U.S. Virgin Islands, June 18, 2007 In November 2007, Dorcas Alexander, steward at the Westin St. John was the recipient of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association’s 2006 Tommy Star Award for Hotel Employee of the Year. Last night in Miami at the Caribbean Tourism Conference, Alexander received the American Express/Caribbean Hotel Association Salute to the Stars of the Industry Employee of the Year honor. In an audience of Caribbean counterparts, Ministers of Tourism, and other hospitality representatives, Alexander graciously accepted the tribute on behalf of all tourism employees.
“All our islands are beautiful but it’s the people that make them special, said Alexander. I am so grateful for this award and will treasure it for a lifetime.”Alexander is a 16-year employee of the Westin St. John. She has served with the American Red Cross, St. Thomas Rescue, and is an active volunteer at the Lucinda Millin Home for the Aged.
“We celebrate Dorcas for being a shining example of hospitality excellence in the U.S. Virgin Islands, said Rik Blyth, President of the Hotel & Tourism Association. She is a person that all tourism employees can be proud of for her dedication and desire to make sure that our visitors enjoy the best possible experience when they choose our destination for a vacation.”
Every year, American Express presents the following awards: Caribbean Environmental Award, Tourism Media Awards, Allied Member of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and Employee of the Year Awards. This year’s keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Allen Chastanet, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, St. Lucia, and Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization.
“Dorcas’ vibrancy and infectious personality makes her a credit not only to our resort but to all hospitality employees, said Graeme Davis, Vice President of Operations for Starwood Caribbean and South Florida and Chairman of the Board of the Hotel & Tourism Association. She exemplifies what is best about the Caribbean and the USVI, the genuine care and appreciation for our guests and fellow employees.
The Caribbean Tourism Conference features workshops on insightful information for the tourism industry as well as the Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition.
