JARDINE VASSELL 2017 Sandals Ultimate Award winner
JARDINE VASSELL embodies the very essence of excellenc,; hence, it came as no surprise that the Snapshots supervisor at Beaches Ocho Rios made history when she won the 2017 Sandals Ultimate Award last Thursday night in Westmoreland.
A person of unquestionable character, Vassell trounced 25 other star-quality employees, representing Sandals resorts throughout the Caribbean and Jamaica, taking home a purse of US$20,000, in addition to trips, jet transfers, and bragging rights.
“Jardine is part of a group of nominees representing the best off the Sandals/ATL Group. She is a team member who fits the criteria of professionalism,” the resort group stated in its tribute to the Ultimate awardees.
In fact, the judges looked for ambassadorial qualities, attendance record, community and environmental stewardship, team spirit, and training record when selecting the winner of the coveted competition, and Vassell, by virtue of her outstanding track record with colleagues, guests, and customers, was selected.
It is the first time that any hotel company in Jamaica has ever awarded such a large purse at a staff-recognition event.
Lost for words when the announcement was made, Vassell said that it was difficult to express the happiness she felt receiving the prestigious title.
“I am immensely ecstatic, overwhelmed – to say the least – and appreciative of being the Sandals Ultimate Awardee for 2017,” she beamed, even as her tear ducts welled up in anticipation of the road ahead.
“Without a doubt, any individual who walks away with this title is an asset, not just to Sandals/ATL Group, but to the service industry in general,” said the company in its tribute.
A message from chairman of the group, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, encouraged Vassell to take a moment to bask in the celebration, but not stop here. “Continue setting new goals and pursue them with tenacity and vigour as what you have accomplished is monumental.”
The Group’s deputy chairman, Adam Stewart, in his acknowledgment and commendation of the Ultimate winner, said that her name would be forever be etched in history.
“You are a legend among legends, and I want to personally thank you for all you have done.”
The others nominees who competed for the Ultimate Award
included Amoy Solomon of ATL Automotive; Imari Dawes, Beaches Negril; Roosevelt Joseph, Beaches Turks and Caicos; Romaine Daley, Grand Pineapple Negril; Marsha Banton, Island Routes Caribbean Adventures; Deidre Small, Sandals Barbados; Patrick Robinson, Sandals Inn; Nicola JamesGreene, Sandals Grande Antigua; Richie James, Sandals Grenada; Khadijah Preville, Sandals Halcyon; Dwight Goodman, Sandals Regency La Toc; Kadeen Black, Sandals Montego Bay; Sheldon Patterson, Sandals Royal Caribbean; Simone Folkes, Sandals Royal Plantation; and Laura Smith, Sandals South Coast.
Marvin Alfred, Sandals Grande St Lucia; Dwayne Simpson, Sandals Emerald Bay; Romeo Clarke, Sandals Golf and Country Club; Javada Parkes, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort; Romaine Adams, Sandals Negril; and Sherie Brooks, Sandals Resorts International, are among the 26 nominees.