ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HOTELS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is delighted to present the second installment of its "Unveiling Hospitality Professionals" series, featuring Andre Norton.

On August 1, 2023, Andre Norton achieved a significant milestone in his career by being appointed as the Port Facility Security Officer and Health and Safety Officer at the Antigua Cruise Port. With more than fifteen years of dedicated service in the hospitality sector, Andre's promotion was a well-deserved recognition of his commitment and expertise in ensuring the smooth operations of the Antigua Cruise Port.

In the bustling months of the Cruise tourism season, numerous vessels grace our shores. However, few truly grasp the intricate technical aspects involved in the security and safety of docking these massive vessels. Andre Norton is among the select few who possess this specialized knowledge. Each arriving vessel is meticulously inspected by a team of local professionals, including Andre, in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Customs and Immigration, and local cruise brokers. They meticulously review and inspect all of the ship’s documents, including passenger and crew counts, as well as equipment, before granting clearance for passengers and crew to disembark.

Similar to the stringent protocols at the V.C Bird International Airport, every individual entering Antigua and Barbuda must be accounted for and approved for entry. The team responsible for boarding the cruise ship plays a pivotal role in upholding the destination's safety and security. Andre Norton takes immense pride in his role and describes his job as a daily reminder of the paramount importance of safety and security. He emphasizes, "Every day I step into the Heritage Quay area, I am reminded of the significance of enforcing rules over personal relationships." With this unwavering commitment to discipline, he meticulously executes his responsibilities, both during the boarding of cruise ships and in his role of minimizing or mitigating the risks of accidents, work-related illnesses, and injuries in the workplace. Andre also actively contributes to enhancing safety compliance by developing new protocols and strengthening existing health and safety policies. Watch Part 2 here.