The 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, an illustrious event celebrating excellence within the nation’s vital tourism sector, culminated in the prestigious recognition of Leon Norville from Sandals Grande Antigua as the Young Hotelier of the Year. The ceremony, orchestrated by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), convened industry luminaries on November 29 under the evocative theme, ‘Mirror Ball Gala: A Time to Reflect and Shine.’
The gala served as a platform to honor exceptional achievement across a spectrum of roles, from frontline service to executive leadership. Alongside Norville’s accolade, the ABHTA presented a suite of awards to other distinguished professionals. Albev Wade of Blue Waters Resort & Spa was celebrated as Employee of the Year, while Sophia Welch of Mill Reef Club received Supervisor of the Year honors. The Rising Star of the Year title was awarded to Shemaiah Gordon of Royalton Antigua. Culinary excellence was highlighted with Kahendi Jackson of Hermitage Bay named Young Chef of the Year and Jean-Pierre Tuitt of Jumby Bay Island honored as Chef of the Year. The media outlet ‘Antigua Inside Out,’ represented by Qasim Henry, was also recognized for its contributions.
In a parallel series of commendations, the Ministry of Tourism lauded top performers in critical frontline positions. Sandy Ramsaran of Sandals Grande Antigua was acknowledged for Customer Service Excellence. Jahlyn Turner of the Immigration Department was named Port Frontline Employee of the Year, Philbert John Baptiste of South Coast Horizons was declared Tour Guide of the Year, and Ian Richards of United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd was celebrated as Transportation Service Provider of the Year.
The evening also featured poignant special recognitions. Annette Michael was honored for an impressive 33 years of dedicated service to the industry, and Cleo Henry was applauded for her significant contributions to training and workforce development. In a moving tribute, a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to honor the enduring legacy and decades of foundational leadership and support provided to the ABHTA by the late Alexandre de Brito e Cunha.