Janet Silvera Senior Gleaner Writer WESTERN BUREAU: IBRANT AND exotic are two colourful words used to Vdescribe food and beverage but hardly ever for the uniforms of the creators of such gourmet masterpieces. At least one chef is about to change the way her colleagues are dressed, particularly in Jamaica. Sherine Gayle, who has spent the last seven years in the culinary industry has, since 2014, launched a line of fashionable chef wear through her Sensational Creations brand. “My inspiration came from working in the industry. I realised the creativity and energy put into cooking and plating meals. Food is a work of art, so why shouldn’t the creators look like the work of art?” she told Hospitality Jamaica, adding that it was her belief that chefs ought to stand out and represent what they created. As a result, her garments are designed to mirror the zeal and passion with which chefs cook. Gayle will officially launch her impressive chef wear at the Montego Bay Community College on Saturday, September 24. She has blended vibrant colours, sourced local fabrics and accessories and combined them with the technology of air vents to keep chefs cool while they are cooking in a hot kitchen. “The heat can be overbearing for any chef, and so with the ventilated technology, chefs benefit from cool air that passes through the jacket and hat as they work. The fabric also holds up for years. The more they are washed, the more comfortable they feel,” she said. Since manufacturing the first chef outfit two years ago, the response to chef wear has been tremendous, Gayle said. “I have made wears for chefs in general, but I also supply executive chefs, who will wear no other but Sensational Creations. My wears have even been worn by chefs in Panama, Canada, and the USA, just to name a few places.” Jamaican executive chef Omar Jackson, who is based at the El Greco Resort, Montego Bay, said the New-look chef wear uniforms Gayle supplies are “very comfortable and the quality is great. I love that she can customise my chef wear to suit my style”. In addition to building the confidence of the chefs currently wearing her designs, the Sensational A WORK OF ART Creations founder has literally eliminated the mundane plain white chef uniform from her collection. “I believe plain white is mundane and boring. Even for female chefs the way the jackets make them look is like

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 “I am not saying that chefs must look like models, but I believe it is important for a chef to represent his craft by virtue of his appearance, too.” Casana Spence, food lecturer and associate dean at the Montego Bay Community Chef Christopher Hemmings of Hyatt College, is wearing a blue Ziva is wearing the black denim jacket three-quarter sleeve jacket with white piping. It has a diamond back. with black patch and piping. He has on a white executive hat. He has on the matching apron with black executive hat. they are wearing a man’s jacket. Our designs are not ordinary. They are unique. Our hats, aprons, jackets, pants, and knife bags are all created to bring out the life in chefs,” said Gayle. Latisia Thomas in a She was quick to point out that although white black and white is the universally accepted standard, it can be striped jacket with created with some amount of style. black and white “I am not saying that chefs must look like Carlena James dressed in a Sensational Creation chef executive hat. models, but I believe it is important for a chef to outfit. represent his craft by virtue of his appearance, too.” Strategy in Motion’s Casana Spence admits that the new innovation brings out the best in him, and he cannot stop speaking about the aerated- vent technology. “I can literally feel the air passing through. The jackets feel much better than the ones I used to wear,” he said. Chef Odane Kerr concured, adding that he was walking around in the heat and it was like he was not wearing a jacket. “ It suits my style, too,” he stated. For a girl from the hills of Christiana, Manchester, Gayle beams with pride, reminiscing on the days of designing and making Barbie doll clothes at eight years old. By age 12, she was sewing her own clothes. “I am from a very large family, but I always found myself locked away doing something creative,” she shared. When she moved to Montego Bay years ago, she started producing wears for chefs. However, she wanted to learn more about clothing and enrolled in the sewing school at HEART Trust/NTA, graduating at the top of her class. Still not satisfied, she did some studies at Annie FLAG POLES Gees School of Fashion. A well-rounded individual, Gayle also studied Aluminumupto25ft culinary arts at the HEART Trust/NTA, earning a diploma. Steelupto20ft “I do not believe in limiting myself because the CONTRIBUTED sky is the limit, so I must achieve as much as I Indoor Poles also available can.” Chef Odane Kerr “I have been on a true journey of exciting, and Latisia Hotel & Guest House Special now on! challenging, hard work and total dedication,” she Thomas. told Hospitality Jamaica. Call: 360-8805 / 813-5142 [email protected]

