18 minute read
HM Spotlight O’Brian Heron Sandals Negril
O’Brian
Heron HOTEL MANAGER, SANDALS NEGRIL
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He is a force. An example of do it big or not at all. The leader many look to for the out of pocket ideas and the encouragement to bring them to life. If you’ve heard of O’Brian Heron, then you’ve probably heard the terms brilliant, exceptionally creative, supportive, calm yet assertive, respectful and well for most of the managers at Sandals Negril, the person in the HOD whatsapp group that starts a little mix up, gets everyone involved then slowly exits and play the innocent bystander! We all know his MO, but we enjoy it anyway. This is our well-loved Hotel Manager at Sandals Negril and private though he may be, we got some interesting facts about him that not many people would have known about; until now.
Towering over most at 6 ft 2 inches – Heron loves sports and wanted to do track and field when he was younger. He probably would have been a star but his knock knees (genu valgum) had that dream crashing and burning.
With track and field out of the equation, he had to find a more, well, manageable sport and so he discovered badminton. “Back at Cornwall College, my friends and I would go to the Montego Bay Ice Factory in the afternoons to play badminton. It quickly became my second love and I still enjoy it.”
O’Brian has a big fear of heights. He will plan all the excursions for the management team but will not partake in anything relating to heights. But, would you know that sometime ago he planned a management retreat to Mystic Mountain – signed himself up to do the bobsled, avoiding anything height related at all cost. Well, if you’ve been to Mystic Mountain, you know that to get to any worthwhile activity you must ride the sky explorer. “I was sharing the chair lift with another manager who knew how petrified I was. So when the chair got to the highest point and stopped for us to ‘enjoy’ the view, that same manager started rocking chair! Let’s just say, shouts of ‘acclamation’ echoed through that mountain. I made it out alive though.”
He loves to write and writes pretty much anything - music, books and poems. One of his biggest desires is to also write and produce a reality tv series. CONT’D on NEXT PAGE September 2021 35
He is known around the resort for little famed sayings here and there but ‘I am concerned’ is a phrase none of us managers like to hear. That’s exactly how he starts off telling us something is wrong in a specific department and that’s usually followed by ‘what are your plans to fix it?’
With him having to balance so many responsibilities both in his personal and professional life, Heron is guided by this philosophy he penned himself ‘ignore the limits people place on you and push you beyond the limits you place on yourself.”
Heron as a teen at Cornwall College.
September 2021 37 Informa�on Technology Division
SANDALS GRENADA
Sending greetings to our friends
ALANNA BOOTA GODWIN
JENNA JULIANA RENEE
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Beaches Negril Executive housekeeper Novlette Whyte (front) and her housekeeping team members were joined by the favourite Sesame Street friends for a fun pic during a celebratory moment for International Housekeepers Week.
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Sandals South Coast Hotel Manager, Carl Ainscough (2nd left) and Principals of Solas, Coote Savanna and Baulk ECI; (L-r) Yvette Lewis, Nerissa Gray-Brown, and Rose Rashford are all smiles as they show off lovely school supplies they received from the Sandals Foundation.
Sandals Montego Bay Executive Housekeeper Patricia showing off her artistic skills during a Paint and Sip session at the resort. September 2021 41
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Room Attendant, Sancheak Mairs gets things all in order for an arrival inside the luxurious accommodations of Sandals South Coast South Seas Rondoval Village.
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The Beaches Turks and Caicos’ Entertainment Team showing their glowing personalities.
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Hotel Manager Sharon Fagan modeling casual wear at the Beaches Turks and Caicos’ BFF Fashion Show held at the resort recently.
Gift Shop Assistant Manager at Beaches Negril, Leslee Parkinson (right) gifts entertainment team member Celicia Ellis after she was named one of the winning revenue ambassadors for the period.
Sandals South Coast General Manager, Adrian Whitehead presents Vital Signs Monitors, Hospital Grade Stretchers, walking sticks and reusable masks to Senior Medical Officer of the Black River Hospital, Sheriff Imoru (right). The items, valued at close to $1mill were presented on behalf of the Sandals Foundation.
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Beaches Negril dining room server Omondo Smith (left)was a picture of glee after being presented with his gift for his role as a revenue ambassador. Handing over his prize was Gift Shop Assistant Manager Leslee Parkinson
Wait – is that Alex Pike, Beaches Negril’s Operations Manager we see there; showing off his skills as a server? September 2021 45
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All love coming your way from Beaches Negril housekeeper Tenneisha.
It is always an entertaining dining experience at the Beaches Negril Kimonos Restaurant so the chefs put on a show for the housekeepers during the special luncheon at the restaurant for International Housekeepers Week.
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Sara Wallace, Concierge Agent at Beaches Ocho Rios strikes a business pose for our lens.
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When the Beaches Turks and Caicos team decides to bust a move! Jamie, Demia and Brenica of the Entertainment Team at Sandals Emerald Bay sharing a Picture Perfect moment at the resort recently.
