News
Southern Cross Club’s Fernando Yorke Wins Employee of the Year at 2015 Stingray Awards
Resort receives Certificate of Excellence; a nomination for General Manager Jennifer Mills
The Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman was well represented at the annual Cayman Stingray Tourism Awards, hosted by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA). The awards ceremony, held at the Ritz Carlton in June, recognizes excellence in the various sectors of the hospitality industry. Every year CITA takes nominations from member companies and appoints a committee to determine the winners. Fernando Yorke, a 15-year veteran of the Southern Cross Club’s maintenance team, won the “Accommodations Employee of the Year” award and took home the coveted, glass-blown, cobalt blue Stingray Award.
“I was very surprised and also pleased when I found out that I had been nominated for the award. I was, however, really excited when I found out that I had actually won!” said Mr. Yorke. “It was a select group of very distinguished people from the industry and I felt very pleased to be part of it, and very proud to have won and be acknowledged in this way. Being recognized for my service and hard work means a lot to me, it is a very nice boost.”
“We are all very, very pleased for Fernando, and very proud of him,” said General Manager Jennifer Mills, who nominated Yorke. “I’ve worked with him for 12 years − 6 as General Manager of the resort − and there is not a single time when I have heard him complain. Fernando always gives 100% and he loves helping our guests, who in turn, enjoy visiting with him.”
Ms. Mills was nominated for ‘Accommodations Manager of the Year’ and the Southern Cross Club was awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the gala. She says Fernando Yorke’s hard work and commitment are essential to keeping the resort running smoothly. A skilled carpenter, he has built walkways, cabinets, sheds, porches, the pool deck and numerous other projects on the grounds.
“Because they operate quietly behind the scenes, maintenance team members are often the unsung heroes at the resort,” she says, “but without their efforts we would not be able to maintain our high level of efficiency giving our guests the good experience that brings them back.”
Fernando Yorke’s generosity doesn’t end when his workday is over. He helps his community in numerous ways, such as being involved with the island’s two major fundraisers – Mardis Gras and the Little Cayman Cookoff. Fernando pitches in wherever he’s needed: assisting with setup, raking the beach, hanging lights, arranging tables and chairs, filling and arranging coolers, building parade floats and more.
With no pastor or church committee stationed on Little Cayman, Fernando Yorke volunteers to be the church caretaker. He leads church services during the week and on special occasions, and also assists at the occasional wedding and memorials. Mr. Yorke also volunteers at the Little Cayman School each week, setting an example for the entire community.
“I am very happy here on Little Cayman and at the Southern Cross Club, which has been my home-from-home for 15 years. I enjoy the company of people and enjoy visiting with the guests, coworkers and other residents on the island,” he says. “I like the peace and quiet that Little Cayman offers. I do not need many distractions, as long as I am privileged to be able to go to church, then I am content.”
Jennifer Mills credits Fernando Yorke and the rest of the Southern Cross team for the resort’s Certificate of Excellence award. He explains the work ethic that has won him many friends among the resort staff, guests and residents of Little Cayman.
“I have a lot of respect for my place of work and my job so I set myself a high standard so that I make sure that I always give my best and am fully committed. I always say that whatever you do you should do it with your heart and give 100%. I enjoy my job and I feel very satisfied at the end of the day knowing that I have done my best and done a good job. I believe that hard work and good deeds are rewarded.”
About the Southern Cross Club
The casually sophisticated Southern Cross Club Fish & Dive Resort is Little Cayman’s original resort. It features 12 beachfront bungalows complete with a top-rated, professional in-house diving and fishing operation. A unique blend of rusticity and elegance the resort is often described as “Barefoot Luxury”. Guests can expect friendly and diligent service, delicious food, inviting rooms with breath-taking views and a comfortable dive boat ― a few of the things that bring them back year after year. Little Cayman is renowned for its breath-taking and pristine coral reefs and spectacular dive adventures. The resort’s beach-based location also provides flats fisherman with access to Bonefish and Permit just minutes away.
For reservations or more information:
Telephone: 1 (800) 899-CLUB (2582)
E-mail info@southerncrossclub.com
Website: www.southerncrossclub.com
Facebook: www.facebook/SouthernCrossClub
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced