HospitalityThe Gleaner KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019

Negril Aerodrome rehab finally Coffee under way industry WOOING TOURISTS The hard- resolve issue of sub- regional air transport

After the crowning, I danced

Caribbean tourism is robust and resilient Coffee industry wooing tourists

Claudia Gardner Hospitality Jamaica Writer “We are also he Jamaica Coffee Exporters saying to the Association is embarking on Ta robust marketing strat- Jamaica Tourist egy geared at the island’s tourism industry to ensure an uptick in the Board, ‘Whenever purchase of coffee by the millions you are making of cruise and stop-over visitors to the island. an ad, you are in According to president of the association, Senator Norman the marketplace Grant, the initiative includes a com- already, you bination of islandwide signage as well as product sampling at the are advertising island’s ports of entry, which has already commenced. sand, sea, and “In terms of the market, we want to market Jamaica Blue Mountain everything, so say Coffee to the 4.3 million tourists, also ‘Coffee; the so we are putting in J$10 million in billboards. This is in partnership land of the finest with JACRA (Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory coffee in the Authority). We are talking to the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB),” world, Jamaica Grant, who is also managing di- Blue Mountain rector and CEO of the St Andrew- PHOTO BY ASHLEY ANGUIN based Mavis Bank Coffee Factory. coffee.’” A Jablum Coffee representative “JAMPRO is helping us to build serving coffee at the recent a five-year marketing strategy coffee is in the drinking experience, Jamaica International Exhibition. for the Jamaica Blue Mountain so we are doing all of that,” Grant, Coffee under my cap as president who is also a former president of of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters the Jamaica Agricultural Society, of the most expensive. Only coffee Association, and it is the first time (JAS) said. beans that are grown between in 30 years that we are sitting But one of the boldest moves, so 3,000 and 5,500 feet in the Blue down to do a brand strategy for far, according to Grant, is the lob- Mountains range can take on the the Jamaica Blue Mountain and bying of the Jamaica Tourist Board designation. Jamaican Coffee,” he added. to immerse coffee consumption in Over the past few years, there Grant said the billboards are its global advertisements. has been a contraction in the de- expected to be mounted at various “We are also saying to the mand for Jamaican coffee in over- sites within all the island’s six re- Jamaica Tourist Board, ‘Whenever seas markets due to, among other sort areas as well as at the Sangster you are making an ad, you are things, trademark infringements. and Norman Manley International in the marketplace already, you Production was also affected by airports. are advertising sand, sea, and diseases. Coffee exports also “So when you come in everything, so say also ‘Coffee; dropped in the last 25 years from , you will hear, the land of the finest coffee in the 700,000 boxes to approximately ‘Welcome to Jamaica’, the home of world, Jamaica Blue Mountain 250,000 while prices also fell from the finest coffee in the world,’” he coffee,’” he said. $12,000 per box to $3,500. said. “Our strategy is to sell green Last September, coffee to Japan, the USA, and He said that the promotional Agriculture Minister Audley the rest of the world. Seventy per strategy to offer samples of Blue Shaw noted that although the cent of the coffee is exported as Mountain Coffee at the island’s coffee industry is privatised, the green. We need that market, but cruise-shipping piers has been Government of Jamaica still has we also want to expand the val- well-received. a responsibility to facilitate and ue-added. And we are saying that “The response has been very aggressively promote the industry good. We have it brewed. We are when the tourist comes to Jamaica, “to the hilt”. Also in January this also looking to offer it cold as well, they must leave with a pack of year, the minister noted that long- depending on the time of the day Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee,” term solutions were being sought to and really taking this wonderful the senator said. better position the island’s coffee. coffee experience because coffee Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee PHOTO BY CLAUDIA GARDNER is great. We are saying, if you taste has the distinction of being la- n hospitalityjamaica@ Janice Williams parches her coffee beans, which she sells, along it, you will buy it. The proof of the belled the world’s finest and is one gleanerjm.com with an array of hot teas in Roaring River.

