Tina and Jonny Freitas

A HOUSEKEEPER who has dedicated 25 years of her working life to a local hotel has been presented with a special award.

Tina Freitas (44) moved to Jersey from Madeira in 1984 to work at Longueville Manor with her husband, Jonny. She started out as a corridor maid before being appointed in 1990 to her current role as assistant head of housekeeping.

Although Tina has not worked at Longueville Manor for as long as her husband, who has served a total of 27 years as a maintenance engineer, the hotel management felt that she deserved the Employee of the Year award. ‘I am very happy and very proud,’ she said.

The Longueville Manor award was established in 2007 to recognise employees who consistently perform beyond their job description. As well as her main role in managing and training a team of room and laundry maids, Tina is a champion of the hotel’s New Leaf initiative, which has resulted in the hotel making improvements and savings in electricity, water and energy.

‘Working at the hotel is fantastic,’ she said. ‘Every day there is something different. I have excellent bosses and great colleagues. It’s a pleasure to work here.’

Owner of Longueville Manor Malcolm Lewis described Tina as an exemplary employee. ‘She is humble, generous and an all-round great person to have as part of the team,’ he said. ‘She simply goes above and beyond the call of duty every day and is an exemplary employee who brings value to Longueville Manor far beyond her job title. We are delighted to honour her with this award.

‘We are extremely fortunate in the longevity we enjoy from employees like Tina and Jonny. This is crucial to the first-class experience we can offer guests.’