Half Moon boss named Hotelier of the Year
Bolt among honourees at JHTA Annual Awards
Published:Monday | June 30, 2025 | 9:57 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Half Moon General Manager, Shernette Crichton, was named Hotelier of the Year, while Sandals Royal Caribbean's Nahdira Spence was crowned Hotel Employee of the Year.
The two were among several awardees recognised by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) at its 64th Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony at the Dreams Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St James, on Saturday.
Crichton, who has given more than 25 years of service defined by empathy, accountability, and immersive leadership at one of the island’s most prestigious resorts – Half Moon - is renowned for her personalised style, from handwritten notes to frontline mentorship.
She is credited for helping Half Moon earn repeated global recognition, including Forbes Four-Star Ratings and accolades from Condé Nast, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards.
Spence, a rising star at Sandals Royal Caribbean, was recognised for her dynamic influence on workplace culture and her unwavering commitment to staff wellness and community service. Known for orchestrating events like Mother’s Day celebrations and wellness rehydration sessions, she also works closely with the Sandals Foundation, delivering sustainable programmes throughout St James and Trelawny. Driven by passion for public relations and guest delight, she represents the next generation of hospitality leadership.
The ceremony also paid tribute to hospitality veterans.
Pierre Battaglia received a Lifetime Achievement Award, just hours after demitting office as general manager of Couples Sans Souci. With a 52-year career spanning culinary distinction, sustainable innovation, and civic involvement, Battaglia was hailed as a consummate professional and mentor. A second Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Brian Roper, one of the original visionaries behind Sandals Resorts and a beloved communicator whose legacy of excellence and humour still resonates throughout the industry.
BOLT’S AWARD
Sprint icon Usain Bolt received the prestigious Abe Issa Award for Excellence for his role in elevating Brand Jamaica on the world stage, and for his charitable efforts focused on youth and children’s causes.
Recognising excellence in tourism services, Tropical Tours Limited earned the Local Transportation and Destination Management Award. One of Jamaica’s largest and most reliable operators, the company was applauded for its seamless airport transfers, multilingual tour services, and professional destination management. Beyond business, Tropical Tours continues to give generously, donating transportation for charitable causes and community events across the island.
OTHER NOTABLE AWARDEES
Other notable awardees included Caribbean Producers Jamaica as Purveyor of the Year, for exceptional service, consistency, and community-focused initiatives such as support for Glenhope Place of Safety and staff scholarship programmes. Jamwest Motorsports & Adventure Park earned Attraction of the Year, recognised for delivering immersive Jamaican experiences, from ziplining and ATV tours to its culturally themed Jam Culture Tour and regional expansion efforts that created new jobs in Negril.
Caribbean Airlines received the International Airline Award, praised for its culturally resonant campaigns, including ‘Welcome Home’, and its innovative Carnival activation at the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston. The airline’s resumption of the Montego Bay to Fort Lauderdale service also marked an important step in growing Jamaica’s international connectivity.
The Allied Member of the Year Award went to Rose Hall Great House, which was honoured for its preservation of heritage, steadfast support for JHTA events, and commitment to charitable endeavours within the Montego Bay chapter.
Environmental stewardship was also recognised, with Jamaica Inn and Bahia Principe awarded in the small and large accommodation categories, respectively, for sustainability initiatives that reflect the industry’s evolving priorities.
Among individual honours, Marilyn Monteith was recognised as Tourism Employee of the Year; Chef Mark Cole received Hotel Manager of the Year for his culinary brilliance and team leadership; and Odaine Brady, who rose from steward to supervisor at Royalton Blue Waters, was named Hotel Supervisor of the Year for his mentorship and community values.
The evening concluded with a Special Award for Outstanding Service presented to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, accepted by Senior Superintendent of Police Eron Samuels, in recognition of the force’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of Jamaica’s tourism sector.
With a blend of legacy, innovation, and heartfelt service on full display, the awards reflected a sector united by excellence and driven by purpose.