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 Airlink offices at the Aerodrome. Waiting area at Negril Aerodrome. Negril Aerodrome rehab finally under way Claudia Gardner were locked down because it was expecting that there will be positive Hospitality Jamaica Writer said that people could use them to implications for other sectors, S THE long-proposed export ganja. including entertainment, agri-tour- upgrading and expansion of “So what we are doing is open- ism, health, and even ground Athe Negril Aerodrome pro- ing up general aviation to create transport. gresses, Transport Minister Robert more opportunities for the ordinary “For example, you have Montague is contending that cou- Jamaicans,” said the minister. Sumfest coming up. People will pled with new flight offerings, the He is convinced that this now have an option to fly down new thrust will drive tourism in in the afternoon, watch the show, facility will enable a boon for Negril because the guests who have and go back home in the morning tourism and a resurgence of inter- spent hundreds of thousands of and be at their desks … . Even take est in general aviation. dollars to come on vacation want health. A person has a critical con- The airstrip, which is located at to maximise the return on that in- dition and needs a particular type Rutland Point in Hanover, was built vestment. “They will spend another of medication. It can be flown as in the 1970s, and for many years, two hours at the resort. They don’t opposed to via road as every served the tourists resorts within have to rush to spend two hours minute counts. If a person is sick Negril and its environs. However, and sit down in Sangster (air- and they have to hit the air ambu- activities were scaled down after port) because what we are doing is lance, you can fly from Negril into several carriers terminated flights PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA GARDNER that we streamline the process,” the Montego Bay and take the air am- to the town, which led to the facil- Offices at the Negril Aerodrome. Minister added. bulance out,” he said. ity being declassified in 2014. Montague also said that con- In terms of agriculture, the min- “About 20 per cent of the public,” Montague said. island’s airstrips due to drug-traf- trary to popular belief, the Negril ister expects that this will open up runway is under water because The minister said that the ficking fears. to Montego Bay route is not Negril and provide more ways of the drains have not been cleaned rehabilitation works in Negril “They closed down all the other only a profitable exercise but is the getting produce to market quicker. in many years, and it is located in are part of a comprehensive airstrips, so people dispensed with “only profitable route in the coun- The farmer who may get into the swamp. So we are proceeding upgrading plan for airstrips across their airplanes. We have 52 airstrips try right now” as many people con- something exotic, for example, to open up the drains to drain off the island, which is expected and we are down to eight, so over tinue to travel between Montego strawberries, he notes, can now some of the water, and we are to reduce tourist commute time, people just gave up. General Bay and Negril via charter flights. get to market in a relatively short also constructing a fire station times and evoke local interest aviation has died in the country.” He said that with the new sched- time. It will open up opportunities and putting in a pilots’ lounge in intra-island travel, which took According to him, it was the uled domestic flights by airlines for taximen as more people will and a manager’s office, and we a nosedive after numerous carriers ganja industry that helped to such as InterCaribbean to come on be flying in and more Jamaicans are expanding the security check exited the industry following the destroy general aviation because stream beginning July 9 from all will be able to come on day trips to station and the waiting areas for the closure of the majority of the all the airstrips, all the airfields airstrips, including Negril, he is Negril, Montague surmised.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 3 North-East Asia (both +9 per cent) were the subregions with the strongest growth. Exports from international France and Russia lead growth among top spenders Growth in receipts was fuelled by strong demand for international travel in the con- tourism hit US$1.7 trillion text of a robust global economy. Among the world’s top ten source mar- XPORTS GENERATED by in- world, behind chemical manufacturing and foreign exchange and a major tool for ex- kets, France and the Russian Federation ternational tourism reached USD the fuel industry but ahead of the food and port diversification for many destinations. both recorded 11 per cent growth in 1.7 trillion in 2018, a four per cent automotive industries. International tourism receipts increased E outbound spending in 2018 while Australia increase in real terms over the previous “Rather than growing in volume, we need four per cent in real terms (adjusting for saw a 10 per cent increase. year, a new report from the World Tourism to grow in value. We are pleased to see that exchange rate fluctuations and inflation) China, the world’s top spender, reported Organization (UNWTO) shows. both emerging and advanced economies to reach USD 1,448 billion in 2018, about USD 277 billion in international tourism For the seventh year in a row, tourism ex- around the world are benefiting from rising USD 100 billion more than the previous expenditure in 2018, a five per cent increase ports grew faster than merchandise