The glitz and glamour of Bollywood came to Morne Rouge last week, as Sandals Grenada took over the Trade Centre to celebrate its outstanding team members of 2025.
This year’s Prestige Awards paid homage to Grenada’s East Indian heritage and was held under the theme ‘Sitaare’, which means ‘Stars’. It took place on Thursday, 30 June, the day before Grenada’s Indian Arrival Day anniversary. The Prestige Awards are Sandals Resorts’ most revered recognition of excellent team member performance.
Team members seized the opportunity to come out in their finest, for a night of recognition, festivity and feasting. The eventual winners would walk away with a host of prizes from cash and certificates to mobile phones and appliances, including smart TVs, as well as all-expenses-paid trips to other Sandals properties.
Categories ranged from those who had the greatest impact on the guest experience, to the staff favourite or People’s Choice Award, and the one all team members look forward to, the Diamond or Team Member of the Year Award.
Claiming the resort’s highest honour this year was Food & Beverage Administrative Assistant, Lisha Belfon. Belfon’s victory celebration was fittingly grand, as she departed the event in style via Cybertruck transfer with prizes in tow.
General Manager Peter Fraser and Food & Beverage Director Matthew Saunders both praised Belfon’s remarkable growth journey within the organisation, having started her career as a restaurant server before rapidly advancing through the ranks.
Saunders was especially elated, remarking that “it is an honour and privilege to serve alongside these amazing hospitality professionals. There are so many roles within the department, and each is only as strong as the other. Lisha is one of the anchors of our department. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Also commending her, Fraser remarked, “She is poised, quietly confident, ambitious and well-educated. I know she will continue to soar.”
Other winners included:
- MVP or Manager of the Year – Dennison Decoteau (Restaurants Service Manager)
- Platinum Award (Runner-up) – Alex Frederick (Butler)
- Supervisor of the Year – Jeniffer Phillip (Bars Supervisor)
- Legendary Award – Terrell Douglas (Bartender)
- Circle of Joy Award – Sindy Ghatt (Cook)
- Mover and Shaker Award – Rhys Ollivierre (Junior Concierge)
- Sandals Foundation Sentinel – Floyd Gooding (A/C Technician)
- Pacesetter Award – Dellon Harriman (Landscaper)
- Heart of the House Award – Kaylan Lewis (Resort Driver)
- Earth Guardian Award – Shenique Decoteau (Loyalty and Travel Concierge)
- Standing Ovation Award – Donnette Abraham (Payroll Clerk)
- Money Maker Award – Nadya Alexander (Spa Therapist)
- Founder’s Circle Award – Corene Felix (Stewarding Manager)
- People’s Choice Award – Lizann Frederick (Housekeeping Supervisor)
- Department of the Year – The Photo Shop
Moments of exuberance, reflection and appreciation defined the awards ceremony. Awardee Terrell Douglas shared an emotional celebration with his mother, video-calling her live on stage to exclaim, “Aye, mommy, we get through!”
Meanwhile, Floyd Gooding, upon receiving the Sandals Foundation Award, reflected on his journey and purpose, stating, “I didn’t grow up with much, but I have worked hard to uplift my family, and I appreciate all the opportunities provided through Sandals and the Sandals Foundation to uplift others.”
Human Resources Manager, Maxine Pierre, reminded the audience, “‘Sitaare an evening of stars’ was specifically chosen as our theme this year to represent how each of you can illuminate a room with your purpose, presence and passion. Thank you for going above and beyond to make our brand shine.”
Sandals Grenada
