Alison Outerbridge was declared the jewel in the diamond-studded Bermuda tourism crown at the Belco Visitor Industry Partnership (VIP) Excellence Awards at the Fairmont Southampton Resort on Saturday evening.

From 18 finalists, Ms Outerbridge, who heads up the Visitor Information Centre in Hamilton, received the Tourism Minister's "Best of the Best" award for "keeping her cool and her sense of humour under pressure, treating each visitor with courtesy, while answering their questions accurately, completely and with a smile."

It was noted that, "everyone who works with her is very proud of her".

Also recognised at the awards ceremony, now in its tenth year, was former Bermuda Industrial Union general secretary Helena (Molly) Burgess. She was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her accomplishments, dedication and commitment to the tourism industry.

Ms Burgess' first job after graduating from Ord Road School, Paget and Sandys Secondary School was at the Elbow Beach Hotel. Her work as a shop steward for fellow workers propelled her on a colourful career that has climaxed in her being the incumbent president of the Geneva-based IUF, which is the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers Association.

The IUF is composed of 334 trade unions in 120 countries with an affiliated membership of 2.5 million members. Ms Burgess' election marked the first time a Caribbean trade unionist has headed the world body.

The evening, under the patronage of Acting Minister of Tourism and Transport Zane DeSilva saw three nominees in each of 18 categories vie for awards.

The Front of House Awards for best bell/doorman was presented to Fairmont Hamilton Princess' Eddie Benjamin.

Kenisha Douglas, of The Reefs, won the award for Best Front desk/telephone operator and Deanna Van Putten, of the Fairmont Southampton, won the best concierge/tour desk operator award.

In the food and beverage category Edwina Johnson, of The Reefs, won best waiter/hostess/wine steward/room service personnel, John Todd, of Swizzle Inn South, won for best bartender and Gerard Beyer, of Grotto Bay Beach Resort won best chef.

The airline/travel agency employee award was presented to Roxanne Knights, of Meyer-Franklin Travel, and the best performing artist award to Tony Bari.

Janice Stovell, of the Rosedon, won the Heart of the House Award, while Marlene Durham, of The Reefs, won the Housekeeping Award. The Convention, Sales & Marketing Award went to Patrice Williams, of Fairmont Hamilton Princess, while the Transportation Award went to Assistant Dockmaster Bernard Oatley.

Bobbi Roper, of the Fairmont Southampton, was presented the Hospitality Support Services Award; Alison Outerbridge won the Activities and Attractions Award.

The General Administrations Award was won by Diane Simpson, of Grotto Bay, while Russell Griffith, of the Fairmont Southampton, was deemed the Young Person with the Most Promise. Leslie Swan, of Astwood Dickinson, earned the title best retail employee, while photographer Amanda Temple gained the Production Services Award.

Winners of the awards received free airline trips, hotel stays and cruises to the US and Caribbean.

The three finalists for the Best of the Best award, which came with a $20,000 Butterfield money market fund certificate, were Mr. Benjamin, of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Ms Van Putten, of the Fairmont Southampton Resort, and the winner, Ms Outerbridge.

Ms Outerbridge acknowledged the support and inspiration of her parents, both of whom were in the hospitality industry, and her East End roots.

The young woman, best known as the gossiping wench dunked regularly in St. George's Harbour (though she was attempting to shed that persona), paid tribute to the town that had inspired her career choice.