Bermuda Hotel Association Annual Meeting Held
The Bermuda Hotel Association [BHA] hosted its Annual General Meeting on Friday, July 8 at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort.
As part of the meeting, the BHA scholarships were awarded to four recipients, with Yahni Durham, Ramsay Saggar, Kayla Williams, and Sajni Richardson each awarded $5,000.
A spokesperson said, “Mr. JP Martens during his President’s report highlighted for the association members in attendance, the significant events, challenges and opportunities which took place throughout the year.”
“The recently announced retirement of Mrs. Muriel Richardson, General Manager, Rosedon Hotel, who is stepping down as both a former and first female BHA President, and long serving Board member after having served in a number of capacities in the hotel / hospitality industry for the past 37 years, which was effective 30th June 2016.
“Mr. Martens also acknowledged that, Mr. George Terpilowski, General Manager, Fairmont Southampton and BHA Board member, who has stepped down and will be leaving Bermuda shortly to take up his new position as General Manager, of the Copley Plaza in Boston Massachusetts.
“Mr. Martens thanked Mrs. Richardson for her many years of dedication, support and assistance to the industry, and our colleagues, wishing her a long and happy retirement, and extended to Mr. Terpilowski on behalf of all association members, best wishes for his future success in his new appointment.
“Mr. Martens remarked that his final duty in stepping down at the AGM, as the longest serving BHA President for the past six years, was joined by Mr. Bushara Bushara as the new BHA President in presenting the annual BHA scholarships to the following four recipients, who were each awarded $5,000.00, to be utilized towards their future studies in the hospitality / culinary industry.”
JP Martens, Chairman of the Bermuda Hotel Association [BHA]; outgoing BHA President Kayla Williams / Yajni Durham / Ramsay Saggar / Timeco Richardson [mother of Sajni Richardson], and Bushara Bushara, incoming BHA President:
“The scholarship awardees are Yahni Durham – West Virginia University studying for a Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management; Ramsay Saggar – Studying for his Degree in Business Administration / Hospitality Management at Niagara College; Kayla Williams IMI – International Management Institute Switzerland Ltd. Majoring in a Degree in Culinary Arts Ms. Williams is also the current Ms. Hospitality; and Sajni Richardson – Johnson & Wales University Rhode Island Campus and he is majoring in Hotel Management, with a degree in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management.
“Mr. Martens further highlighted the positive ongoing developments within the hotel industry. The final stages of the $100 Million Dollar redevelopment and renovations to the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, which includes, and is not limited to, the new marina, signature restaurants, beach club, state of the art spa and fitness centre, new shopping complex, and extensive renovations to guest rooms, suites and public areas of the hotel.
“On behalf of the association members, he thanked the Green Family, for their investment, commitment and confidence in the future of the Bermuda tourism product.
“The progression towards completion of the former Pink Beach Hotel development, which will operate under the name, “The Loren” which is anticipated to open in early 2017, which will mark the first new build and hotel development in several years.
“The recent ground breaking at the new Ritz-Carlton Hotel development at Morgan’s Point. The recent announcement of the planned St. Georges Hotel development by St. Regis Hotel. The recent announcement by the Tourism & Transport Ministry of concessions granted to both the Elbow Beach Hotel and the Surf Side Bach Club, which will lead to $38 Million Dollars renovations at each property.
“Ongoing expansion work which is underway at the Coco Reef Hotel, which will provide additional guest facilities and amenities. Ongoing premises and facilities improvements which a number of the association members are undertaking, and have completed in order to enhance their overall guest experiences.
“Mr. Martens concluded his remarks by stating that each of the industry developments clearly demonstrated the commitment and confidence which our industry partners, and association members, have in the Bermuda destination product, and as the search for a new Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer will be underway in the near future, it is anticipated that the new CEO will have a strong destination marketing background, that will focus and engage our collective efforts to both build on the solid foundation which Bill Hanbury has established, with the overall objective of establishing Bermuda as the international destination of choice for business and leisure travelers.”