Jamie, Demia and Brenica of the Entertainment Team at Sandals Emerald Bay sharing a Picture Perfect moment at the resort recently.
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Spa Manager Devi-Ann leading the Beaches Turks and Caicos staff meditation session. September 2021 49
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Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort celebrated International Housekeeping week with some awards recently.
Wilhelmenia Lucien, Room Attendant, Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort receives the Pillars of the Department Award. Herman Flavius, Houseman, Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort receives the Men on a Mission Award at the resort recently.
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Herman Flavius, Houseman, Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort receives the Men on a Mission Award at the resort recently.
Carol Thomas, Quality Floor Inspector, Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort receives the Pillars of the Department Award.
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A birthday smile from Housekeeping Supervisor Glencia Martin-Pollard at Sandals Barbados. Beaches Ocho Rios’ Weddings Manger, Kerry-Ann and Wedding Consultant, Venice are joyful as Venice collects the Circle of Joy Award from Kerry-Ann.
Latoya Cooke walked away with the coveted ‘Diamond Team Member’ and ‘Legendary Team Member’ awards at the monthly Prestige Awards at Sandals Royal Plantation.
Beaches Ocho Rios’ Weddings Manger, Kerry-Ann and Wedding Consultant, Venice are joyful as Venice collects the
Latoya Cooke walked away with the coveted ‘Diamond Team Member’ and ‘Legendary Team Member’ awards at the monthly Prestige Awards at Sandals Royal Plantation.
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Golf anyone? Renaldo, Caddy at Sandals Golf & Country Club is seen promoting the Golf facilities at Sandals Ochi.
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Epix’s Shavonne Cumberbatch is always ready to assist guests with their photo needs at Sandals Barbados. The kids of Kings Primary school can look forward to cool classrooms on their return to face-to-face classes following a presentation in which Sandals South Coast GM, Adrian Whitehead handed over twelve brand new wall fans plus school supplies to school Principal Marcia Tatham Miller.
The kids of Kings Primary school can look forward to cool classrooms on their return to face-to-face classes following a presentation in which Sandals South Coast GM, Adrian Whitehead handed over twelve brand new wall fans plus
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It’s a style moment as Sandals Montego Bay Learning and Development Manager Sigourney glams up for a recent function.
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Kirkland, Assistant Executive Housekeeper at Sandals Montego Bay is a picture of concentration as he seeks to create a masterpiece. Sandals Montego Bay Duty Manager Christopher enjoys bringing smiles to the faces of his guests with personalized service.
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These three ladies from Sandals and Beaches Negril are quite pleased about their own school supplies corner as they get ready to distribute these items to children during a Sandals Foundation sponsored back to school fair.
Loyalty and Travel Manager at Sandals Montego Bay Shaneika is a picture of concentration as she goes through her workout during a recent managers’ exercise class at the resort. September 2021 57
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Room attendant Nicole Boothe (left) accepts a gift from Sandals Negril Hotel Manager O’Brian Heron after she was crowned winner in the department’s bed making competition – one of the activities carried out during International Housekeepers Week. It’s Theda the butler! One of Sandals Negril’s most loved service professionals.
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We caught Romaine, one of our butlers at Sandals Negril arranging an in room set up for his guests We caught Jodi, one of our housekeepers at Sandals Negril as she detailed her rooms.
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A big ‘air hug’ from the free spirited Timar from Sandals Ochi’s Banqueting department. Alton Kelly from the landscaping team at Sandals Royal Plantation never misses an opportunity to keep his plants well groomed.
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Shaial from the Entertainment team at Sandals Royal Caribbean is always the life of the party. It’s all hands on deck every day for Watersport Supervisor Lisa Nurse at Sandals Barbados.
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Gift shop sales representative and Sandals Foundation ambassador Anjelica Nunez manning the registration desk during a back to school initiative. Denise Watson, Epix Manager at Sandals Ochi seems to be saying, I got this and will serve all the breakfast dessert to our well-deserved housekeeping team members.
Denise Watson, Epix Manager at Sandals Ochi seems to be saying, I got this and will serve all the breakfast dessert to our well-deserved housekeeping team members.
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Beaches Ocho Rios’ Red Lane Spa attendants, Samantha and Kayon some of our vax champs, they did the right thing and made healthy choices.
Juvens Senatus of the resort shop at Sandals Emerald Bay promoting the Sandals Foundation. September 2021 63
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A warm welcome is what Sandals Montego Bay General Manager Carl Beviere ensures his guests at the resort. Audio Visual Technician, Rohan is cool and calm as he keeps Sandals South Coast leveled and lit.
The effervescent Rochelle from Sandals Royal Caribbean Dining Room receiving her well-deserved Circle of Joy award from General Manager Dawn Smith at a recent Prestige Awards.
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Audio Visual Technician, Rohan is cool and calm as he keeps Sandals South Coast leveled and lit.
