Cacique Awards Purpose

The purpose of the Cacique Awards is to recognize the roles played by those individuals and organizations whose performance or products have consistently made a positive impact on the quality and the growth of tourism in the Bahamas. The Cacique Awards have an illustrious foundation in the National Tourism Achievement Awards.

History of Cacique

Leaders in Bahamian tourism assume a name fit for a king – Cacique. This name has received the highest respect for hundreds of years. And it is now recognized as the highest honor for tourism in the Bahamas.

The annual Cacique Awards, initiated in 1995, is used to reward those who have proven to be the most outstanding leaders in tourism each year.

The first Bahamians, the Lucayans, called their leader Cacique. As the supreme figure of authority, the Cacique would administer justice, resolve disputes, issue decrees and receive visitors in much the same way as a leader today.

The use of the name Cacique also pays tribute to the original inhabitants of the Bahamas, who greeted the first European visitors with great warmth. Each year, the Cacique Awards serves as a reminder that the tradition of hospitality continues to be strong in the Bahamas, even up to this today.

Seat of Power

Another historic Lucayan symbol is the main element in Cacique Award trophies. The Lucayan chief’s seat of power – the duho – sits atop the trophies.

A Lucayan Cacique would hold official meetings and perform ceremonial functions while seated on an intricately carved stool, the duho. The Bahamas Hotel Association contributed the design of the duho to the Cacique Awards when the hotel industry awards were incorporated into the national tourism honors program in 1996.

Trophies and Emblems

Winners receive:

A trophy in the shape of a duho – the ceremonial stool of the Lucayan Cacique, mounted on a mahogany base. They also receive a pin in the shape of a duho.

The Hotelier of the Year has his or her name attached to the great Duho ‘floating’ trophy, which resides permanently at Hotels House, headquarters of the Bahamas Hotel Association.

The original design of the duho portion of the Duho Trophy was the work of the talented Bahamian artist Quentin Minnis. The expertly carved mahogany base upon which all Cacique Awards are mounted is the work of Gilbert Elliston of Hopedale Center.

The Lifetime recipient will receive a special Duho ring.