"In October I will have worked for Dart for three years," said Venessa Ebanks, supervisor guest services & recreation. "I love working here. The support I get from my managers and co-workers is impeccable. The environment reminds me of my old job, but here at Dart, they are very invested in how you are doing personally as well as professionally so that you can perform to the best of your ability. That’s what I appreciate the most. It makes me want to come to work every day."
Ebanks was recently promoted, and we spent some time with her as she took us through a day in her life at work, sharing more about what her role entails.
"It involves the administration of the Visitor Centre at Camana Bay," she said. "I ensure that the gift card programme is running smoothly and the tenants in Camana Bay are satisfied with the programme. With my team, I manage the harbour and harbour tenants. We make regular checks to ensure that we are maintaining the expected standards. We also partner with the sports complex by taking bookings and completing transactions for reservations."
CBT: What drew you to this field?
VE: In my previous job, I was a reservations agent and I knew that this position would give me a chance to continue that line of work. I could see the Visitor Centre had potential for growth and modernisation, and I work hand in hand with my manager to think of ways to make the experience and operations side of it better, not only for our colleagues but for our valued customers as well. Taking on this role helps me to continuously motivate my team to want to do better and be better.
CBT: What is your favourite part of your job?
VE: I would say conversing with the tourists who come into the Centre about Camana Bay, our islands and of course all the wonderful food options available in the Cayman Islands. I also love to see when my team takes ownership and engages with the tourists with enthusiasm. It really uplifts my day.
CBT: Do you have a set schedule for tasks or is every day different?
VE: I would say half and half. We have some tasks that have to be done every day, but you never know who is going to walk through the door, or what will be needed out of the blue.
Timeline of a typical day
CBT: What are some examples of the variety of tasks you are presented with as supervisor of guest services and recreation?
VE: My tasks may include any tenant issues relating to their gift card terminals; for example, ordering new terminals; speaking with the Finance team on accounting matters; meetings with my manager; responding to and sending emails and assisting my team when necessary; supervising the harbour and organising daily checks; and offering refreshers to tenants on the gift card programme to make sure any new staff are up to date on the process. This also helps us to keep a healthy relationship with our tenants. And, of course, monthly reports.
CBT: Who inspires you?
VE: My child inspires me. Having her pushes me to keep doing better so by my example she can see that she can succeed too. People see me as a leader type, even when I haven’t seen this quality in myself. Dart encouraged me to take on this role and my daughter inspired me to have faith in myself.
This article was published in the June 2024 print edition of Camana bay Times.
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