributing to the overall direction of the company. Knowledge of how all activities need to be aligned enables us to maximise the success of strategic initiatives. “This unique perspective allows Human Resources to be an ideas generating department which assists the organisation’s innovation. Through training, people development and process
THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT with chief engineer Wayne Blades (left, front row) and assistant chief engineer William Best (third from left, front row). (GP)
transportation system (elevators) and the landscaping surrounding the hotel. Other responsibilities include utility management and energy conservation programmes (electrical, gas and water) as well as lighting and sound systems. Chief engineer, Wayne Blades, heads this department, which also includes an assistant chief engineer, supervisor, engineering coordinator, senior shift operator, shift operators, controls/safety technician, shift refrigeration technicians, utility runners, general maintenance and shift electricians. Excellence, good communication, cooperation, continuous training and development, ownership, business awareness, environmental awareness, initiative, energy and utility conservation, safety and personal hygiene are among the guiding principles for this department.
DIRECTOR of Human Resources Cheryl Corbin (second from right), with her team. Inset is Glendora Larrier-Jones, assistant director of human resources) (GP)
improvement initiatives we ensure that brand standards, quality and customer satisfaction are maintained at the highest levels.” Glendora Larrier-Jones is the department’s assistant director, Arlene Brooks the human resources assistant and Cyrilline Stuart the hotel’s nurse.
ADMINISTRATION: Renee Herbert, receptionist/administrative assistant, Allison Greene, administrative assistant to the general manager, and Tawania Hinds from Hilton Meetings. (GP)
10 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
Finance plays key role 5th Anniversary
Recreation team keeps guests active THE RECREATION TEAM, led by Julian Boyce, recreation manager, maintains guest interaction with various daily activities offered at the hotel. This department manages the Kidz Paradise club and the hotel's club membership. The daily functioning of the hotel's Ocean View spa treatment rooms, fitness centre, pool and beach facilities is critical to the guest enjoyment and this team ensures that everything in this department runs smoothly.
KEY TO Hilton Barbados’ operation is the Finance Department which manages and controls all financial transactions and provides timely and accurate accounting information while meeting corporate and local deadlines. At the helm of the department is director of finance, Shirley Garnes, who is also responsible for the Information Technology (IT) and Purchasing departments. She leads a vibrant group whose members enjoy a much envied reputation for their excellent team work and ability to meet stringent deadlines. Complementing her is assistant director of finance Juanette Edghill-McCathy, purchasing manager Winston Ifill and IT manager Kobie Griffith, who all
Director of finance, Shirley Garnes (centre) with her team. (GP)
play pivotal roles in the department’s daily operation. The Finance team comprises an administrative assistant, auditor, income auditor, accounts payable, accounts receivable, paymaster,
accounting clerk, general cashier, purchasing coordinator and receiving clerk. Garnes takes pride in the efficiency of her team and states: “All the various functions of this
department are carried out with a high level of professionalism and dedication, which makes the Finance Department run efficiently on a day-to-day basis.”
KOBIE GRIFFITH: HILTON BARBADOS’ MEMBERS of the Recreation team. Inset is Julian Boyce, Hilton Barbados’ recreation manager. (GP)
IT MANAGER (GP)
SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 11
Kitchen team the crème de la crème WHETHER it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Lighthouse Terrace, a fine dining experience in The Grille, a light snack from the Water's Edge Pool Bar or the amazing variety at the many catering events, the gastronomic and mouth-watering offerings at Hilton Barbados have long been legend with locals and visitors alike. Keeping this tradition of fine cuisine and satisfying the appetites of the many who visit the hotel daily is the Kitchen department whose team prepares the sumptuous delights enjoyed every day. Led by expert Barbadian executive chef Angela Garraway-Holland, the team includes chef de cuisine Athlone McCollin along with a 92-member brigade which is divided
THE Kitchen Department at Hilton Barbados. (GP)
ANGELA GARRAWAY-HOLLAND: EXECUTIVE CHEF (GP)
into a number of subdepartments. These include à-la-carte, Banquets, Garde Manger, Pastry, Butcher Shop, Stewarding and the kitchens of The Water's Edge, The Grille and The Lighthouse Terrace, which all work assiduously to ensure that the experience offered is second to none.
THE Front Desk team. Inset is Shawn Smith, front office manager. (GP)
Efficient, friendly Front Office team THE FRIENDLY, smiling faces of the members of the Hilton Barbados’ Front Office Department greet arriving guests as they prepare to experience the taste of paradise that the hotel offers. These team members play an integral role in the daily operation to efficiently satisfy the needs of guests and others utilising the hotel’s facilities. They welcome the guests, carry their luggage, help them to register, provide their room keys and mail, answer
questions about activities available on and off property, and offer continual assistance throughout their stay. In many cases, the main direct contact guests have with hotel team members, other than in the restaurants, is with members of the friendly Front Office Department, who function in five general areas: Front Desk, Guest Services (Bell Team and Lobby Hostess), Executive Lounge, Communications and Journey Ambassador.
5th Anniversary
12 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
Committed to the community
SMOKEY BURKE entertaining patients at the Geriatric Hospital during Mother’s Day celebrations (GP)
HILTON BARBADOS prides itself in being a good corporate citizen and is highly regarded for the relationships it has established over the years through its community outreach efforts. Some of the many initiatives the hotel has undertaken to the benefit of the wider community include annual visits to the Geriatric Hospital for Mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations, an annual Christmas card competition where participating schools get the opportunity to showcase their creativity, as well as the adoption of Bay Primary and Garrison Secondary schools. At the Garrison, the hotel fully supports the school's Alternate Curriculum Programme which provides senior students with an opportunity to expand their skills in barbering and cosmetology, thus increasing their chances of success after leaving school.
JULIAN BOYCE, Hilton Barbados’ recreation manager, presenting school supplies to Marion Gamble, principal of Bay Primary School. (GP)
5th Anniversary
HILTON BARBADOS’ Matthew Mullan (second right) and Julian Boyce (left) with Matthew Farley (right), principal of Garrison Secondary School, during a tour of the area for the school’s Alternate Curriculum Programme – Barbering and Cosmetology. (GP)
RONNIE HOLMES (centre), Hilton Barbados’ chief of security, with two of the department’s team members. (GP)
Security a top priority THERE IS ALWAYS a calming sense of security for inhouse guests and others using the wide range of facilities at the Hilton Barbados, which allows them to thoroughly enjoy all the hotel has to offer during their stay or visit. Constantly keeping a watchful eye over the property and its people is the hotel's Security Department, whose skilled professionals exhibit a high sense of pride as they diligently carry out their duties, ensuring that all company security policies and procedures are adhered to by all while providing 24-hour surveillance and security services. In the event of an emergency outside regular working hours, Hilton Barbados’ security team becomes the first response with extensive training in CPR and the ability to render first aid to guests or team members if required. Extensive overall training, professionalism and quality leadership from chief of security, Ronnie Holmes, have resulted in the department being able to maintain an excellent track record as it relates to all persons whose security and safety are their responsibility around the clock.
Printed and Published by THE NATION PUBLISHING Company LTD., Nation House, Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados. Telephone (246) 430-5400