ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Under the dazzling theme “Mirror Ball Gala: A Time to Reflect and Shine,” the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), proudly hosted the 2025 Tourism Awards Gala on Saturday, 29th November 2025.

This year’s ceremony celebrated 82 outstanding nominees, each representing excellence, dedication, and the enduring spirit that continues to elevate Antigua and Barbuda as a premier tourism destination. Across every category, the nominees showcased the exceptional standards of hospitality and the passion, leadership, and service that strengthen the national tourism product.

2025 Tourism Awards Gala Winners

Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association Awards

Employee of the Year
Winner: Albev Wade – Blue Waters Resort & Spa
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Jumby Bay Island.

Supervisor of the Year
Winner: Sophia Welch – Mill Reef Club
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Galley Bay Resort & Spa.

Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Shemaiah Gordon – Royalton Antigua
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Pineapple Beach Club.

Young Hotelier of the Year
Winner: Leon Norville – Sandals Grande Antigua
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Carlisle Bay Antigua.

Young Chef of the Year
Winner: Kahendi Jackson – Hermitage Bay
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Blue Waters Resort & Spa

• Custom Black Chef’s Jacket from ABHTA.

Chef of the Year
Winner: Jean-Pierre Tuitt – Jumby Bay Island
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Hermitage Bay

• Chef’s Knife Set from ABHTA.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Award

Social Media Excellence Award
Winner: Antigua Inside Out, represented by Qasim Henry
Prize: EC$1,500 + Certificate of Excellence from ABTA

• 2-night stay courtesy of Cocobay Resort and The Escape at Nonsuch Bay.

Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Awards

Customer Service Excellence Award
Winner: Sandy Ramsaran – Sandals Grande Antigua
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Curtain Bluff Antigua.

Port Frontline Employee of the Year
Winner: Jahlyn Turner – Antigua & Barbuda Department of Immigration
Prize: Rose gold Michael Kors Sophie watch from Colombian Emeralds International Antigua

• Lunch for two at The Reef Restaurant – Green Island by Mill Reef Club.

Tour Guide of the Year
Winner: Philbert John Baptiste – South Coast Horizons
Prize: 2-night all-inclusive stay for two, courtesy of Royalton CHIC Antigua.

Transportation Service Provider of the Year
Winner: Ian Richards – United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd
Prize: 2-night stay for two, courtesy of Tamarind Hills Resort & Villas.

Special Awards: Women in Tourism

This year, the Ministry of Tourism introduced two Women in Tourism Special Awards, honouring women whose leadership, achievements, and lifelong dedication have significantly shaped the industry.

Honouree: Annette Michael

Beginning her tourism journey in 1992 as a Tour Guide and Tourism Field Officer, Annette Michael trained under two national icons—the late Dame Yvonne Maginley and Dame Edie Hill Thibou. Her distinguished 33-year career has spanned Public Relations, Marketing & Promotions, and her current role as Hospitality Management Officer leading the Tourism Ancillary Services Unit with an emphasis on crisis management.

Her academic accomplishments include a Diploma in Marketing in the European Market, an Associate Degree in Tourism Management, and a Master’s in Global Marketing. Having served under eight Ministers of Tourism, she remains guided by her motto: “Country First.”

The Ministry extends heartfelt gratitude for her exceptional contribution to national development.

Honouree: Cleo Henry, EMBA, CHE, CGSP

With over 33 years in the sector, Cleo Henry began her career immediately after secondary school, influenced by her parents—educator Rosalind “Teacher Babyrose” Henry and renowned chauffeur Enoch “John” Henry.

Her extensive expertise includes hotel operations, culinary arts, business administration, tour guiding, and regional tourism training. Mentored by Muriel Omarde, she has trained hundreds across the Caribbean and remains a driving force in workforce development and youth empowerment.

Her academic achievements include the Global Executive Master’s in Hospitality Leadership (Paris, 2024). She currently serves as:
– Human Resource Manager, Ocean Point Resort & Spa
– Consultant, Professional Approach Consultancy
– Accredited Tourist Guide Trainer
– Certified Hospitality Educator
– Active Tour Director for ABHTA, ABTA, CTO, and CHTA

Her legacy is defined by leadership, resilience, and unwavering service to Antigua & Barbuda’s tourism industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award (Posthumous)

Honouring the Legacy of Mr. Alexandre de Brito e Cunha

Presented by: Craig Marshall, Chairman of the ABHTA

The evening’s highest honour was a heartfelt tribute to the late Mr. Alexandre de Brito e Cunha, a pillar of Antigua & Barbuda’s hospitality sector. Beginning his career in 1987 at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, he devoted his life to service, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence.

As Chairman and later a long-serving Board Member of the ABHTA, Alexandre guided the Association through triumphs and challenges—including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic—with wisdom, compassion, and steadfast leadership. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

The award was accepted by his family: Mrs. Yovanni de Brito e Cunha and sons Henrique and Hansel.

A Night of Reflection, Celebration, and National Pride

The Mirror Ball Gala honoured not only the winners but every nominee whose hard work shapes Antigua and Barbuda’s world-renowned tourism experience. Their excellence keeps the nation vibrant, competitive, and warmly welcoming to visitors from across the globe.

The ABHTA, Ministry of Tourism, and ABTA extend sincere congratulations to all honourees and profound appreciation to the partners and sponsors who made this memorable evening possible:

Blue Waters Resort & Spa • Carlisle Bay Antigua • Cocobay Resort/The Escape at Nonsuch Bay • Colombian Emeralds International Antigua • Curtain Bluff Antigua • Galley Bay Resort & Spa • Hermitage Bay • Jumby Bay Island • Pineapple Beach Club • Royalton CHIC Antigua • Tamarind Hills Resort & Villas • The Reef Restaurant – Green Island by Mill Reef Club