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 3 Island Routes to host region’s first Caribbean attractions conference ORE THAN 50 of the Caribbean’s top attractions Mproviders will come together in Jamaica to discuss industry challenges and opportunities for growth and development when Island Routes Caribbean Adventures hosts its inaugural Island Routes Certified Partner Conference later this month. Slated for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort from September 13-16, the conference will feature presentations from Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett; Director of the Centre for Tourism and Policy and Carlton Alexander Chair in Management Studies, Professor Ian Boxill, and TaraLano, director of product planning and promotions, Leisure, Flight Centre, STEWART USA, one of the world’s largest delivering first-class service to its travel companies and retail travel customers and to show recognition outlets. for the strict operational standards Jamaica could host 4,000 visitors at 2018 The revolutionary event is maintained by its partners. spearheaded by Island Routes’ chief “We know that by helping our World Champs, says ISKA president executive officer, Adam Stewart, partners to grow, we will ensure who said the conference would that Island Routes and the entire CORY SCHAFER, president of championships will be hosted in event promoted by McKay, was allow stakeholders to collectively tours and attractions industry the International Sport Karate Europe,” he explained. crucial to the island being awarded assess the state of the industry and continues to provide the latest and Association (ISKA), said the “It is the first time we’re doing the 2018 ISKA Amateur Member discuss possible solutions for greatest experiences for visitors. We organisation will be pulling out all this event in this hemisphere. If Association World Championships. existing challenges. want to create an industry stops to guarantee support from you want to have a successful “We are not going to go to “This is an exciting, billion-dollar benchmark that attractions regional and international affiliates tournament, you have to start with untested waters. That doesn’t industry, not just for Jamaica, but providers and consumers can when Jamaica hosts the ISKA putting the tournament where make sense,” Schafer pointed out. for the entire region. Numerous recognise and trust. We hold our Amateur Member Association someone wants to go and, let’s face “I have great confidence in Jason. I opportunities exist, but there are partners to rigorous checks and World Championships in 2018. it, who doesn’t want to go to have known him for many years. also many challenges. This standards and believe that they Speaking at the world’s biggest Jamaica? Of course, it’s a He has been a tremendous should be recognised for their conference will provide a platform martial arts event, the US Open, destination location, a place where supporter of the US Open and commitment to meeting these,” for this growing community to in Orlando, Florida, where Jamaica people want to go. ISKA, so I was confident moving in Stewart said. come together, share ideas, discuss won 80 medals, including 34 gold, “Second, you have to have a “We always strive to deliver that direction but, certainly, I had the difficulties and determine how, in July, Schafer said the tourism promoter capable of executing the experiences that exceed guests’ much more confidence after he as a region, we can overcome these capital, Montego Bay, where the event, and we’re confident we expectations and motivate hosted the ITF World Cup, and better position ourselves to event is set to be held, could host have that in Jason. We have two of customers to book incredible the pieces already, a destination showing he already has the take advantage of all the available up to 4,000 visitors for the annual adventures. These experiences location and a great promoter. The experience of managing the opportunities,” Stewart said. event, which was staged this year often lead to community third is time. We have a year and a ungodly logistics of hosting a in Stuttgart, Germany. engagements and, ultimately, half to promote, develop tournament of this magnitude,” he RESPECTED AUTHORITY “If we are able to turn out 1,000 linkages for extensive economic relationships, push everything and added. As a five-time recipient of the competitors, three spectators for World Travel Award for the World’s benefits. We recognise that this everybody to being in Jamaica,” he He said when the US Open is would not be achievable without each, that’s 4,000 people needing Leading Caribbean Attraction added. held at Disney, it is for a reason. our valued partners. It is, after all, hotel rooms for three to four Company, Island Routes is a “We put the event to where people their products that keep customers nights, buying gifts, getting their STRATEGIC SPORTS respected authority within the want to travel, plus our customer coming back time and time again!” braids done, buying Jamaica Blue Formed in 1986, ISKA also base is families. We want to make it sector and this conference Mountain coffee, the best in the Stewart added. operates in Europe as the attractive, get people to Jamaica represents its newest initiative to world,” said Schafer, adding that Presentations from the International Sport Kickboxing early and they stay several days support attractions providers across Jamaica will be the first host of the Association. Schafer said splitting conference’s primary speakers will afterwards. We would love to have the region. be streamed live and links to ISKA’s new-look association world mat sports, such as points and the Government, city, state and The company will also use the additional video content will be championships. continuous sparring, from ring arts sponsors support Jamaica. We want opportunity to launch its Island shared following the event. “In 2018, Jamaica will host the such as mixed martial arts and Routes Certified Partner Streaming information will be Member Association World Muay Thai, was strategic. to get people there, have them Programme to demonstrate its publicised in the days leading up to Championships for tatami, mat Jamaica’s successful hosting of spend money and eat in continued commitment to the conference. sports, promoted by Jason McKay. the 2014 International Taekwon- restaurants, which is good for the The ring sports world Do Federation World Cup, a mat economy and great for the event.”

