Antigua's greatest adventure - Antigua Pier Group

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Profiles: Strategic partners in cruise tourism
CAROLYN THOMAS-PARKER
Director of Communications and
Marketing, SJDC
Thomas-Parker is responsible for
public relations, communications
and marketing initiatives for all of
the business units and departments of the
Corporation, namely Heritage Quay, the
Public Market Complex, the Antigua and
Barbuda Exhibition and Cultural Centre,
Heritage Hotel, Vendors Square Mall, the
SJDC Car Park, and the City of St.
John’s. She is also responsible for the
supervision and management of the
Vendors Mall and works with a team of
inspectors to ensure the viability of that
business. Thomas-
Parker holds a
Master of Science
Degree in Tourism
Policy and
Management from
the University of
Birmingham,
England and is also a Commonwealth
Scholar. Prior to joining SJDC in 1990,
Thomas-Parker was a news reporter and
anchor for the government-owned ABS
Radio and Television stations.
ANN-MARIE MARTIN
Parks Commissioner, National Parks
Authority of Antigua and Barbuda
The National Parks Authority in
Antigua and Barbuda is responsible
for the preservation and restoration
of Antigua’s key historic and natural sites.
The National Parks Authority is also
responsible for
transforming the Park
into a first-class
tourism tour and
attraction.
As Parks
Commissioner, Martin is
responsible for the management of the
Copper and Lumber Store Hotel and the
Nelson’s Dockyard Marina. However, much
of her time is dedicated to the planning and
development of the Park’s rich historical and
cultural resources.
Martin is an executive member of the
Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism
Association, and a Director of the Antigua
Yacht Show, the largest sailing regatta in the
Caribbean. She holds a Master’s Degree in
Business Administration and is committed to
the continued growth of the tourism sector in
Antigua and Barbuda.
AVONELLE H. POLE
Marketing Consultant
Antigua Pier Group Ltd
APG’s Marketing Department
continues its efforts to gain high
visibility in established consumer
cruise and trade
publications in the
US, UK and European
markets, while at the
same time
maintaining a strong
presence at key trade
shows and industry
events all year round. ‘All the major trade
shows in the US and Europe offer unique
opportunities to build and strengthen
relationships with cruise lines and cruise
executives as well as travel agents and travel
industry executives,’ Pole says. ‘With plans to
grow cruise traffic to one million passengers
annually, major investments planned for
improved waterfront and port infrastructure, a
brand new website dedicated to cruise, and
adoption of new trends in technology and
social media, it’s a great time to be creative
and imaginative.’ She brings with her over 25
years experience in Marketing, Public
Relations, Event Management and Television
News Production primarily in the United
States, where she earned degrees in
Journalism, Creative Writing, Marketing and
Public Relations.
AGATHA DUBLIN
Manager
Antigua Port Authority
As general manager of the Antigua
Port Authority, Agatha Dublin
oversees the movement of goods
and services in and out of Antigua’s
commercial port.
The Authority plays
a vital role, not only
in the general
economy of the
country, but in
cruise tourism.
Dublin works
closely with the Antigua Pier Group to
ensure that a ship’s entrance and departure
is a seamless process, and with the local
shipping agent, who in turn ensures that
all protocol and payments are satisfied. It
also ensures that the conditions of the
channels are adequate and the waterways
are properly maintained.
SENATOR MALAKA PARKER
Heritage Quay Manager
SJDC
As Heritage Quay Manger, Senator
Parker’s foremost objective is to
enhance the cruise visitor experience
by ensuring that the Quay and its immediate
surroundings are aesthetically pleasing, that the
environs are safe, and that adequate access is
provided to allow a seamless navigation of the
shopping plaza. ‘The Quay, as the epicenter of
tourist activity in St. Johns, is a melting pot of
varied interests. It is a dynamic and lively
environment, which calls for constant
supervision to ensure a smooth operation.’
Parker’s job centers greatly around the tenants
at the Quay and the basic
management of the unit,
from maintenance issues
to marketing and
promotion. Senator
Parker spent over 12
years in the banking
industry and currently
sits as the first female President of the largest
Union in the country, the Antigua and Barbuda
Workers Union. She is the sitting youth Vice
President of Union International, a global
Union, and the Executive Secretary of the
Caribbean Network of Parliamentarians on
Population Development (CNPPD).
FRANKLYN BENJAMIN
Manager, Heritage Hotel
St. John’s Development Corporation
Benjamin has been the Manager of the
Heritage Hotel for the past five years.
He is responsible for day-to-day
management, mainly food and beverage, the
rooms division and the
maintenance of the
property. Other key
functions include guest
services, human
resources, administration
and revenue generation.
Prior to joining the team at
St. John’s Development Corporation, Benjamin
worked as Manager of Pillar Rock Hotel and
was Rooms Division Manager at Sunsail Club
Colonna. He was also a partner in the
management company Executive Management
Consultants. Benjamin holds a diploma in Hotel
Management from the American Hotel and
Motel Association. He has an Associate Degree
in Accounting from Scranton University in
Pennsylvania, and served as first Vice President
of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotel Association.
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