ROSE HALL, St James – THE recently opened Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva resorts in Rose Hall hosted their first quarterly staff awards at the property last week. Thirty-five staff members were recognised for outstanding service for the months of January to March this year.

Dubbed the ‘Super Starz Awards’ the awardees were presented with trophies, plaques, certificates and cash prizes for their efforts.

Training and quality managers at the property Debbi Ellis, Veronica Morgan and Anthony DaCosta were each presented with the major award, the General Manager’s Award for excellence at the ceremony.

Guest speaker Rev Baldwin Powell emphasised that it was “really commendable” for a hotel that was opened in December last year to have staff awards at such an early stage, adding that “the significance should not be lost or dismissed”.

Powell, who is a motivational speaker as well as an established hospitality industry professional, encouraged the staff to to be cognisant that they are ambassadors for the hotel, and Jamaica by extension.

Carl Hendricks, the general manager at Hyatt Zilara and Hayatt Ziva, lauded the awardees for their contribution to the facility.

“We wanted to recognise the efforts of our staff members, especially their exemplary work leading to our spectacular opening, many of whom went above and beyond in their respective duties,” said Hendricks.

“They are our partners, our superstars and we want to thank them for choosing us, as we work together to become the only five diamond resort on the island.”

Some 1,000 Jamaicans are employed at the two hotels, which were officially opened by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller last month.

The Hyatt Zilara is designated as an adult only location, while Hyatt Ziva is for guests of all ages.

— Aceion Cunningham