Board Bios
Kweku Reid
Chairman
Mr. Kweku Reid holds a B.Sc. with Honors in Computer Studies after graduating from the
London South Bank University in 1997. The youthful business professional takes pleasure in a
successful career with over 15 years in the Hotel and Tourism industry where he is a Director at
Melbourne Inn as well as in the Insurance industry.
Outside of the business environment, Kweku is an active member of the Abundant Life Assembly church as he operates within the Ministries of sound, multimedia and online
streaming. Besides this interest, Kweku is an avid fan of football and aficionado of lawn tennis.
Liza Mercurius
Secretary
Originally from the United Kingdom and now living in Barbados, I have over 20 years of management experience and more than 10 years working in hospitality. I enjoy building strong teams, delivering great guest experiences, and helping businesses operate successfully.
For the past year, I have been proud to be part of the Sun Group, serving as General Manager of the Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa and Sand Street Bistro. In this role, I oversee the day-to-day operations of both businesses, working closely with my teams to maintain high standards of service and create memorable experiences for our guests.
I have been an active member of the Intimate Hotels of Barbados (IHB) for over a year and am excited to now serve on the IHB Board. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to support the organisation, represent the interests of our members, and help promote Barbados as a leading hospitality destination.
Shireene Mathlin-Tulloch
Director
With over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, Shireene Mathlin-Tulloch now holds the position of Chief Executive Officer, Mango Bay Group, which includes Mango Bay Hotel, The Sands Barbados, Island Inn Hotel and Island Caterers.
Shireene started her career in the early 1990s as a marketing officer at the Grenada Board of Tourism before moving onto the position of sales representative at the Board’s New York office.
Since then, her hospitality experience has run the full gamut, from small luxury boutique hotels to large internationally branded properties across the region, including Jamaica, USVI and Antigua, in positions such as general manager, director of operations, operations consultant, front office manager and guest services manager. Her passion for the industry and diverse background have enabled her to combine best practices from her experiences when making business decisions.
Shireene holds a Master of Science degree in Tourism Marketing from the University of Surrey, England and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus.
Adua Kinch
Director
Adua Kinch entered the industry six years ago as the Owner/Manager of Dover Beach Hotel, taking over from her father.
Having spent 17 years at multinational technology company IBM, she was especially delighted to meet women to guide her along the way. “ I came from IBM in the structured cabling department which is almost totally male dominated. Coming into the Hospitality Industry with very strong female influences has been very heart warming. I have always been able to get advice as a newbie from other females who have been in the sector for some time,” she said. Although she was forced out of her comfort zone, she acknowledges that the experience in the hotel industry and that of social interaction with people from across the world has been a rewarding one.
Mechelle Johnson
Director
Mechelle Johnson is a tourism and hospitality professional with over 40 years of experience in
Barbados’ hotel industry. Beginning her career at Golden Sands Hotel, she progressed through key
areas including Front Office Operations, Reservations, Sales and Marketing, and Senior
Management.
As Assistant General Manager, she gained extensive experience overseeing hotel operations, guest
services, staff supervision, and service quality standards. Her professional training in General
Management, Accounting, and Human Resource Management further strengthens her leadership
capabilities.
Mechelle brings valuable operational insight, a commitment to service excellence, and a passion
for supporting the growth and competitiveness of hotel and tourism sector.
Rosina Valasse
BHTA B Class Rep
With over 25 years in the Hospitality industry, Rosina demonstrates her passion for people through dedication, commitment and attention to detail which translate to Quality Customer Care.
Her career in the industry started as a front desk receptionist with the worldwide brand Hilton Hotel in Barbados. Over the years she has gained on the job experience via numerous positions held in Sales & Marketing, Banquets and the efora Spa.
In 1999 upon the closure of the then Barbados Hilton she was relocated with the Brand to the Jalousie Hilton Team in St. Lucia and spent 6 years working with Sales & Marketing and the Front Office Concierge Departments.
On her relocation to Barbados in 2005 she joined the new Hilton Barbados team and took her leave in December of 2021. She presently holds the position of Communication Specialist & Customer Relations Manager with Melrose Beach Apartments Inc.
Rosina holds a CVQ Certification Level 3 in Management with the TVET Council and is a graduate in Mass Communication (Credit) from the Barbados Community College. Her other passions are mother, singing in her church choir, gardening, the beach and hiking.
The Secretariat
Cicely Callender
Executive Director
Driven by a spirit of innovation and a passion for authentic Barbadian hospitality, Cicely Denise Callender brings over 25 years of experience to the tourism sector. Inspired by Stephen Covey’s wisdom that “to achieve goals you have never achieved before, you need to start doing things you have never done before,” she continues to champion creativity and transformation within the industry.
Cicely Denise’s career path spans Sandy Beach Island Resort, St. James Travel & Tours, and Premier Attractions, reflecting her steady ascent through service, leadership, and strategic thinking. Her 17 transformative years at Harbour Lights as Development and Production Manager showcased her expertise in product development, marketing, event planning, and entertainment production, significantly elevating one of the island’s most celebrated attractions.
She holds a BA in History from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, and a CVQ Level 3 in Management. A national weightlifter, Level 2 certified coach, and team manager, Cicely Denise channels the same discipline and focus from sport into her professional leadership. Her interests include gardening and travel, reflecting her appreciation for growth and exploration.