exports tourism income,” said UNWTO Secretary- year. This is consistent with the six per cent in real terms from a year earlier while the (+3 per cent), reflecting solid demand for General Zurab Pololikashvili. increase in international tourist arrivals in United States, the second largest, spent international travel in a generally robust “Revenues from international tourism 2018. economic environment. translate into jobs, entrepreneurship, and a seven per cent more, to reach USD 144 Strong growth in outbound travel from better situation for people and local econo- GROWTH billion. many source markets around the world mies while reducing trade deficits in many By regions, Asia and the Pacific led the International expenditure from the United fuelled revenues from international tourism countries,” he added. way with seven per cent growth in interna- Kingdom grew three per cent in 2018, and to reach a total USD 1.7 trillion. Total exports from international tourism tional tourism receipts, followed by Europe four per cent from Italy, while Germany and This accounts for 29 per cent of global include USD 1,448 billion in international with a five per cent increase. the Republic of Korea both reported rather service exports and seven per cent of tourism receipts (visitor spending in des- The Middle East saw three per cent flat results. overall exports of goods and services. These tinations) and USD 256 billion in interna- growth, while Africa (+1 per cent) and the Further down the ranking, Spain enjoyed figures consolidate international tourism tional passenger transport services. Americas (0 per cent) recorded more mod- 12 per cent higher spending on international among the top five economic sectors in the Tourism constitutes a key source of est results. Central and Eastern Europe and tourism in 2018. Caribbean tourism is robust and resilient CHTA’s director general advises investors: greater collaboration from public and private sectors needed to increase tourism growth FRANK COMITO, CEO and Caribbean hotels is improving, director general of the Caribbean with four out of five hotels report- Hotel and Tourism Association ing a net profit in 2018, up from (CHTA), reassured investors that it three out of four several years ago. was a great time to be in the In addition to the global economy, tourism industry, which continues Comito cited the following as driv- to be the major economic driver for ers that are stimulating new airlift Frank Comito (second left), CEO and director general of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism the Caribbean and for the world. and consumer demand: growing Association with (from left) Jeff Higley, President of The BHN Group; Emile Gourieux, STR’s Speaking to the Caribbean destination investments in airport business development executive; Sanjay Amin, director of BCQS International; and Gary Brough, Hotel & Resort Investment Summit infrastructure, a steady supply of managing director of KPMG, at CHRIS last week. CONTRIBUTED (CHRIS) at the Loews Miami Beach new-room inventory, and increased twin hurricanes points to a fast- He presented charts showing the in- Hotel last week, Comito reported investments by existing hotels in LAGGED GROWTH er-than-anticipated turnaround, that tourism is in an unprecedented capital improvements. While the vast majority of dustry’s performance over 20 years, growth mode, with investments in Comito said the region had Caribbean destinations affected with most hotels upgraded and illustrating what has happened to new hotels and upgrades in existing recovered well from the twin by the storms have bounced reopening and international air visitor arrivals, hotel occupancies, properties contributing to more than hurricanes that hit some Caribbean back, Comito observed that arrivals approaching pre-hurricane and hotel rates when faced with one in every five new jobs being destinations, with devastating typically, a crisis causes linger- levels, Comito commented: “This recessions, major hurricanes, and a created globally. At today’s growth consequences for the sector in ing losses as a destination falls exceeds our expectations and speaks periodic health threat like Zika. rate, Comito reported that tourism 2017. However, while recovery was back from its previous growth well to the industry’s resiliency.” To speed up recovery and to is expected to contribute to the crea- quick and strong in many destina- path. “Even after a destina- Overall, the Caribbean has ex- strengthen its resilience, the CHTA tion of over 500,000 new jobs in the tions, he lamented that the region tion returns to its pre-crisis perienced an exceptional 2019 thus head said that all industry stake- Caribbean alone by 2028, according has more than 80,000 vacant hotel level, ‘losses’ can continue to far, according to Comito, with air holders, public and private, need to the World Travel and Tourism rooms every night. Stressing the mount as it lags behind its previous arrivals and hotel performances ex- to work together “to protect and Council. need to boost bookings, he said that growth trendline,” he noted. ceeding the global average. He cau- enhance investments through col- According to CHTA’s 2019 filling just 10 per cent of the vacant Year-to-date performance data tioned that downturns are cyclical laboration on public relations and Industry Performance and Outlook rooms “would inject nearly US$2 from six of the region’s destina- and that the industry must be better marketing around the Caribbean Study, the profitability gap for billion annually into the region.” tions recovering from the 2017 prepared to mitigate their impact. brand.”

