Telephone operator Nadia Kilindo of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort has won a top award for responding to calls "with a sharp and smiling voice."

She was presented with a trophy, R1,500 and a certificate during a ceremony at the resort on Wednesday, where cook Johnette Dogley got R500 for "bestowing her clients with a smart and smiling breakfast."

The establishment's human resources manager, Christel Naiken, read out these criteria by which the resort's management deemed the employees deserving of the awards.

The other recipient of a trophy, R1,500 and a certificate was waitress Emmanuelle Beaudoin, who shared the "Employee of the year" award with Miss Kilindo. Ms Naiken said Beaudoin always affords a wonderful smile even in the face of work pressure.

A total of 15 employees of the 310 staff strong resort received awards on Wednesday.

Masseur Montesur Purificasion had been recommended by clients for the "Best mentioned award" on account of her "magical touch." They also named waitress Margaret Pompée for similar recognition because of her "smile which speaks it all."

Duty manager Jelina Havelock got the award for ensuring guest and customer care despite demanding work, while room stewardess Winnie Commettant got a similar award for her unmatched devotion and commitment to work.

Laundry attendant Noella Hoareau, restaurant manager Amina Dupres, waitress Agnielle Vidot and assistant restaurant manager Yvonne Sinon received awards for having clocked 25 years with the resort, while five employees who found and returned property lost or left behind by clients received awards for honesty.

They were gardener Raymond Jean, room stewardess Jouzette Morel and her workmate Marie-Vvonne Albert along with their colleague Rose-Mary Aglae.

Speaking during the award presentation ceremony, the Berjaya Company's group general manager, B. B. Khoo commended the staff for their dedication to work, noting that they, like the total of 600 employees who work for the company's three resorts and one casino, had done a commendable job during the year.

He said staff members of the Berjaya chain will receive their bonuses as usual, but this year, they will get the money before Christmas, for the first time.

He told Nation that Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort was the most profitable among them, with the Berjaya Mahe Beach Resort (BMBH) not attracting as many clients as the other two.

He blamed the relatively poorer performance of BMBH not to staff competence, but to the structure of the building.

"More tourists coming to Seychelles expect to stay in tropical settings with bungalows and chalets, and fewer prefer hotel blocks," he said, adding that the company is looking for ways of landscaping around the BMBH building to possibly include a pool and more desirable accommodation facilities.

He said that the trade has long recognised this kind of preference among visitors, and upcoming resorts are now opting for detached units, "which is the right way to go."

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