The sprawling Santoroni Restaurant and pool area at CuisinArt Resort and Spa, normally crowded by dining and relaxing tourists, were swarmed by exciting and partying employees instead, on Tuesday night, September 4, the day the upmarket property closed for the slow season.

One of the tables at the party

The occasion was the end of the season party for the resort’s 320 employees and the presentation of high-priced raffled CuisinArt brand gifts, other items sponsored by companies doing business with the hotel and a number of special awards and cash donations to staff members.

Head of the Spa with gifts

The entire proceedings were keenly overseen by General Manager, Stephane Zaharia, who told the employees that there were some challenges during the outgoing season but the hotel had overcome them very well and had won best resort titles from Travel & Leisure Magazine. “I am very proud of all of you for working together and making that happen and a big round of applause to everyone,” he commended the celebrating workers.

Carol Maynard - cruise winner

Mr. Zaharia took the opportunity to announce with much regret the coming departure of the resort’s Chief Engineer, Rupert Balcobin, who will continue to work for the Conair Group, managing the hotel, but who will now be working in Canada where he will reside with his family. The General Manager called for a round of applause for the high-ranking official whom he thanked for his seven years of excellent contribution and for his massive efforts in training and putting together an engineering team to continue his legacy and work at the hotel. His successor, Mike, knows the hotel very well having previously visited Anguilla on occasions in connection with the current extension of the spa and the new convention centre.

Eugene Hodge - Ambassador of the Season

Mr. Zaharia also announced that four employees were selected for a three and a half week attachment to a high-end restaurant in London and were booked to leave Anguilla on Wednesday this week. They are Franklyn Hodge, Donald Greenaway, Guy Gumbs and Jordell Gumbs.

Delbert Simon - Supervisor of the Season

The exciting presentation of the raffled prizes followed Mr. Zaharia’s introductory remarks. The biggest prize went to Carol Maynard who won a five-day cruise trip.

Derrick Carty - Manager of the Season

The just-introduced Ambassador of the Season Award, announced by Mr. Zaharia, was won by Eugene Hodge who travels around the island making deliveries for the hotel. He received a glass plaque, a complimentary weekend round trip to Miami for two persons for two nights and a cash prize of US$225.
The Supervisor of the Season Award went to Delbert Simon of the Engineering Department. He received a glass plaque, a complimentary 3-night stay at the Four Seasons in Nevis and a US$250 cash prize.

The Manager of the Season award was won by Derrick Carty, Director of Security and Manager on Duty. He received a 3-night hotel stay in Barbados for two and a round trip as well as a US$300 cash prize.

Mr. Zaharia

The Team Leader of the Season was won by Cleveson Daniel of the Hydroponic Farm. He received a 3-night complimentary stay at the Guanahanzi Resort & Spa in St. Barths and a US$200 cash prize.

Cleveson Daniel - Team Leader of the Season

The Employee of the Season was won by Janette Harrigan of the Purchasing Department. She received a complimentary 3-night stay in Puerto Rico, a US $400 cash prize, and a glass plaque.
After all of the presentations the employees settled down to a long night of partying and entertainment.

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