In her New Years’ Honors, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II graciously conferred the title of Knighthood on one of Grenada’s long-standing hoteliers, Royston Oliver Hopkin, CMG, owner and chairman of Spice Island Beach Resort, for his contribution to tourism in Grenada and throughout the Caribbean. 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. In remarks made during a special function held at his private residence to mark the occasion, Sir Royston Oliver Hopkin, K.C.M.G., as he will now be known and addressed, expressed thanks to Her Majesty for such honorable recognition and pledged to continue his efforts to live by an adaptation of the Jaycees creed to serve with Honor and not for Honor. 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. 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 Betty Hopkin, now known as Lady Hopkin, and has three children, Ryan, Nerissa and Janelle. For further information contact Spice Island Beach Resort, Grand Anse Beach, P.O. Box 6, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies; telephone 473-444-4258, fax 473-444-4807. Reprinted from hotelnewsresource.com