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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2017 - 2:12:20 AM |
The sights and sounds of New York were captivating but local writer, Tosheena Robinson-Blair had other things on her mind.
The Dupuch Publications' journalist made the most out of her first trip to the Big Apple where she attended the Caribbean Tourism Industry Awards Luncheon honoring excellence in travel journalism for American and Caribbean writers.
Ms Robinson-Blair won the "No Anansi Story! Award." The category recognizes the best feature article submitted by a Caribbean-based journalist that appeared in a Caribbean-based media.
During the awards luncheon sponsored by Jamaica, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s secretary general Hugh Riley presented numerous industry awards to a packed audience of tourism ministers and other dignitaries from the Caribbean, tourism industry executives and well regarded journalists. The ceremony was held June 8, at the Wyndham New Yorker.
As she strode to the podium to accept her award, newly-appointed CTO chairman, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar extended a warm hug of congratulations to the surprised writer, whom he accompanied on stage.
Seeing the writer was momentarily speechless, Mr D' Aguilar prompted, "Say Go Bahamas!"
"Go Bahamas," said Ms Robinson-Blair before offering a brief acceptance speech.
"There is no 'I' in team," she said. "I accept this award on behalf of the staff of Etienne Dupuch Jr Publications. Our sincere thanks to the judges for recognizing our work."
The winning piece entitled,The life and times of a master hotelier, spotlights SuperClubs Breezes CEO and President John Issa and his contributions to tourism locally and regionally. It appeared in the2016 Bahamas Handbook & Businessman's Annual.
The category Ms Robinson-Blair won takes its name from an African folktale character, which takes the shape of a spider. Anansesem, or "spider tales," encompasses all types of fables.
The award ceremony was part of the programme for Caribbean Week New York organized by the CTO. Held June 3-10, as a celebration of the sights, sounds, colour and culture of the Caribbean, the week combines business sessions and consumer-oriented events with Caribbean-inspired food, lively entertainment and networking opportunities.
"For a first trip to New York I couldn't imagine a better souvenir," said Ms Robinson-Blair, who was accompanied by her aunt, Rand Memorial Hospital physiotherapist, Lilamae McPhee, there for emotional support.
No stranger to being honored, Mrs McPhee told her niece beforehand, "progression to a finalist was an achievement in itself."
"I am thrilled for her," she said, following the ceremony. "I noticed she skipped dessert, so I could see she was nervous just prior to the announcement. I am incredibly proud."
A career journalist since 1998, Ms Robinson-Blair is a graduate of Middle Tenessee State University where she received her Master's degree. She is the mother of two, Sierra and Roman.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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