‘Inspirational’ young Grenadian wins Sandals Diamond Award

A young man from Grenada has picked up a prestigious tourism industry award in recognition of his commitment to personal improvement and service excellence.

Curtis Bailey, a certified member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), was named the Sandals La Source 2016 Diamond Winner at its annual Sandals Prestige Awards.

Bailey began his service with Sandals La Source in 2014 as a beach attendant.

According to the Grenada Tourism Authority, his manager Devon Boota recognised his potential and encouraged him to begin training in scuba diving.

“Curtis Bailey is humble, diligent and disciplined. He is the employee who goes the extra mile to serve when called on. He also carries out his job with a high level of professionalism, which leads return visitors to request to dive with him specifically,” said Boota.

The Boca Secondary School graduate did not waste a minute and quickly signed up to be PADI certified, an opportunity provided to all Sandals’ staff free of cost.

From there, he worked his way up the ranks, moving from open water diver to rescue diver within one year.

‘Dedication pays off’

In 2015 Bailey became a certified dive master, joining Sandals Aqua Center Dive Team, then took on the challenge of the Sandals/PADI scuba instructor programme in St Lucia – and he excelled.

Last year PADI recognised Bailey as the top certification salesman in the entire Sandals chain.

Patricia Maher, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, attended the Sandals La Source Prestige Awards. She delivered a presentation on ten qualities that employees can control for their own excellence.

“Curtis’ story is certainly an inspirational one, showing young people in the service industry that hard work and dedication pays off,” she said.

Bailey will represent Grenada at the Sandals Ultimate Awards which will take place later this year in Jamaica.