4 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 CONTRIBUTED Sangster-Grant and her team. (Back row, from left) Menseita Ottey, Kahlilah Thompson, Andrea Scott, and Carolyn Warburton. (Middle row from left) Kylia Patterson, Dwight Hylton, Karen Sangster-Grant, Troy Patterson and Blaine Grub. (Front row, from left) Keniesha Clarke, Christina McKenzie and Daliah Spence. Karen Sangster-Grant ends Retiree Karen Sangster-Grant cuts her cake with Kingsley Blake, concierge at the Round Hill Hotel. 30 years at Round Hill we bonded with over the years. It that allows them to fall in love with was really inspiring.” the Round Hill brand. It’s really a FTER 30 years of indelible Round Hill and her team here front filled with laughter and fun. Past Sangster-Grant did not hesitate to special place to work. The hotel’s service to the hospitality of mind,” said Forstmayr in his employees mentioned when they recommend Round Hill for persons rich history and beautiful location, Asector, Karen Sangster- thank-you message. used to be at work and their starting a career in the hospitality mixed with a sense of family and Grant has retired from Round Hill Nathalie Saunders, Round Hill’s experiences. Also, it was held on a sector. camaraderie among the staff, Hotel and Villas. human resources director described day in the high season when most of “The hotel has a programme inspire contentment which leads to Sangster-Grant worked as front Sangster-Grant as a true service the owners and past guests were where young persons are introduced long service.” office manager and credit manager professional and hard worker, who visiting and I enjoyed seeing them to the hospitality industry right after at the Hanover resort. prides herself in ensuring that hugging and kissing the friends that school or during school holidays [email protected] A leader in the sector, Sangster- training is ongoing in all departments Grant leaves Round Hill at a time through various methods. when she heads the Hospitality “She has been instrumental in the Financial and Technology overall training effort and has Professionals Jamaica. The second supported many new and successful woman to hold this esteemed employee initiatives. Karen has a position in the history of the local deep passion for Round Hill, having organisation, Sangster-Grant served these 30 years and she will be succeeded Tracy-Christie-Smith. greatly missed by all of us,” said She is actually no stranger to Saunders. presidential positions, having held SATISFIED the lead as president of Junior Chamber International (Jaycees) of Sangster-Grant admits she will Jamaica and the West Indies, as well miss the people who have become as an outstanding international her extended family members, vice-president of that organisation stating that being in a service in 2003. industry, she enjoyed solving the A daughter of Hopewell, occasional challenges their guests Hanover, Sangster-Grant, who encountered; endeavouring always attended Rusea’s High School, that they were blown away with where she developed a passion for satisfaction. accounting, has been hailed by “This attention to detail and Round Hill’s managing director, guest satisfaction resulted in many Josef Forstmayr as a strong and returning guests asking to see me important member of the resort’s even after I was promoted to family. training manager. I will miss those “Karen Sangster-Grant was not moments,” she said. only a tower of strength in our Planning to be lazy for a short training department, she was also while, Sangster-Grant said our major link to the Hopewell ultimately she will continue to offer community. Her ‘Friends of her professional service, training Hopewell’ charity, the ‘Friendship those who are eager to serve others. Staff Housing’ project and her She still remembers her best day leadership in the Hopewell and on the job at Round Hill: Jamaica Jaycees organisation have “The hotel’s management served us well. We will miss her and facilitated a brunch with retired and hope that she will always keep current employees. The day was

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 5 A time to sell Carib tourism in the UK David Jessop Contributor ARLIER THIS, year a survey undertaken by Barclays Ebusiness data indicated that nearly one-fifth of British travellers, when questioned about their vacation plans, said that they were planning to holiday in their own country in 2016. They gave as their reasons terrorist attacks abroad, saving money, and wanting to cut down on travel time. Since then, Britain has voted to leave the European Union (EU), JESSOP and while there are as yet no reliable statistics, the outlook for market. It may also be problematic long-haul travel does not look for all-inclusive properties in bright. countries like the Dominican The sense is that the slide in the Republic and Cuba that pitch their value of sterling against the US product and sales to the lower, dollar and the Euro by around 11 more price-sensitive end of the UK per cent consequent on the June 23 long-haul market. vote, and a subsequent fall in Unfortunately, it is going to be at unlikely to give consideration to the temperature of demand for a significant modern presence at interest rates for UK savers will least four months before the British their 2017 spring and summer their product. the fair and have presented large both likely accelerate the demand government decides exactly how it vacation plans, or more generally, Although it is now probably too number of hoteliers, tour for ‘staycations’ and short breaks in intends on leaving the EU before to consider long-haul