A graduate of the St. Lucia Hotel Trades at the Morne Technical College (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College), Ms. Cheryl Gustave joined Cunard Hotel La Toc in December of 1977 as a dining room hostess.
With her enthusiasm and determination to get ahead, she worked in various departments as a telephone operator, receptionist /cashier, secretary to the financial controller and receivables clerk. In November 1989, Gustave was promoted to Credit Manager, a post she held until the sale to Sandals in 1992.
In 1995, Gustave started her tenure at the Bay Gardens Hotel in the capacity of Front Desk /Reservation clerk. Just a few months later, she was promoted to Front Desk/Assistant General Manager. She held this this position until December 2000. In 1996/1997 Gustave was awarded employee of the year at the Par Excellence awards. In 2001 Cheryl was also awarded Manager of the Year at the Par Excellence awards.
From December 2001-2006, Gustave served as the General Manager of Ginger Lily Hotel, an eleven-room boutique hotel. Under her skillful leadership the newly opened hotel recorded several repeat clienteles. Within the second year of operations, Ginger Lily also won a Gold Award for quality service. Ginger Lily also received a Silver Award from Virgin Holidays for a well-rounded small hotel.
In March of 2007, the Downtown Hotel in Soufriere contracted Gustave to assist in rebranding and ensure the presence of this small hotel in the industry, the result has been a success story.
On June 1st, 2007 Gustave returned to Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa as the Front Desk Manager/Assistant Executive Manager/Resident Operations Manager. In 2017 she was promoted to General Manager of Bay Gardens Hotel and Inn, a position she currently holds.
Gustave holds a diploma from the Professional Career Development Institute in Norcross, Georgia and a Certified Rooms Division Executive (CRDE) from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. She also holds a certificate of Achievement from Dale Carnegie – Skills for Success.
Currently, Gustave’s focus is on the development of the up-and-coming workforce. She understands the need for personal growth and development of the youth, and vulnerable individuals, and thus channels her efforts in seeking potential in the youth, building their self esteem whilst empowering them with opportunities for future growth. She believes that with a positive attitude, ambition, passion, and the appropriate opportunity, one can achieve major milestones.
Gustave’s motto in life is to “always get ahead and reach for the stars.” Her advice to other staff members: “never become complacent in whatever you do, always set goals and objectives, and remember the sky is the limit.”
