More

Denzil Lopez is Jewel Dunn's River's top employee Columbus Networks hosts reception

Alesia Thomas presenting the Sagicor Trophy to Manager of the Year Donovan Slack.

Jason Bruce (entertainment staff) receiving his award for Most Recognised Associate from Jacque Davy-Giscombe, spa manager.

Denzil Lopez is Jewel Dunn's River's top employee

Carl Gilchrist, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

Denzil Lopez of the transportation department is the top employee in the inaugural 'Saluting Our Stars' Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort and Spa staff awards last Thursday.

Lopez, who has spent the past 16 years in the hotel industry, outclassed colleagues Deyton Chairangeesingh and Robert Forrest, copping the coveted position.

He has been with the hotel since it opened in September 2010.

His prizes included the Sagicor Trophy, airline tickets to Orlando, Florida, courtesy of the resort, a weekend for two at Couples Tower Isle, gift baskets, appliances and cash awards from several sponsors, including Scotiabank and the Jewel Dunn's River Staff Association.

The evening's other big winners included Donovan Slack of the sanitation department who received the Manager of the Year award; Robert Housen of the bar department, Supervisor of the Year; Jason Bruce who picked up the Most Recognised award, which was determined by an online survey; and Sanya McDonald who collected the Smile Award.

Avalyn Smith of the spa picked up the Sales Achievement award, while grounds department won for Department of the Year.

Special awards were presented to craft trader Ivan Wynter, transportation company Jamaica Tours Limited, and Dr David Lambert, the hotel's doctor on call.

Addressing the staff during the ceremony, Jewel's general manager, Carol Bourke, outlined the idea behind the connotation 'Saluting Stars', "We are saluting our stars because they are," she noted, adding, "anything that this hotel has achieved is through the associates that are here; they put their heart and soul into it; they go above and beyond."