travel, until late to change the way the region operators and attraction owners. British countryside and towns. the markets definitively respond, early next year. physically presents itself at this Despite the fact that in recent In addition, albeit anecdotally, and more important, from the What this suggests if taken with year’s WTM, it is worth observing years there has been a widespread there are indications that this is tourism industry’s perspective, how market analysts’ forecasts that that over the last few years the size industry feeling that such events already happening. According to consumer sentiment reacts. sterling will settle at about and quality of much of the have become less relevant in the travel-trade press, the UK has US$1.25 to the pound, is that Caribbean village has diminished, mature markets like the UK, and just had a bumper summer tourist UNCERTAINTY, DELAY industry participation in events and some Caribbean nations have when an ever-increasing number of season, not just from a surge in For the industry in the like this year’s World Travel ceased to participate. It has also bookings now takes place online, overseas visitors taking advantage Caribbean, this implies that apart Market (WTM), which takes seemed that the design of some of this is almost certainly a moment of the weak pound, but as a result from those selling to the middle to place in London from November the Caribbean booths have when a more traditional approach of significantly increased numbers the top end of the UK market – 7-9, will be unusually important. become dated and in stark is required in the UK market. of British holidaymakers staying which tends to be resilient other For those who are unaware, contrast to the modernity, light The significant uncertainties as a within their own shores. than in a major financial crisis of WTM is the big international and openness of those of result of the Brexit suggest that While this may be good news for the kind seen in 2007-08 – trade fair at which buyers and competitor exhibitors from Latin this year, and perhaps the next two the industry in the UK, it does not uncertainty and delay is the most sellers meet to strike deals for the America and elsewhere. as well, require that Caribbean bode well for destinations such as likely market responses they will year ahead, but which also enables That said, there are, of course, tourist boards, ministers, hoteliers the Eastern Caribbean which see. That is to say an important the industry from around the exceptions. Jamaica, Cuba and the and service providers be very largely remain reliant on the UK segment of British consumers are world to consider trends and test Dominican Republic all now have visible at WTM in London. Canadians demanding more diversity CANADIAN TRAVELLERS are demanding “From the perspective of the consumer type of approach when they stay in a including meetings of the board of directors more diversity and greater options, and it’s all about choice. So choice means we destination and we need product to and the Council of Ministers and Caribbean destinations must offer a need diversity in the type of products we accommodate that and we need to make Commissioners of Tourism. diverse product if they are to remain can offer,” Landry explained. sure we have enough breadth and depth of This year’s conference at the Hilton attractive to this important market, “What we’re seeing is that with different our product and diversity in the type of Barbados Resort is organised in president of Air Canada Leisure Group types of markets, whether it’s from family things we can offer to satisfy different collaboration with Barbados’ Ministry of says Craig Landry. size or whether it’s adults and couples, their segments of travel,” he added. Tourism and International Transport and needs are different in terms of the types of Landry, whose responsibilities include PRE-EMINENT TOURISM GATHERING the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc and is Air Canada Vacation and the leisure amenities and the types of services that sponsored by LIAT, Caribbean Airlines and carrier Air Canada Rouge, will deliver the respond to them, and so we need to make The SOTIC, which has as its theme, Libris by Photoshelter. ‘Honouring Our Legacy, Defining Our feature address on Friday, September 16, sure we have segmentation and the ability Minister of Tourism and International Transport at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s to be able to address that. Future’, is the pre-eminent tourism gathering in the region. It brings together for Barbados and CTO Chairman Richard State of the Tourism Industry Conference “We’re also seeing changes in people who Sealy has a special message on SOTIC. To view (SOTIC) taking place in Barbados from are booking not necessarily non-inclusive. tourism decision-makers, including the message, please click on the following link: September 14-16. So that can be villas or people who might ministers, commissioners, and directors of http://bit.ly/2comjPCand for more information However, in an interview ahead of the want to do some of their own cooking or tourism, hotel, and airline executives, travel event, the airline executive spoke of some of their own travel experiences and agents, students, the media, and persons on SOTIC, including how you can register, evolving consumer preferences, from excursions when they’re there. They’re directly and indirectly involved in tourism. participate and benefit, visit accommodation to activities. looking for a different type of living aboard It is preceded by CTO business meetings, www.sotic.onecaribbean.org.

