After 50 years of contributing to the local tourism product, the Barnard family has been officially honored by the Government of Saint Lucia. On Tuesday a modest ceremony at the prime minister’s special residence marked the special occasion. In attendance were the Prime Minister Mr. Allen Chastanet, tourism minister Dominic Fedee, representatives of the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association and the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, along with other key stakeholders from the private and public sectors. They came together in special recognition of Rendezvous Resort brand.
Formerly associated with a leading local hotel company, Fedee underscored in his address that the Barnard family alone can boast of owning and operating the same resort for just over half a century.
In his turn the prime minister presented the commemortative award in the form a plaque to Mr. Andrew Barnard, deputy managing director of Sunswept Resorts.
In advance of his presentation Mr. Chastanet articulated on behalf of the people and the government full appreciation and gratitude for the family’s contributions to the local tourism sector over several years. He also spoke for the hundreds of Saint Lucians who in that time had found employment at the family’s resorts.
A visibly appreciative Andrew Barnard expressed his family’s appreciation to the prime minister and his government for acknowledging their contributions to the tourism industry.
