In a bittersweet yet entertaining ceremony held on Friday, February 7 at the British Colonial Hilton, seventeen of the Ministry of Tourism’s longstanding employees, dubbed the Ministry’s “timeless treasures”, received numerous accolades for longevity and serving with distinction in the nation’s most important economic sector- the tourism business.

“Over the years, you’ve put your shoulder to the collective wheel, and with excellence, you have assisted our team to grow our nation’s number one business,” remarked Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar. “Team Tourism has become stronger and more effective because of the individual and collective contribution of each of you. Your priceless contribution to this ongoing success story represents a hallmark of best practices in the Tourism and Hospitality industry.”

Other members of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism senior executive team, including the Permanent Secretary Charles Albury, Director General Joy Jibrilu and Deputy Director General Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, expressed sincere appreciation for the contributions that these seventeen team members made to the growth of tourism — from expanding the vertical market of sports tourism and driving sales, marketing and promotions in source markets through the Bahamas Tourism offices overseas, to elevating the tourism product in Nassau, Grand Bahama and the Out Islands.

Closing their chapter at the Ministry of Tourism are:

 . Edward Archer (42 years of service)

 . Geneva Cooper (41 years of service)

 . Antoinette Davis (40 years of service)

 . Virginia Kelly ( 40 years of service)

 . Angela Archer (39 years of service)

 . Earl Miller (33 years of service)

 . Cecile Torrence ( 29 years of service)

 . Jean Simmons- Cleare ( 28 years of service)

 . Rosemary Coakley (23 years of service)

 . Leonard Stuart (17 years of service)

 . Valerie Carpenter (43 years of service)

 . Roslyn Pinder (42 years of service)

 . Donna Mackey (42 years of service)

 . Earlston Mcphee (34 years of service)

 . Cynthia Colebrooke (39 years of service)

 . Jacqueline Ramsey ( 36 years of service)

 . Nalini Bethel ( 25 years of service)

During the recognition ceremony, a tribute was given in honor of those BMOTA team members who passed away in recent years. They too were recognized for their service and dedication.

 

Honourees in attendance Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Charles Albury, Deputy Director General Ellison "Tommy" Thompson along with various BMOTA Executive Directors

 

Honouree Leonard Stuart along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Rosemary Coakley along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Jean Simmons- Cleare along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Edward Archer along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Antoinette Davis along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Geneva Cooper along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Virginia Kelly along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Cecile Torrence along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson

 

Honouree Angela Archer along with BMOTA Permanent Secretary Charles Albury and Deputy Director General, Ellison "Tommy" Thompson