6 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 7 Carmen Rives, chargé d’affaires at the Spanish Embassy in Jamaica makes a point to fellow diplomats. Listening attentively are Chilean Consul Miximiliano Jara (left) and attaché at the US Embassy Paul Blankenship. Troy Cockings (left), importer and distributor of Spanish wine, outlines the qualities of the five wines his company, Olive International Investments will be distributing in the Americas to Hotels the Gail Abrahams, chief executive officer of AMCHAM, and Paul Pennicook (second right), director of tourism while Felix Aguirre, platform for co-owner of Spanish company, Agrocampos, looks on. boosting trade ESCRIBING HOTELS as the medium-sized companies. For that platforms on which trade reason, she was happy to see the CONTRIBUTED The scholars cutting their cake (from left) Kefari James, Khadijah Ddevelopments could be built, companies involved in producing the From left: Couples human resources manager Pauline White (left); GSAT scholars Kefari James, Khadijah Levers, and Tyreke Levers, and Tyreke Johnson. Carmen Rives, Charge d’Affaires in Castillo de Damiel and Las Johnson; and general manager, Pierre Battaglia. the Spanish Embassy in Jamaica, has Tablaswines achieve success with this celebrated the importation of export initiative. Spanish wines to Jamaica and the Director of Tourism Paul export to Spain of Blue Mountain Pennicook joined Rives in welcoming Coffee as examples of the the development and expressed his opportunities offered. delight at seeing a Jamaican company Children of Speaking at a reception to achieve the distribution rights to the introduce Castillo de Daimiel and Americas for the Spanish wines. Las Tablas lines of Spanish wines at The Castillo de Daimiel wines are Judy Rickards (second left) and Charmaine Franklin (second The Pegasus hotel in Kingston created by the Los Pozos cellar in the right) of VIP Attractions are about to experience Spain’s Las recently, Rives praised the initiative small village of Daimiel in Spain from Tablas Blanco wine from two Jamaica Pegasus servers. Couples Sans Souci as an achievement by small-to- grapes grown by members of a medium sized companies. cooperative of 130 local farmers. She said that one of the biggest The wines are distributed in challenges faced by the Spanish and Europe by Agrocampos and now in employees get Jamaican economies is the the Americas by Olive Investments internationalisation of small and International. GSAT scholarships THREE CHILDREN of employees to continue to do well and to strive of Couples Sans Souci resort were to maintain the 75 per cent average fêted on Friday at the hotel and that they need to keep the presented with scholarships scholarship for their five-year tenure towards their high school in high school. education. In return, the parents pledged that The three selected were Kefari they would ensure that the children James and Khadijah Levers, who maintained the required standard. will both attend St Mary High “Our expectations are that they School, and Tyreke Johnson, who must maintain a B average,” will commence his studies at explained the hotel’s On-Island Cornwall College. social media coordinator, Michelle CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS The children’s mothers, Nicola Gordon. The wine obviously went down well with Director of Tourism Paul From left: Diana Marley of Island Car Rentals may well be Barker, Ann-Marie Levers, and The presentation ceremony was Pennicook (left) and Camille Needham, executive director of the rhapsodising about the wine her friends Richard Stephenson Veronique Frazer, respectively, were enhanced by the cutting of a cake JHTA, and her hubby, Merrick Needham, logistics and protocol Margaret Allen of Interiors by Design are about to experience as extremely happy for the awards. to celebrate the success of the consultant, while Pegasus server, Shuana enjoys the moment.The The Pegasus’ Shauna pours a glass of Las Tablas rosé. The In presenting the awards, the children in the GSAT examination occasion was a recent function at which the lines imported by Olive occasion was at a recent function at which the lines imported by hotel’s general manager, Pierre and the awarding of the Parents (in back row from left), Nicola Barker, Ann-Marie Levers, and Veronique Frazer and their children (front row from left) Kefari Battaglia, challenged the students scholarships. International Investments were introduced to Kingstonians. Olive International Investments were introduced to Kingstonians. James, Khadijah Levers, and Tyreke Johnson.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 9 From left: Donnie Dawson, deputy director of tourism, sales, USA and Latin America, Jamaica Tourist Board, poses for a photo with executive chef, Dennis McIntosh of Moon Palace Jamaica CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Grande; chef André Fowles from Miss Lily’s; chef Marcus Samuelsson and executive chef Adam Executive chef Dennis McIntosh of Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Schop from Miss Lily’s. serves Andi Dorfman of ‘The Bachelorette, Season 10’, fried green plantains topped with fried red snapper and spicy vegetables.

