21 Nov 2011BVICCHA Business Awards & Gala 2011

PRESS RELEASE

The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association held its Annual Black Tie Business Awards & Gala, Dinner & Ceremony on Saturday November 19th 2011 at Scrub Island Resort & Spa. Under the theme "Unity Is Strength" - A Taste of Hawaii.

The evening saw a welcome champagne Hawaiian greeting at the Trellis Bay Dock which followed to Scrub Island with a signature Blue Hawaii Cocktail and a fire dancer to begin the night's festivities. Guests were also impressed with an amazing Hawaiian feast from the renowned BVI National Culinary Gold Medal Team, awards and great dancing from Hard Core Band from Virgin Gorda.

Chairman of the BVICCHA Dr. Birney Harrigan said, "It was indeed a spectacular evening to remember and applauds all of the winners for their outstanding achievements in their businesses, the community and the BVICCHA".

Gala Committee Chairman Mrs. Jennifer O'Neal also gave comments, she said, "Tonight as we celebrate and honor those individuals and companies let us reflect on the contributions that they made to the BVI, BVICCHA and the community as a whole. There are many businesses and individuals that have gone above and beyond the cal."

The BVICCHA's Awards Dinner was established to honor and recognize the commitment, service and innovation of persons and members within the Commercial Businesses and Hospitality sectors. It is an opportunity for the BVI community to acknowledge the outstanding service and contributions of our colleagues at a formal ceremony. This year the awards were expanded to include two new awards -- Excellence in Customer Service and the Green Award -- to show appreciation for those amongst us who demonstrate high value for customers, environmental best practice and sustainable development.
The Green award
Winner - Bitter End Yacht Club
The Biter End Yacht Club has been committed to establishing and promoting environmentally conscious products and operations.
The Excellence in Customer Service award
Winner - Lauridon Wheatley
A longstanding and committed employee of the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort since joining the company on May29, 1968. He has been nominated for the prize on numerous other occasions and has won several awards from his company for his exceptional customer-oriented service.
Business Person of the Year (Commercial)
Winner - Dr. Heskith Vanterpool
Dr. Vanterpool is the Chief Executive Officer of Eureka Medical Clinic and Bougainvillea Clinic. He is also a founding partner of Medicure Limited, a founding member of the Association of West Indian Gastroenterologist, member of Caribbean Cardiac Society and the Americas Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, as well as a member of the Road Town Rotary Club and the BVI Chamber of Commerce.
Business Person of the Year (Hospitality)
Winner - Binny Sebastian
Resort Manger of Scrub Island Resort, Binny Sebastian is a member of the Chamber; he has introduced ways to increase business in the BVI by creating an Explore BVI package and an interactive map for visitors to find a way to the Islands. He has also introduced a new concept to allow all trade license holders to contribute one dollar on every trade license to the BVICCHA. This proposal is now subject to government approval.
Business of the Year (Commerce)
Winner - Road Town Wholesale
With a progressive re-investment program, Road Town Wholesale has transformed the shopping experience in the BVI to one that is considered world-class. Its food distribution company supports the community through the sponsorship and support of various clubs, schools, churches, sporting and cultural organizations and several other activities.
Business of the Year (Hospitality)
Winner - Peter Island Resort and Spa
This resort has been committed to promoting the BVI as a luxury vacation destination, and has won several international awards. The resort is known for its unspoiled landscapes, a combination of natural wonders, privacy and luxury with charming beach-side suites and oceanside rooms as well as extraordinary villas, with a staff compliment that is an experience in itself.

BVICCHA Pioneer of the Year
Winner - Myron Walwyn - MVW International
Hon. Myron Walwyn is a pioneering individual and well established in the hospitality industry and commerce, contributing significantly to both sectors of our economy. In the hospitality sector, his management company operates several well-established businesses. The recent launching of a special Passport Promotion initiative, designed to encourage BV Islanders and residents to book their long-awaited staycations right here at home in the BVI. In his more recent venture into commerce, he dared to establish a law firm during the peak of the recession. This law firm is committed to 100 hours of pro bono legal assistance, a quota that has been exceeded each quarter. As an attorney, he remains diligent in helping all persons in the BVI community find justice. As a businessman, he has invested in several civic projects and served on various boards throughout the community

BVICCHA would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all for their support in the 2011 BVICCHA's Business Awards & Gala. Especially our special The BVI Tourist Board, Scrub Island Resort & Spa, Medicure Pharmacy, Tortola Vision Center, Nagico Insurance, Green VI, TICO, Bougainvillea Clinic, Road Town Wholesale, Caribbean Cellars, Eureka Medical Clinic & The BVI National Culinary Team

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Please feel free to contact the office at 494-3514 or email info@bviccha.org at anytime for information

By BVICCHA