Working for most of their years in one place -- carrying trays, changing linen, greeting guests -- these staff have given more than 160 combined years to Bermuda's premier industry.

With education month focusing on tourism the Community section decided to highlight some of the people who look the Island's premier industry in the face every day; the ones that truly make an impression on Bermuda's visitors.

Grace Scott of Sonesta Beach started in housekeeping at the hotel in 1962, 35 years ago. Her reason for staying in the same job? "Because I like it, I really enjoy it and the atmosphere is good.

"I get along with practically everyone and I have taught quite a few of the room attendants who have come after me,'' Mrs. Scott said.

She added: "I love housekeeping, I have had other jobs offered to me for supervising positions but I didn't take them because of the younger generation today. I didn't want to deal with the attitudes of some of these younger people.

"After you get a certain age you don't want to put up with them, because they have no respect. I really don't know what is going to happen to the hotel industry in another ten years.'' Mrs. Scott also said since she has been working for so long she has seen a lot of return guests that "come back and request me at Christmas time. There was one woman who wanted my floor because she knew that was where I worked.'' She added: "I have had about four maid of the month awards over the years.

And I feel that some of my fellow room attendants respect and look up to me for all the years I have put in.

"It was like a family hotel when I started, we looked out for one another and even after work we would go to each others homes.'' Angelo Mitchell of Southampton Princess started 24 years ago as a busboy and moved up to maitre d' of conventions and private functions.

"I started in the interior dining room, which is now called Windows, as a busboy and I remained in that position for a few weeks. Management thought I had enough skill and understanding to be a waiter so I moved up and did a year working in the main dining room,'' Mr. Mitchell said.

He added: "I decided I had to move around to get promoted which finally led me to room service and serving drinks in the discotheque.

"I later moved up to captain of room service and several other positions before becoming a maitre d' also seeing over the beverage side of life at the hotel.'' One of his proudest moments: "The one thing that stands out in my mind was when the Southampton Princess held a banquet for the Queen. When she first came I was a waiter. When she came years later I was in charge. I have also had the opportunity to serve the President of Italy, and various other dignitaries including local ones.

"I have had the opportunity to work a job that is very political, all viewpoints are being catered to.'' He said teamwork was the key.

"That is why we are rated in high percentages in the Caribbean and throughout the North American region, and we are noted for giving good detailed services not only in food and beverage but also the meeting planning side.'' Mr. Mitchell also said: "My job means a great deal to me because it is fulfilling. I do not only have the opportunity to serve but to also work in people orientated positions where you need to have a level of understanding and patience.'' Danny Gilbert has been at the Elbow Beach Hotel for 36 years and today he is head of the lounge.

"When I came to Elbow I worked in the room service department and then I worked on the front desk for one season but because I am more of a people-person, I moved to the bars.

"I worked for Chilly Simmons, one of the most outstanding hotel workers in Bermuda, as his assistant in the hotel and after he died I took over.

"I am a front-man, I see the guests and you have to go out of your way. That is my thing, you have to give them the special touch.

"We have to offer more to our guests, Bermuda is a class act but we don't have the big show to offer.'' Mr. Gilbert added: "I love what I do because it is my life. This is my country and it is my life. Hotel work is me because this is my industry.'' Isla Richardson has been the barmaid at the Palmetto Inlet for 30 years. And she said that working there is something that she really enjoys. "I enjoy meeting the people and seeing the return guests. This job gives me a chance to meet all kinds of people.'' Mildred Robinson said she started working at Rosedon 38 years ago, just before Easter.

"I started doing housekeeping in the afternoons and I have been doing it all these years,'' Mrs. Robinson said.

Asked what has kept her at Rosedon she added: "The good Lord has kept me here, I also had my three children to look after.

"It's hard work, most of the other girls have also been here a long time so it's like a family here, and I like it.'' Now Mrs. Robinson has cut back on her hours of work to give her a little time to relax. "I'm trying to take it easy.'' "Lots of guests come and go and I am pretty well-known with the repeat guests because I talk to everyone. I always sing out `good morning' even if it's raining.'' STILL GOING STRONG -- Mrs. Mildred Robinson working at Rosedon for 35 years.

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