The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), along with event sponsor Virgin Holidays, are honoring two staff members at Caribbean hotels for their selfless contributions and the role they play in making the Caribbean synonymous with exemplary service with an island flavor. Two exceptional hotel workers - Albert Gurley of Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada and Phyllis Johnson-Smith, Sheraton Cable Beach Resort, The Bahamas - have been selected to receive the CHTA/Virgin Holidays 2009 Caribbean Hotel Employee of the Year and 2009 Caribbean Hotel Supervisor of the Year awards, respectively.
 
Albert Gurley is Head Houseman at Grenada's Spice Island Beach Resort, where he has worked since 1986 as a security guard for the first three years and in the housekeeping department for the remainder of his tenure with the resort. He has never been late or absent, and according to colleagues, he performs his duties with a bright smile and a positive attitude even in the most challenging of situations.
 
In addition to his dedication to the job, Gurley had earned a reputation as a local hero by diving into a swimming pool to save an elderly woman from drowning. In his spare time he assists the Boca New Testament Church of God with painting, plays afternoon cricket and is a very active reader of books, newspapers and the bible.

"Winning Caribbean Hotel Employee of the Year was surprising to me," said Gurley. "I work hard and take my job seriously, but still I didn't expect it.  I think the company has seen the interest I show in the job in terms of being on time, the devotion to the job and the example I set for others to follow," noted Gurley, who's been known to work additional hours above and beyond the call of duty during busy periods. "I share this award with my daughter who is now entering the hospitality field herself, so that she can recognize the benefits that can be derived from a job well done," Gurley added.

CHTA and Virgin Holidays, along with all of Gurley's colleagues at Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada, congratulate him on achieving Caribbean Hotel Employee of the Year and wish him continued success in the future.