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Dear Friends of Green Turtle Cay,
We have wonderful news to report... Ray Lowe, aka "Mr. Everything" -- Maintenance Manager here at the Green Turtle Club -- was recognized as CHA's "Supervisor of the Year" throughout the entire Caribbean last week at a reception in Miami. We are all ecstatic and so proud of him -- words cannot describe -- Ray is definitely riding the wave! For those of you who have had the pleasure to meet and interact with Ray over the years, you too will no doubt agree that there would be no one else more deserving of this award. I personally would like to clone him about 10 times -- he of course, is not in agreement! CONGRATULATIONS RAY!
Here is the Press Release issued by the Bahamas Hotel Association:
Bahamas Hotel Association
PRESS RELEASE
Bahamian Captures Top Regional Award
As a testament that hard work pays, Bahamian Raymond Lowe was recognized by the Caribbean Hotel Association as the region's Supervisor of the Year during a special awards luncheon this week at the region's Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC) in Miami.
'Mr. Everything' is the nickname which General Manager Lynn Johnson has given to Raymond Lowe, Maintenance Manager at the Green Turtle Club in the Abaco Cays. "Over the span of a thirty-two year career at Green Turtle Club, Raymond has amassed and mastered a range of skills and knowledge which makes him a resource for just about 'everything' for employees and guests of the property. We are extremely proud of his achievement and recognition" she stated.
The regional distinction is one of two awards which were bestowed on employees at the awards ceremony on Tuesday. "We are thrilled to see that one of our finest has received this regional distinction" stated Bahamas Hotel Association President Earle Bethell, who is attending the conference along with a large delegation of hotel and allied members from BHA. "Raymond epitomizes the highest ideals and commitment to excellence for our industry and we offer him our wholehearted congratulations" he added.
Raymond began working at the Green Turtle Club part-time as a dockhand at the age of twelve. He was supervised by his father, Vertrum Lowe, who he is quick to reference as a great inspiration. His father, along with Green Turtle native Earklin McIntosh, provided him with a sound foundation and understanding as to how to be a 'jack of all trades'.
The skills which he has acquired and honed are endless, having become proficient in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting and tile laying. He has witnessed the marina transformed from one with only 12 slips, to one that now boasts 38 slips, all which Ray helped to construct by hand. He has been instrumental in the construction of new rooms and the pool refurbishment and overseas the plant and maintenance operation for the properties reverse osmosis system...
In addition to his manual duties, Raymond has a hand in the administrative duties at the resort. He carries out all the ordering of supplies for the restaurant, conducts the food and beverage inventory, and assists with other administrative functions.
His award follows his distinction earlier this year when he received the Cacique Award for Supervisor of the Year, presented by the Bahamas Hotel Association and the Ministry of Tourism.
Raymond is actively involved in his church as well as community activities for the historic village of New Plymouth where he donates time to painting, upgrading and repairing facilities like the Government Clinic, the Police Station and the Alton Lowe Museum.
His personal statement is a testament to his success: "I enjoy my work. That's the bottom line."
Joining in attendance at the awards ceremony to lend moral support was BHA President Earle Bethell, Executive Vice President Frank Comito, Green Turtle Club General Manager Lynn Johnson, Mr. Lowe's wife and daughter and a delegation of Chefs, Apprentice Chefs, hoteliers and others from the Bahamas, all who cheered enthusiastically when his award was announced.
The awards were presented at a special luncheon attended by nearly 1,000 conference delegates. The annual "Salute to the Stars of the Caribbean AMEX Awards to Outstanding Achievement in the Hospitality Industry" is sponsored by American Express in cooperation with the Caribbean Hotel Association. Presenting the awards were Berthia Parle, President of CHA, and Dee Dee Rodriquez representing American Express.
