The famed resort on Palm Beach celebrated work anniversaries this weekend, with 30 and 35 years of service, recognizing nine team members, at an elegant party in the Morris Lapidus Grand Ballroom.
Glenn Farro, Director of the HR department at the resort, who inaugurated the festivities, shared insights after his 37-year tenure with the resort. He reflected on the significance of dedicating 30, or 35 years to the hotel industry, highlighting the sacrifices made, working on weekends, nights, and holidays while the rest of the world celebrates. He also expressed his total admiration for the level of commitment these team members have made throughout their tenure and continue to make each and every day.
“Thirty-five years ago,” said General Manager Larry Tuck, “gets me back to 1988, the year I started my career in the hotel industry in Canada. It brings back fond memories and highlights the passion demonstrated by the people in the hospitality industry, towards their guests and their hotel properties.” He concluded his address by warmly congratulating the long-term careers of his hotel’s team members.
Valeria Nowotny Vice President of Operations – Resorts, Luxury and Lifestyle Hotels for the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America at Hilton, in a pre-recorded video message, congratulated celebrants on their career landmarks on behalf of the Mexico, Caribbean and Central America division of Hilton.
The culinary team served a delicious menu inspired by the season, pumpkin soup with curry cream, grilled garlic shrimp and filet mignon, on a bed of pureed sweet potato, with baked Alaska for dessert.
As history recalls, the Aruba Caribbean closed in 1984, in need of renovations. Then a new partnership with the Golden Tulip was hatched and in November 1986, the first part of the reopening took place, followed by the Caribbean Wing, 176 rooms, the Garden Wing, 80 rooms, and the Barbizon wing, 120 rooms, plus 30 cabanas.
While the economy was suffering due to the closure of the refinery at the eve of Status Aparte, two years earlier, the hotel was continuously hiring staffers, for the Fandango nightclub, The French Room, and the Gazebo restaurant
In the following years the Grande Dame of Palm Beach enjoyed a successful run as the Golden Tulip, then again it was blessed by a change of ownership around the millennium, reflagged as a Radisson and finally in July 2015, went full circle, returned to its Aruba roots when it was picked up by the Aruba Growth Fund, becoming the upscale Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, with 357 charming guest rooms and suites, at the edge of an unmatched beach, nestled in enchanting gardens.
As team members’ names appeared on the big-screen with their original file photos, from their old work-books, the room erupted with thunderous applause and laughter.
Recognition certificates and monetary gifts were presented to: Steve Lunch, 30 years, hired September 4th 1993; Cecilia Ras, 35 years, hired October 5th, 1988; Norman Lacle, 35 years, hired September 7th, 1988; Liliana Tromp, 35 years, hired November 1988; Jacqueline Boasman, 35 years, hired July 20th, 1988; Ligia Lacle, 35 years, hired May 21st, 1988; Matilda Clement, 35 years, hired October 12th, 1988; Orlando Werleman, 35 years, hired December 23rd, 1988 and Ligia Panneflek, 35 years, hired August 10th, 1988.