TOURIST BOARD Top chefs Donnie Dawson (second left), deputy director of tourism, sales, USA and Latin America, Jamaica Tourist Board, shares a laugh with Gael Monfils (left), French tennis player; DJ Madlinx (second right) and US tennis player Venus Williams, who was the guest deejay at the Taste of Tennis serve up a taste event at the W New York Hotel. of Ja in NY

AMAICA’S CHEFS have once with mouth-watering jerk brisket again tantalised the palates of on a toasted pretzel bun, topped Jtrendsetters, food lovers, tennis with Scotch bonnet mustard and fans, top chefs and pro tennis coleslaw. players at this year’s Taste of Tennis Dennis McIntosh, executive event in New York. chef of Moon Palace Jamaica The Jamaica Tourist Board Grande, prepared green plantains partnered with Palace Resorts, topped with fried red snapper and Miss Lily’s, Appleton Jamaican spicy vegetables. Strategically Rum, Red Stripe and Xaymaca timed just before the start of the Coffee in hosting the Home of All US Open in Flushing Meadows in Right Lounge for the event at W New York, the Taste of Tennis, is a New York Hotel on August 25. week-long celebration that has Executive chef Adam Schop and become one of the most chef de Cuisine, Andre Fowles, anticipated events on the tennis Food Network’s, Chopped calendar. Given its appeal, the Champion; from Miss Lily’s, event is an ideal platform to dish served the classic pastrami out authentic Jamaican cuisine Marcia Sinclair (right), district sales manager, Northeast USA, Jamaica Tourist Board, serves one sandwich, adding a Jamaican twist and great Jamaican music. of the many guests at the Home of All Right lounge at the Taste of Tennis event at the W New York Hotel.

10 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 The Ocho Rios LIFETIME ACHIEVER Craft Council speaking with one voice AVING BEEN in operation ‘The craft sector, for 12 years, the Ocho Rios HCraft Council (ORCC) has especially in Ocho been doing its rounds to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Rios, is still very much CONTRIBUTED craft sector. Devon Mitchell, president of the alive. We refrain from Kevin Hendrickson (seated at centre), recent recipient of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist council for the past seven years, is being continuously Association Lifetime Achievement Award, is flanked by his family and the management team the driving force behind its of The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites, The Knutsford Court Hotel and The Jamaica Pegasus. initiatives and purpose. The main stigmatised and we Hendrickson also owns and operates The Holiday Inn Resort in Montego Bay. function of the council is to act as a link between the major craft will continue to markets in the parish of St Ann to the Ministry of Tourism and, more protect the well-being widely, the Government of Jamaica. of the visitors.’ The council’s executive body consists of 25 members who come viable, one and with greater from the executive bodies of several support from the Government and craft markets that the council surrounding business communities governs. Those that are registered it will thrive. It is his hope that like include Coconut Grove Craft any other sector which has a Market, Pineapple Craft Market, representative in the Houses of Ocho Rios Craft Market, Olde Parliament, the craft sector will Craft Market of Ocho Rios, and also have one. Until then, the Dunn’s River Craft Traders Market council will keep lobbying for Association. support in cash and kind from the Excluding the executive different businesses and the members, the other members who Government. make up the Ocho Rios Craft Mitchell, who is also the Council are vendors across the president of the Dunn’s River Craft above-mentioned craft markets. Traders Market Association, states However, the council is open to that the Ocho Rios Craft Council receiving persons who would like to is in the process of taking steps to seek independent membership by improve the quality of their an application process which is members. They are looking to concluded with the executive body streamline the organisation by holding the right to accept or ensuring member benefits to decline such application. facilitate insurance coverage, CORE FOCUS pension fees, NHT benefits and To further emphasise what the the like. core focus of the Ocho Rios Craft “The craft sector, especially in Council is, Mitchell states, “Simply Ocho Rios, is still very much alive. put, the Ocho Rios Craft Council We refrain from being continuously was established because it was stigmatised and we will continue to evident that it is important to protect the well-being of the speak with one voice.” The visitors,” is the response given by president of the ORCC has the Devon Mitchell to the question: opportunity to sit on the board of what would the Ocho Rios craft the Craft Association of Jamaica. sector like the public to know? This board provides the For more information on the Ocho opportunity for the development of a central body to coordinate the Rios Craft Council, contact Devon development of the craft sector. Mitchell at 844-8550. Contributed by Acting as that ‘one voice’ for the the Community Awareness Ocho Rios Craft Council, Mitchell Department Tourism Product states they are hoping to cement Development Company Ltd. Contact: the fact that the craft sector is a [email protected].