As the summer season is definitely upon us, the entire island has been hopping with visitors. Guests visiting the Green Turtle Club have been enjoying our new landscaping as well as our new furniture in the bar and in Papaya and Key Lime Cottages at Turtle Point. The new patio furniture is scheduled to arrive any day now. We are sure that everyone will notice and enjoy the changes that we here at the Club are so very proud of.
The Round The Great Turtle Regatta Race was held on July 2nd, 2006. Sailors enjoyed great weather - lots of wind to fill their sails. Thanks to Ken Batzer and his committee for yet another wonderful turnout. For Round The Great Turtle Race results, click here. The Annual Stranded Naked party at Fiddle was held on July 3rd, and in spite of the rain, a fun time was enjoyed by all. The RTIA (Regatta Time In Abaco) race followed on July 4th -- they too had great weather for sailing.
Presented now is an article that will appear in upcoming flight magazines -- written by Ralph Smith -- thanks for a great article Ralph! Click here to take a look!
Management and Staff of the resort are happy to welcome two new employees to our team - Donnell Major and Lovette Cornish have been with us for just a couple of weeks now. Their charming personalities and beautiful smiles await you at the Front Desk.
Chef Edden continues to tantalize our dining guests with his mouth watering creations. Chef would love to share some of his favourite recipes with you and we begin this newsletter with this favourite: Spiced Pound Cake with Orange Rum Sauce. Click here for the recipe.
Stay tuned for upcoming newsletters with more of Chef Edden's specialties!
Back-tracking a bit - The 3rd Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival was held here on Green Turtle Cay May 5th to 7th. Once again, it was a fantastic turnout, with great weather, delicious food and drinks and entertainment by "The Brilanders" from Harbour Island, The #1 Band in the nation... The Gully Roosters, Rake and Scrape Band "Ophie & The Boys", The Royal Bahamas Police Marching & Pop Bands and many more local artists. Other activities included: Dingy Sculling Contests; Conch Cracking & Skinning Contests; Conch-eating Contests; Conch-style dance demonstrations and competition; coconut-bark boat races and traditional children's games. Also enjoyed were Junkanoo Parades; Loyalist's Costume Fashion Shows; an on-site Genealogist Booth; Plaiting of the Maypole; interesting and informative lectures on the conch and other historic story telling opportunities; local art & craft displays; native and Key West cuisine and a visit by the Wolf, an 18 Century Schooner.
Here's a bit of history on the event.
The relationship that exists between the two communities began in the mid eighteen hundreds when many residents of Green Turtle Cay relocated to Key West to begin a new life. In 1977 the city of Key West recognized the strong ties and officially made Green Turtle Cay a Sister City with a festival being held to commemorate the moment.
The success of the event launched discussions toward introducing a festival that would bring the two groups together annually, in celebration. Unfortunately, these deliberations fizzled and did not materialize as expected. However, interest was rekindled within the community of Green Turtle Cay at the beginning of the new millennium. There was a determination to renew acquaintances with its Sister City by hosting an annual festival, similar to the one held some 20 years before.
Eager to reconnect with their descendents, a committee was formed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. A location was also designated as the 'festival-site' and after a considerably amount of planning and fundraising events, in May of 2004, the 1st Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival was held. The picturesque venue was in the historic, seaside village of New Plymouth, in Green Turtle Cay. Citizens of Key West who never visited these shores, but knew their connection, traveled to the quaint community in large numbers to participate in this very special home-coming event. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity making it one of Abaco's premier events that draws hundreds of persons from throughout the Islands of the Bahamas, Key West, Florida and many other cities in the United States, Canada and even the UK.
Next year's festival is scheduled for May 4, 5 & 6th 2007. Don't miss it!
For those of you who are thinking of visiting the Green Turtle Club during the fall, be sure to check out our Turtle Escape Special and to take advantage of our Free Dockage Special beginning September 1st.
Warm Summer Wishes,
P. Lynn Johnson
General Manager
Click any of the links below to review previous editions of Green Turtle Club news!
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