4 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 5 governments were prepared to provide sup- new financial and operational approach and THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM port based on the principle that there would significant restructuring if it is to be able to be a minimum revenue guarantee (MRG). be made viable and provide the required ser- This is an arrangement involving countries vices. As a minority shareholder, Barbados, making a contribution tailored not to their she said, would continue to play a role in The hard resolve issue shareholding but based on the frequency ensuring that the routes provided are com- of flights to their nation. The airline also mercially viable, to avoid further pressure on appears to have been struggling to service its the overall finances of the airline. US$65m debt to the Caribbean Development Whether when the negotiations are of subregional air transport Bank (CDB) for a fleet upgrade. complete, Antigua will be able to exercise However, some OECS governments were the regional leadership required to turn the not willing to agree about making further carrier into a much leaner operation remains contributions without significant changes to to be seen. the airline’s structure, cuts in expenditure What LIAT’s present difficulties highlight and rationalisation of the number of aircraft is the continuing importance of finding a solu- and routes. In contrast, the Antiguan govern- tion that results in having one or more viable, ment said it would “resist” any collapse and commercially Caribbean-operated carriers had developed a “strategic approach”. able to operate within the region, or at the After a fruitless search for external inves- very least offer services that seamlessly link tors, the airline’s short-term problems appear the Caribbean’s subregions together. to be closer to resolution. Unfortunately, the likely solutions to NYONE WHO has been following After some uncertainty, Barbados has LIAT’s problems suggest that the current the twists and turns in the saga of the agreed to negotiate the sale of most, but piecemeal approach to regional aviation East Caribbean air carrier, LIAT, will A not all of its 49.4 per cent shareholding to will continue to be short-term, without any know that it is commercially struggling. Antigua, which currently holds 34 per cent. attempt being made to address underlying Linking all Organisation of Eastern The arrangement is expected to revolve issues such as the extraordinary range of Caribbean States (OECS) nations, Trinidad, around Antigua taking on most of Barbados’ taxes and charges levied by OECS govern- Guyana and parts of the French and Dutch element of the airline’s debt to the CDB, ments on travellers, whether from the region Caribbean, it provides a service without while retaining a shareholding and continu- or overseas. which inter-island commerce, family ties, ing participation in MRG arrangements. Speaking recently at his book launch in tourism and regional coherence would all but Speaking about the decision, Barbados Prime Barbados, Jamaica’s former Prime Minister be impossible. Minister Mia Mottley recently said that while P.J. Patterson noted that the nations in the LIAT has been on the edge financially for her government retained an “absolute com- region “still suspect each other” and that this some time. Principally owned by the govern- mitment to regional air travel,” economic con- has impeded the Caribbean in tackling stub- ments of Barbados, Antigua, St Vincent, and straints caused by the country’s International born problems. In doing so, he cited regional Dominica, it has struggled to reconcile its FILE Monetary Fund programme meant that it had travel and transportation as a central issue to commercial function with differing opinions as Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley. decided that “it is time for us to step back” be resolved. to how it should be financed and operated, with shareholder, and OECS governments have to allow other governments “to continue with What happens next with LIAT will its essential role in subregional integration. been meeting since April to discuss a way their proposals to restructure LIAT in the way indicate whether the airline has a long- To try to address the problems of who forward. which they have determined”. term future, will continue to stagger from pays and to try to regularise how operating At the time, most reports suggested that Ms Mottley also made clear her view crisis to crisis or find viable solutions, as costs, short-term financing needs and longer- US$5.4m was required to meet the airlines that LIAT’s operating model is dated and Prime Minister Mottley hopes, to make the term debt are serviced, Barbados, the largest short-term liquidity issues and that some unattractive, and that the airline needs a Caribbean a better place to live in.

