Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe congratulated employees for their dedication and hard work in ensuring The Bahamas regains its tourism edge in the region.

“You have provided a service and you have done so for decades; causing us to be the envy of the world,” Mr. Wilchcombe said as he delivered remarks at the Ministry of Tourism Long Service Awards Ceremony held Friday, January 23, 2015 at Government House. The awardees, more than 70 of them, were presented plaques by Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

The ceremony was part of celebrating Tourism – 50 Golden Years, “The Best is yet To Come,” which is the theme for its Golden Jubilee milestone. The ‘Men and Women of Integrity’ were honoured for having served 20 to 27 years in the Ministry.

Mr. Wilchcombe underscored the importance of stakeholders’ safeguarding Tourism, which is the main industry contributor to the Bahamian economy.

“There is no price for the service you have given; you cannot measure the service of a man,” he said. “Service is about how much you care – causing others to have a better life.”

Mr. Wilchcombe intimately spoke about the accomplishments of many of the honourees, whom he said have provided outstanding services for so many decades. Their work has caused The Bahamas to be the envy of the world: and “we are seeing the re-emergence of The Bahamas in Tourism.”

In her message, Director General of Tourism Joy Jibrilu acknowledged that the awardees have witnessed the growth of the Ministry as well as the development and Bahamianization of the Tourism Industry.

Mrs. Jibrilu encouraged them to continue their work in improving the country’s tourism product, despite the challenges. Prescott Young, Senior Manager, Bimini Tourist Office responded on behalf of the honourees, and Leslie Norville, Director, Human Resources delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Dwight Armbrister, director of Religious Tourism rendered a musical selection and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band provided entertainment for the ceremony, followed by a reception on the Terrace.

As part of Tourism’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, January 16-24, 2015 was set aside as Tourism Awareness Week with the following activities: A Church Service at Zion Baptist Church, Shirley Street; Tourism Lecture Series and Exhibit at the Harry C. Moore Library at the College of the Bahamas; the “16 Weddings, 16 Islands, One Priceless Day” promotion event; Speakers Circuits throughout the nation; a Tourism Symposium; Tourism Long Service Awards Ceremony at Government House; and the 16th Cacique Awards honouring those who contributed to the growth and development of the industry.