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Title from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
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| LONDON (May 2, 2005) � In keeping with centuries of Royal tradition,
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, officially knighted veteran Grenadian hotelier
Royston Hopkin at investiture ceremonies held at Buckingham Palace on Wed.,
April 27, 2005. His wife, Lady Betty Hopkin, and daughters, Nerissa
and Janelle, were in attendance at the special ceremony.
While April 27, 2005 marked the official ceremony, Sir Royston was graciously conferred the Knighthood title for his contributions to tourism in Grenada in the New Year�s Honors of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This new title from Her Majesty elevates Hopkin from his previous title
of Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George
(CMG), which was bestowed in 1994, to that of Knight Commander of the Most
Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG). Most fittingly,
the motto of this distinguished order is �Auspicium melioris aevi� or token
of a better age.
Photo Courtesy of BCA Films Sir Royston�An Honorable Career Sir Royston has had an extensive and distinguished career in the hospitality and tourism industry spanning 40 years of contributions to his home country, Grenada, and the entire Caribbean region. Sir Royston began his tourism career when he joined the family business at the Ross Point Inn in 1965. Then, at the age of 20, he was appointed to the Grenada Board of Tourism where he served for 18 consecutive years. He holds the distinction of being the first Grenadian to be elected president of the Grenada Hotel Association (an accomplishment at the age of 24), and he held that position for 14 of the past 32 years. By 1978, Sir Royston had purchased the Blue Horizon Hotel, along with brothers Arnold and Gerald. Still seeking another challenge, he purchased a majority interest in the Spice Island Inn in 1987. Two years later, he became sole owner, chairman and managing director of the property. Under his skillful stewardship, the property grew from 28 to 56 suites by 1990 and was renamed the Spice Island Beach Resort. In 2000, the resort underwent a $6 million transformation and re-opened on Dec. 2 of that year as the �NEW� Spice Island Beach Resort, showcasing 66 elegant suites, a new spa, and a new restaurant and bar, along with many enhanced services and amenities, furthering elevating the level of luxury at the property. Since that time, Spice Island Beach Resort has won the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award® for 2004 and 2005. Spice is currently closed for a $10 million rebuilding project following Hurricane Ivan last fall and plans to open in December 2005 as an ever finer, grander Caribbean oasis of luxury. At a regional level, Sir Royston has served on the board of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), and since 1970, has held numerous positions including director, vice president, president and chairman. During his tenure with CHA, Sir Royston founded the Small Hotels Committee, which today is still one of the most important sub-committees of that association. Sir Royston has also served on the board of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Sir Royston is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the coveted Caribbean Hotel Association�s �Hotelier of the Year� honor (in 1991), Grenada�s Silver Anniversary Independence Awards for 25 years of dedicated service, and several other awards from the Grenada Hotel Association. The Caribbean Tourism Organization has also honored Sir Royston for 25 years of loyalty and service to the region. Today, Sir Royston is internationally known for his industry knowledge and savvy. Currently, he is honorary director of CHA and chairman of its membership policy committee as well as chairman of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST). He serves as a member of the Hotel Projects Committee � Grenada and is an honorary director of the Grenada Hotel Association. A dedicated philanthropist, Sir Royston founded the Royston Hopkin Scholarship Fund in 1992. Every year since its inception, the foundation has awarded a minimum of five full tuition and book scholarships, each for a period of seven years or to the completion of tertiary level education. To date, the fund has contributed to the education of over 66 students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the private and public sectors. He holds many other memberships including the Board of Trustees of the Queen Elizabeth Home and is a Director on the boards of numerous private sector companies. Sir Royston is married to Lady Betty Hopkin and has three children, Ryan, Nerissa and Janelle. |
| Contact:
Spice Island Beach Resort
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