Charming, warm-hearted, pious, helpful, meticulous are a few adjectives come to mind when describing Delores Williams, Guest Services Manager at Sandals Ochi.
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Sandals Ochi’s Executive Assistant Manager, Maylene Pringle and the team of managers serve a special breakfast to housekeeping team members.
Our male team members in the housekeeping department at Sandals Negril. Snr. Bartender at Sandals Ochi, Basil has a natural flair of making drinks for his guests, especially a ‘Bob Marley’ delight.
Snr. Bartender at Sandals Ochi, Basil has a natural flair of making drinks for his guests, especially a ‘Bob Marley’ delight.
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Shanice from Beaches Ocho Rios’ Animation department receives the ‘Mover & Shaker Team Member’ Award from her manager, Stacy Anderson.
Vaughn Henry, proudly collects his Sandals Foundation Sentinel Award from Sheryl Ellis, Resort Shop Manager at Beaches Ocho Rios. With smiling eyes, Sandals Ochi’s Housekeeping Supervisor Dawn posed for the lens after she had the room ready. September 2021 67
Sandals Royal Caribbean General Manager Dawn Smith welcoming her guests with lots of love.
The Sandals Royal Caribbean team recently presented lunches to the staff at Cornwall Regional Hospital. Here General Manager Dawn Smith; Operations Manager SRI Standards, Rooms Division Karen Paragon Singh and Regional Public Relations Manager Ian Spencer share in the moment with the hospital’s CEO and Administrator.
Jamar from Team Snapshots at Sandals Royal Caribbean giving the culinary fare thumbs up to the recent General Manager’s Power Lunch.
Linton from the Bar at Sandals Royal Caribbean enjoying his sumptuous meals during the General Manager’s Power Lunch. Sandals Foundation Ambassador from Sandals South Coast, Mikada Brown brought lots of school supplies and smiles to Bog ECI recently, here principal, Keisha McLeod McHayle accepts the supplies on behalf of her school.
Legendary Team Member for the Month of August Dillon Beswick receives his certificate and cheque from Beaches Ocho Rios’ Assistant F&B Manager, Jermaine. September 2021 69
Bellman at Sandals South Coast, Odain Graham is all smiles as he gets ready to transfer guests’ luggage to their room.
Jamie and Brenica, members of the Entertainment Team at Sandals Emerald Bay creating a world of colours to support the Sandals Foundation.
The bright eyes of Stephanie welcome her clients before she officially heads to the Terrace Restaurant at Sandals Royal Plantation.
Garnet Ralph the flairing bartender at Sandals Royal Plantation wows his guests by balancing a bottle of ‘Appleton Estate 12’ perfectly on his head. September 2021 71
Carleen the butler wowing her guests at Sandals Montego Bay.
Sandals Montego Bay Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Joan engages in a rehydration session with guests on the beach One common goal among Sandals Royal Plantation’s Travel & Loyalty Manager, Dacia Stewart and her able assistant Georgia Black is to exceed their target each month.September 2021 72
And the Award for Department of the Quarter goes to the Butlers at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
One common goal among Sandals Royal Plantation’s Travel & Loyalty Manager, Dacia Stewart and her able assistant Georgia Black is to exceed their target each month.
Front Office Agent, Selena West is pleased to share her happiness that Sandals Ochi is the best. September 2021 73
Managers at Sandals Royal Plantation are always eager to serve the team members during their monthly Prestige Awards luncheon and ceremony.
Renae, our Assistant Learning and Development Manager at Sandals Royal Caribbean, presenting ShellyAnn from Weddings with a gift for being among the first to complete the September LMS Course. Sandals Montego Bay Hotel Manager Anna-Kay Wholas presenting a school bag to a housekeeping supervisor Patrice during a back to school treat for members of the team.
‘Big Will’ aka Willem and Daniel hype the vibes at the Sandals Grenada afterwork lime.
Another night, another superb sushi roll by Chef Berwin from Sandals Grenada. Aldith of Watersports had a variety of goodies on sale at the recent Sandals Grenada Staff Market Day.
Assistant Spa Manager Claudian (L) and Manager Melissa (R) entertain their department with interpretive dance at Sandals Grenada. September 2021 75
The Grand Prize Awardees at Sandals Grenada’s Red Lane Spa Awards. Boss of the Sauce- Crishon’s got it going on at Dino’s Pizzeria in Sandals Grenada.
Daniel serving up hot tunes after work at Sandals Grenada. Green, Gold and Red for Red Lane Spa Awards at Sandals Grenada.
Houseman at Sandals Grenada Jevon, receives a complimentary scrub and Red Lane Spa service from Spa Manager Melissa, for his exemplary efforts. O’Brian Heron commends the top performing Red Lane Spa Team at Sandals Grenada.
Things heat up at Sandals Grenada Team Member Market Day.
Peace & Love from DJ Blaze at the Main Pool inside Sandals Grenada. September 2021 77
