Award: Tourism Youth Ambassador Award
Award Description: This award honors an individual who embodies the true spirit of promoting and marketing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as an unofficial tourism ambassador. His or her portrayal of SVG has inspired many to recognize and celebrate our little gems.
Biographies of Nominees
Le’andra Veira
Le’Andra Veira is a dedicated professional with over ten years of experience in customer service, administration, and leadership. She currently serves as Guest Service Agent Supervisor at Grenadine House Hotel, where she oversees guest relations, front desk operations, staff training, and ensures a high standard of service. Le’Andra’s experience spans hospitality, education, and healthcare, including roles as Teaching Assistant with the Ministry of Education, Customer Service Representative, and a Registered Nursing Student.
Academically, she holds an associate degree in Travel and Tourism from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, with additional certifications in Guest Service, Human Resources Management, Customer Service Fundamentals, and Adult Education. Skilled in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and digital tools, she is fluent in English and Spanish and excels at fostering positive relationships, mentoring staff, and providing exceptional service while maintaining operational excellence.
Rackeim De Freitas
Rackeim De Freitas is a passionate tourism professional, with experience in hospitality, tour coordination, and customer service. He holds an associate degree in Tourism Studies from the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Community College and has a strong foundation in customer service, tour operations, and sustainable tourism practices. Rackeim has worked as a Tour Coordinator at Blue Destination Services and as a Front Office Agent at Young Island Resort, gaining hands-on experience in guest relations, site audits, cruise operations, and front desk management.
Committed to community engagement and sustainability, he volunteered as a Climate Activist with Richmond Vale Academy, promoting ecological gardening, food security, and climate awareness. Rackeim is certified in First Aid and CPR, licensed as a tour guide, and skilled in communication, IT, inventory management, and customer service. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences while fostering sustainable tourism initiatives and mentoring young learners.
Lyma Henry
Lyma Henry is a motivated and creative pastry chef, currently pursuing an Associate degree in Culinary Arts at the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Community College, DTVE. She has hands-on experience as a Pastry Chef at Young Island Resort, where she prepares and decorates a wide variety of pastries, cakes, and desserts, ensuring high standards of taste, presentation, and hygiene. Lyma collaborates closely with the kitchen team to support daily service and special events, while also contributing to menu planning and dessert innovation.
Known for her leadership, adaptability, and strong work ethic, she previously served as a prefect and peer counsellor during her secondary education at St. Vincent Girl’s High School, providing guidance and support to classmates and assisting in coordinating school initiatives. Lyma is passionate about hospitality and culinary arts and is dedicated to developing her skills, delivering exceptional experiences, and bringing creativity, professionalism, and excellence to every culinary endeavour.
Cassie-Ann Laidlow
Cassie-Ann Laidlow is an entrepreneurial tourism professional with extensive experience in hospitality, eco-tourism, and business management. She owns and manages Siteseeing with Cass, offering water sports and eco-tourism experiences, and Trippin’ with Siteseeing, providing regional and international travel concierge services. She also co-owns C&O Trucking, a local transportation service.
Cassie-Ann has served as a US Department of State & IREX YLAI Fellow and is a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Advisory Council for Tourism and Hospitality. She has been recognized for her leadership, community service, and business excellence, including the SVGTA Most Compliant Tour Operator award (2023). Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship at the University of the West Indies Global Campus, she brings strong skills in communication, problem-solving, leadership, and customer service, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and business management tools.
Dezmorel Hackshaw
Dezmorel Hackshaw is an emerging voice in tourism and digital storytelling. A graduate of the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism with a bachelor’s degree in International Tourism Management and Business Administration, she currently serves as a Content Creator at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority. Her work showcases the beauty, culture, and resilience of her country through engaging media productions and event coverage.
From hosting tourism campaigns and airline inaugurations to documenting national events like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour and Tourism Awards, Dezmorel’s creativity and professionalism continue to shine. Passionate about promoting her homeland and inspiring others, she embodies excellence in youth media and tourism communication.
Xia Samuel
Xia Samuel began her higher education at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Division of Technical and Vocational Education, where she pursued an Associate Degree in Hospitality Studies. Her exceptional academic performance and dedication to excellence earned her the prestigious Award of Excellence, recognising her commitment to becoming a leading professional in the field.
Eager to broaden her expertise, Xia also obtained additional certifications in Business Management and Marketing, Music, and General Science. These achievements reflect her well-rounded approach to personal and professional growth, as well as her passion for continuous learning across diverse disciplines.
Xia is known for her excellent communication skills, warm hospitality, and strong sense of professionalism, qualities she uses to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Her ability to connect with people, manage responsibilities efficiently, and represent any organisation with grace and respect has made her a valued asset to every team she joins.
Xia’s journey from a well-rounded student to an award-winning graduate and dedicated hospitality professional exemplifies her determination, adaptability, and ambition.
Zada Stephens
Zada Stephens is a proud Vincentian woman whose journey beautifully intertwines leadership, creativity, and advocacy. Crowned Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2024, she embodies the theme “She Leads Sustainability” using her platform to promote responsible tourism, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment. Her passion for national development and environmental stewardship has positioned her as a rising voice for a more sustainable and inclusive Caribbean future.
Her influence extends beyond local shores. She has represented Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at major regional and international platforms, including the State of the Industry Address: Tourism & Stakeholders’ Conference, the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Barbados, and the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative under the theme Sustainable Tourism. Her ability to blend professionalism with authenticity makes her a compelling ambassador for the Caribbean’s cultural and environmental future.
