KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two Red Stripe employees were the lucky beneficiaries of an all-expenses paid trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics Games.

The employees were selected through an internal competition following the launch of the public “Guh Fi Gold and Glory” Paris Olympics campaign by the manufacturing giant.

Launched from May to June, the internal challenge was designed to elevate company morale through a series of thoughtfully crafted activities. From hitting the gym and competing in walking challenges to participating in recycling efforts and attending brand and corporate-sponsored events, employees eagerly embraced the opportunity to earn points for daily and weekly tasks.

The ultimate goal was to secure a total of 500 points for the win.

The selected winners were Inbound Logistics Team Leader Nikolas Martin and Data Analyst Samoya Deacon.

On our way to Paris! Red Stripe gift employees Nikolas Martin (left) and Samoya Deacon (middle) a trip to Paris as they emerge victorious, as part of the beer brand’s ‘Guh Fi Gold and Glory’ campaign. From left to right: Inbound Logistics Team Leader Nikolas Martin, Data Analyst Samoya Deacon, and Red Stripe Junior Brand Manager Arnaldo Martin. (Photo contributed)

Martin, who is a second-generation Red Stripe employee, following in the footsteps of his father, who worked at the company for many years, shared that “We always have some kind of internal competition happening in the company to keep employees engaged and to give everyone a fair chance at winning different prizes. As soon as the Guh Fi Gold and Glory campaign launched externally, we kick-started the excitement internally, and this time, I made sure to be a part of it because this was a really big prize. I really wanted to travel this year to celebrate my birthday and I have been dreaming of watching the Olympics live and in action so how could I not at least try?”

For Samoya Deacon, a three-year employee, the win was the accomplishment of a long-desired dream.

“This experience has been a dream come true. It is my first time travelling outside the country, so to be visiting Paris, another lifelong dream has made this gift even more special to me. I will always be incredibly grateful for this unforgettable opportunity,” Deacon said.

Martin continued, “The trip was nothing short of exciting. Cladd in our black, green and gold, our new European friends were so warm and welcoming — shouting ‘Jamaica’, ‘Usain Bolt, ‘Bob Marley’ as soon as they saw us. For me though, I cannot even begin to describe what it felt to be sitting in the stands as I watched my own people compete. I remember seeing Kishane get into formation and cheering him on as he approached the finish line, to see his live reaction and incredible outcome. I think this experience has really intensified my national pride and my appreciation for my Jamaicanness.”

The company also hosted a games day and mixer for both Martin and Deacon to bask in their win even more.

“Our company is guided by many values, but one of the most essential is our commitment to caring for people— both our consumers and, most certainly, our staff, who are at the heart of what we do. That’s why we felt it was only fitting to reward them with a trip to Paris, where they could experience the European city, witness the events first-hand, and proudly cheer on team Jamaica. We see their hard work every day and we are committed to acknowledging their contributions in as many ways as we can. After all, brewing the joy of true togetherness starts from within our own team,” said Red Stripe Managing Director, Daaf van Tilburg.