Bermuda’s best honoured at VIP awards

The VIP Excellence Awards was a night filled with celebrations, fun and acknowledgement of the men and women who work hard to promote Bermuda.

The event was held on Saturday night at the Poinciana Ballroom of the Fairmont Southampton Resort.

Hundreds of attendees and nominees filled the room dressed to the nines in tuxes and beautiful gowns.

There were 54 nominees for the night in 18 categories including best chef, best bartender, best concierge, best waiter, best musician and many more.

Each attendee was given their own table to fill with supporters.

The big winner of the night was Betty-Jean Gilbert who won best waitress and the Best of The Best Award.

She took home a $10,000 cheque and seven-day Royal Caribbean Cruise for two.

Also in attendance were Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell, Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley, Senator Alexis Swan and former Premier Paula Cox.

The night began with the parade of nominees. Each nominee walked the red carpet and was announced to the crowd.

Mr Crockwell addressed the crowd and said: “Despite our beautiful natural resources, sand, water, sun, wherever I go, people talk about the hospitality of Bermudians.

“It’s amazing. The say they feel warm and welcome.

“This is hospitality month so it’s fitting that we come here tonight to celebrate those who have been excellent in the area of hospitality.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award winner was Connie Dey who worked for the Bermuda National Trust for more than 30 years.

She has also been part of the Bermuda Department of Tourism’s team that organises events during the winter season.

Ms Dey won a $500 travel voucher and was given a commemorative plate.

“I’m flabbergasted to her so honoured by my peers,” she said as she began to cry.

“Let me tell you a secret. This is the best birthday present I could ever get.

“It’s not til next month, May 11.

“I will be 80 and I decided to own it.”

In addition to the awards, the VIP band entertained the crowd all night and included Toni Bari, Randy Lambert and Ronnie Lopes.

The Proud To Be Bermudian singers also performed and had the crowd standing.

Dinner was a salad as a starter, a Mahi Mahi and chicken dish along with mashed potatoes and vegetables, finished with a chocolate bomb cake and ice cream.

At the end of dinner, it was time for the winners to be announced.

Dr Barbara O’Shaughnessy told the crowd nominations were sought by employers, the public, peers, etc.

The criteria was self-motivation, excellent attitude, accolades, work ethic and dedication to the tourism industry.

There was a panel of eight judges.

Winners for the night included Mark Anderson for best bus operator, Winfield Todd of The Reefs for best bell/doorman, Crystal Anderson of Rosewood Tucker’s Point for best front desk/telephone operator, Lorrrie Bennet-Bean of St George’s Club for best concierge, Peter Bell of Red Carpet Bar and Restaurant for best bartender, Dennis Fox for best musician, and June Durham of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for best housekeeper.

Winners were invited to pick an envelope out of a bowl for their prize.

Prizes included airline tickets and hotel stays in Tobago, New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Vancouver and many other places.

There were also seven-day cruises and travel vouchers.

Betty-Jean Gilbert’s focus is getting young Bermudians to get into the hospitality industry.

Ms Gilbert won the Best of the Best Award at the VIP Excellence award on Saturday night.

She was also awarded best waitress.

The event was held at the Fairmont Southampton where hundreds of guests and nominees enjoyed a wonderful evening.

After collecting her $10,000 cheque, Ms Gilbert said: “Thank you very much for everyone who participated tonight.

“This is definitely an honour. I have put in more than 30 years.

“I’m a graduate of the hotel college.

“I have to mention Herbie Bascome. He always tells us to treat everybody with dignity.”

Ms Gilbert also thanked her family and her team at the Fairmont Southampton.

Speaking to the Bermuda Sun at the end of the night, Ms Gilbert explained how she was feeling.

“I’m very excited. I put in a lot of work in this industry.

“I enjoy what I do and I’m very happy.

“I’m here for everyone who works in the hotel industry and doesn’t get recognised.”

Ms Gilbert said she began her career at the Glenco Guesthouse and has been at the Fairmont Southampton for 17 years.

As far as encouraging young people to enter the industry, she said: “I have been to Labour and Training trying to get more Bermudians in the industry.

“That’s my main focus to get them in the industry.

“You have to be committed. You have to be friendly and just stay focused.”

Ms Gilbert explained exactly what she does everyday.

“I’m a banquet captain. I’m the one in here serving people.

“Some days I make 5am and sometimes I leave at midnight.

“I have to work where the work is so when it gets slow, you have the money to tie you over.”

Ms Gilbert also won best waitress and was awarded a seven-day Royal Caribbean Cruise.