The “first-ever” Nassau Beach Hotel Reunion and Awards Reception was hosted on Friday, September 23 at the New Providence Community Church Auditorium on Blake Road, John F. Kennedy Drive.
“Remember When” was the trending theme. As promised by the organizers, it was truly a “Night to Remember”, leaving an indelible mark on our sense of accomplishment.
To say the least, the awards & recognition ceremony was executed flawlessly and the ambiance was elegant and festive. This setting brought much honor and pride to our sole patrons, namely Messrs. Frank Crothers and George Myers, along with other honorees and special invited guests. The planning committee, comprising all former employees of this reputable establishment, spared no cost or interest in promoting and putting on a memorable and extravagant event.
A slate of talented and hardworking employees was recognized with meaningful plaques for exemplary services relevant to visionary leadership and mentorship while performing their daily duties at the Nassau Beach Hotel. Other significant areas highlighted included resort departmental heads, divisional managers, and departmental supervisors.
Notwithstanding the excellent turnout of retired employees, the presence of the illustrious master of ceremonies Mr. David Wallace held the audience captive from beginning to end. All line staff employees from the various departments were invited on stage for a photo opportunity and were publicly recognized for their many years of dedication and commitment of service at the Nassau Beach Hotel.
Immediately following the conclusion of all the formalities, the patrons and all invited guests were ushered to the patio and courtyard where the evening was enjoyed by all with an array of prepared food items and supported with two well-stocked open bars. The crowd was further entertained and excited by the world famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Group which cemented the entertainment of the evening.
The special honorees and guests were in for a real treat as the food stations were brilliantly organized and a movie set up by Michelle White of Artventures Ltd. (formerly Floral Arts) depicting the atmosphere of yesteryear. In keeping with the natural settings of the restaurant offered in the original hotel, scenes mimicked the following restaurant styles:
• Cafe La Ronde-French Cuisine;
• Moana Loa-Polynesian Cuisine;
• Pineapple Place/Lobster Pot-Bahamian Cuisine;
• Beef Cellar-Steak House;
• Howard Johnson’s Coffee Shop-Desserts.
“It was indeed a nostalgic evening ... it took all us back to the good old-days at the Nassau Beach Hotel, where food, drinks and good entertainment was the order of the day; there were so many fond memories,” remarked Co-Chairman Bryan McCartney.
Historically, the Nassau Beach Hotel opened its doors in January 1959. It was the leader in standards for room décor, food and beverage services, with a great local entertainment component.
“And you know we cannot forget the Howard Johnson restaurant with its 28 flavors of ice cream... hey!” further exclaimed Gloria Young, committee member.
It was a renowned family fun resort filled with family activities particularly in sporting and recreational disciplines. Cemented in its slogan, “We’ve Got Life”, this resort property offered lively entertainment from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.
“It was the founding hotel property for the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, and indeed the yardstick through which all of the hotel properties within the islands of the Bahamas were measured against. It truly set the bar for all other existing hotels, and those to come,” remarked Kelvin “Kelly” Leach.
The final stage of the property was demolished on 11th, May, 2012. The hotel is indeed gone, but certainly not forgotten.
Chairman Brendan Foulkes and Co-Chairman Bryan McCartney extend their sincere gratitude to organizing and planning committee members Kelvin “Kelly Leach, Valarie Smith, Gloria Young, Paula Brown and Sir Charles Carter and his entire team at Island FM for their hard work, dedication and tremendous energy for producing a first class event.
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