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 11 Paul H. Williams Hospitality Jamaica Writer NCOMPASSING PARTS of Portland, St Thomas, St EAndrew, and St Mary, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP) is Jamaica’s only national park and consists of three mountain DESTINATION ranges: the Blue Mountains, the DESTINATION John Crow Mountains, and the Port Royal Range. Established in 1993, this 40,000-hectare mountainous region, a place of great biodiversity, is protected by law and managed by the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) in collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency and the Forestry Department. In July 2015, 26 hectares of the park was inscribed on the World Heritage Sites list for its outstanding universal value of cultural and natural heritage. Within the park’s vastness, at more than 900 metres (3,000 feet) above sea-level, is the Holywell Recreational Park, the biggest recreation area in the BJCMNP. By road, it can be accessed from the north coast through the Buff Bay Valley in Portland and is 90 minutes from Kingston, which has a panoramic view from Holywell. The temperature at Holywell ranges CONTRIBUTED from mountain-breeze cool to very cold, and because of the A multi-purpose gazebo in the Holywell Recreational Park in St Andrew. elevation, it is common for the park to be shrouded in mist and There are many spots fog. in the Holywell IDEAL GETAWAY Recreational Park to chill and view the city This mesmerising place is ideal as a getaway and is nothing but a of Kingston below. nature lover’s dream. Visitors get a chance to see the mountain flora and fauna, some endemic to Jamaica, and to embrace nature’s offerings on the various hiking trails such as the 350-metre Blue Mahoe Trail and the Oatley Mountain Trail, which ends at the Oatley Mountain Peak, rising 1,400 metres above sea level. Waterfall Trail, 1.3km long, lends itself to a mountainside and valley trek. There is a stream that evolves into a 15-foot-high waterfall along the trail. There are also the Shelter and the Dick’s Pond trails, as well as guided tours, which are booked through the office of the JCDT. The tours include educational, bird-watching, and or a four-hour hike through a coffee farm, where visitors can experience the Plaque commemorating the inscription of the Blue and John processing of the beans. They Crow Mountains National Park on the World Heritage Site list.

12 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 The Blue Mahoe Trail is one of five main hiking trails in the Holywell Recreational Park in St Andrew.

PAUL H. WILLIAMS PHOTOS The visitors’ centre in the There are many rare species of flowers, plants, and creatures in the Holywell Recreation Park in Holywell Recreational Park St Andrew. in St Andrew. also take visitors out of the park include Hotlips, a studio with two to communities in the region single beds; the Mountain Yacca such as the Gordon Town to and the two-bedroom, three-bed Redlight Trail and the Greenwich Cupressus, come with electricity. Trail. The park has unusual and not-so- Holywell is also a popular picnic unusual plants, but it is a protected destination, a place to go and chill area. Visitors are not allowed to for the day, have fun with family and remove plants at random or destroy friends while munching on food in them. But there is an onsite plant its spacious picnic spots. Gazebos, nursery that offers non-tree plants barbecue pits, and restrooms are in for reforestation in the national proximity to these spots. Campsite park, and, those for sale, such as rental is also available. In the main Christmas tree seedlings, herbs, picnic area, there is a ‘Kids lilies. The use of the park and the Discovery Zone’, where there can be carrying-out of activities attract fees engaging educational experiences for upkeep and preservation for the little ones. purposes. While the outdoor experiences Other features of the park include are refreshing, things can get cosy interpretive signs, a ranger station, and laid-back in furnished log a car park, and a visitors’ centre, cabins consisting of living and where there are BJCMNP exhibits. dining areas, fireplaces, kitchens, The centre hosts retreats, small hot-water showers, linen, towels, workshops, meetings, and other and utensils. All the cabins, which activities. Royalton White Sands working in the community

