The GIMIES 2024 – Crowning the People’s Choice!

The second edition of the highly anticipated GIMIES is earmarked for April 13, 2024, and scheduled to be live streamed on NTN. This prestigious event is presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association.

As part of the 30 awards or GIMIES presented at the event, the People’s Choice is one of the most coveted and eagerly sought-after, garnering wide interest due to the nature of its presentation.

Jn Louis Mathurin

After a national nomination process, the top ten nominees in the People’s Choice engaged in a riveting online competition with the public voting to choose the final winners. This award like the other GIMIES, promotes service excellence in the tourism industry.

According to the Minister of Tourism Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, “The GIMIES not only celebrates the outstanding achievements within our tourism sector but also fosters a spirit of excellence and innovation among our industry stakeholders. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who contribute to making Saint Lucia a premier tourist destination.”

After weeks of online voting and verifying the nominations results, the following top three candidates have succeeded: Kendal Montoute, Owner/Taxi Driver of Kendal’s Taxi Services, Sherma Peter, Pastry Chef at Jade Mountain Resorts and Jn Louis Mathurin, Adventure Guide at Father Nature Adventures. Viewers are encouraged to tune into the live stream of the event to witness which of the three finalists, will be crowned the GIMIES’s People’s Choice 2024!

Other candidates who participated in the online competition include:

• Nehemiah Charles, Taxi Driver/Owner of Hot Spot Taxi
• Emmanuel Alexander, Independent Tour Guide
• Jasmine Kouly, Owner/Chef/Tour Guide of Lucian Food Tours
• Petra Mason, Tour Guide at Foster, and Ince Cruise Services
• Ophelia Cherubin, Butler  at The Landings Resort & Spa
• Vanesta Clifford, Tour Operator at Sea Spray Cruises
• Bebiana Mangal, Marketing Officer at Rabot Estate Hotel

The second edition of the GIMIES has attracted support from corporate partners who conduct business with many of the nominees and were eager to support this national initiative.  Gold Star Partner Taiwan along with Ultra-Premium Partners Flow St. Lucia, Courts Ready Finance, Courts Business Solutions, Heineken Saint Lucia, Piton Beer, and Caribbean Metals have given their support.

Premium Partners include Bank of Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia Electricity Services, Republic Bank Ltd, Digicel St Lucia, Heineken Saint Lucia, 1st National Bank and Barbay Ltd. while Supporting Partners are UWI Open Campus and Alliance Francais.

Kendal Montoute

This national event rewards the best of the tourism industry with winners placed in the spotlight and celebrated for their contributions to Saint Lucia’s continued success on the world stage.

Winners will walk away with the coveted GIMIE (trophy) along with a range of prizes presented by partners to include but not limited to Capacity Building and Educational courses from UWI Global Campus and Alliance Francais; Customer Service training sponsored by Saint Lucia Electricity Services; an array of products from Courts Unicomer as well as gadgets, and telecommunication support from Flow St Lucia and Digicel. Additionally, one lucky winner will be presented with a branded Mobile Canteen compliments Caribbean Metals St. Lucia Ltd.

Sherma Peter

According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Ms. Donalyn Vittet, “This year’s GIMIES is a reflection of our vibrant tourism sector’s resilience and innovation. By recognizing the achievements of our tourism professionals at all levels, we are not only celebrating their success, but also inspiring future generations to uphold and exceed the ambitious standards set by today’s awardees. As we celebrate each nominee, we were very careful to select additional rewards which would strengthen their service offerings.”

The gala event will be live streamed on NTN and the GIMIES social media platforms. Supporters and public are encouraged to join the viewing parties online.

For more information on the GIMIES, visit www.stlucia.org/gimies or Facebook/Instagram @the GIMIES.