OYALTON WHITE Sands in Falmouth, the new school year. We saw the condition of the roof CONTRIBUTED Trelawny, has taken steps to ensure that and understood the discomfort which it caused both Royalton Rstudents and teachers at the Martha Brae Basic students and teachers and thought it was our duty School in the parish are more comfortable for the to play our part in its restoration,” stated Bailey. White 2016-2017 school year. In the true spirit of community development, the Sands team On Tuesday, August 23, a group of dedicated team Royalton repair team also repaired the community fixing a roof. members, led by the resort’s assistant maintenance standpipe in Coopers Pen, a district near to the resort. manager, Percival Alladice, carried out extensive The team changed water taps, cleaned drains that repairs on the school’s roof, which had fallen into a were blocked, and repaired a main pipeline that was state of disrepair. broken. At the end of the project, several sheets of zinc Having reported the matter to the National Water were changed during a re-roofing exercise. After the Commission – that the pipes were broken resulting in project, community relations manager at the resort residents’ not getting adequate water and seeing Debbie Bailey said the mission had been nothing being done – the Royalton team stepped in to accomplished. assist. “We are very happy that we were able to undertake Omar Russell from the company’s maintenance and complete the repair works ahead of the start of department led the process.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 13 AROUND JA WITH PAUL H. Highway of thrills and hazards

ROM CAYMANS, St construction experts, tore down Catherine, it takes you away the mountains and built bridges Ffrom unsightly Spanish Town, over the forests. There are points the legendary flat bridge, the when you are going up, and up, beautiful but treacherous Bog Walk and up over trees, or down, down, gorge, and the time-consuming down. Some people’s properties Mount Rosser. were destroyed in the process. The perilous Mount Diablo, the Others were acquired to food at Faiths Pen, the bumps and accommodate the masterpiece. ruts of Chalky Hill, the turns, There were also claims of curves, and suggestive carvings at environmental breaches and Fern Gully, and in ‘two twos’, you destruction of material heritage. are in Mammee Bay, St Ann. That Collateral damage? Some things is the new North-South Highway. have to make way for others in the I have travelled on it a few name of development? times, and I still do not know what The speedsters love it, while the to make of it. My last journey was a owners of old and heavy vehicles week ago. Yes, it takes away one fear and loathe it. Me? As I hour of travel time, which is good, suggested earlier, I am ambivalent. and perhaps the reason why it was Save for the shorter travel time, I, built in the first place. It runs who am not a lover of heights, also through places in St Catherine and like some of the overhead views, St Ann where not many people in especially at the points where there Jamaica thought a network of are expansive vistas of north- roads could be built. The area is a central St Catherine, including topography of hills, mountains, Ewarton. The mountainside that valleys, and even gullies. was scarred to lay a section of the But the Chinese, those highway at Linstead can also be

14 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 seen way over yonder. On my last in a fog-prone region. The thick fog journey, the view was partially was bearing down when I last trav- obliterated by the smoke coming elled, and that was perhaps why the from the alumna works and fog. driver was speeding as if Judgement I also particularly like the view of Day was upon him. the Caribbean Sea on the north I am also concerned about the coast, just before the highway ter- speed at which some Coaster buses minates at Mammee Bay. That is drive. It is so bad that windows the best sight. Camera through the have to be closed because of the window. Click! Click! Apart from strong breeze coming through. those spots, there is not much to There are barricades and fences to feast my eyes on, except for the prevent vehicles from going over, loose rocks. At many points, even but those will be of no use should though attempts have been made the vehicle of the thrill-seekers get to restrain them, there are too out of control. Yet, the ride many sections where the rocks are becomes uncomfortable, almost unstable. bumpy, at the points where vehicles I was really concerned looking up go over speed-reducing strips laid at the shaved hillsides to see these across the road. potentially dangerous objects star- The highway is necessary and ing down at me, telling me it is only much needed. It also gives resi- a matter of time before they are set dents and visitors the opportunity free. And there are many bright to see some of Jamaica’s inland signs along the way depicting rocks geography, but I think it is quite rolling down hillsides. If they are hazardous and has taken people really coming at you, you might away from the sights and sounds of have to find one of those steep the places mentioned earlier, ramps called ‘escape lane’. More- among others. But, then again, the over, the highway was constructed choice is mine.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 15 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GLEANER COMPANY (MEDIA) LIMITED • 7 NORTH STREET • KINGSTON • JAMAICA