6 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 Playa Hotels and Resorts Wellness 5K Playa Hotels and Resorts Wellness run and walk a success 5k run and walk a success

SEA of people clad in Playa’s shades of Ablue lined the streets of Montego Bay last Saturday morn- ing as associates from Playa Hotels and Resorts participated in the group’s inaugural 5k Run/Walk. It was a festive atmosphere as over 200 staff members came out in their numbers to represent their in- dividual hotels to celebrate Global Wellness Day on Saturday. The run/walk, which began at 6:00 a.m., lasted for approximately two hours. At the end of the event, asso- ciates from the seven Jamaican Playa-owned resorts clocked various times and were rewarded with medals for participation and trophies for exceptional perfor- mance in the run/walk. Associates from the Jewel Dunn’s River copped the most trophies, copping first place in the Female Run Category, Male over Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa literally walked away with first, 40 years, Top Female, and Male The ‘winningest’ team from Jewel Dunn’s River pose as the show second and third-place wins in the over-40 Female walk category. Walkers, and also Top Male Walker The winners (back row from left) Opal Anderson, Jerry-Ann in the over-40. off their trophies and medals From left Gary Mitchell, Oshane Cheeke, Kimika Small, Tamara Winkle and Herbert Green, Whyte, and Semone Green are flanked by (front from left) Daine While Jewel Runaway Bay Golaube, hotel manager; Everton McNaught, group financial walked home with the trophy for Stopping in front is Camara Brown Jewel Dunn’s River took home the championship trophy for the best resort overall (mist controller; over-40 male winner Carol Bourke, managing director/ the Top Male Runner, with Hyatt general manager; and Lorna Smith-Taylor, human resources Ziva and Zilaria copping Top wins – all categories) at the inaugural staging of Playa resorts, manager; Jewel Runaway Bay. Female Runner in the over-40 Jamaica’s 5K Run/Walk held June 8 to coincide with Global category. The Hilton Rose Hall had wellness day. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS said area director of marketing and Resort & Spa, and Jewel Resorts top Female Walker in the over-40 communications Charmaine Deane. (which comprises Jewel Paradise category. made the effort to participate in It is also our intention to grow this The hotels represented at Cove, Jewel Dunn’s River, and “We are grateful that the first the activities. Thank you! It is event to its maximum potential and Saturdays 5K Run/Walk were Jewel Runaway Bay). staging of this 5K Run/Walk was important that we do all that we continue to promote health and Hyatt Zilara & Ziva, Jewel Grande The event was managed by a success and that our associates can to maintain a healthy lifestyle. wellness and build team spirit,” Montego Bay, Hilton Rose Hall Running Events Jamaica.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 7 Roaring River’s RastaSafari one of Jamaica’s many wonders Claudia Gardner trusty RastaSafari community tour guides. At RastaSafari everything is “We have people from Germany, France, and the US. People from Hospitality Jamaica Writer authentically Jamaican; there are no pretensions; no censorship. Guests all over come here. We have Jamaicans who come from Kingston, Ocho IRDS CHIRPING, a loud thud from falling mangoes and other get the true feel of the Jamaican countryside, and interact with Jamaicans Rios, Montego Bay, because many of them go on TripAdvisor and read about fruits, and gushing crystal-clear waters are the three main sounds and experience real traditional country life, just like citizens of Roaring us, and many people come and bring their kids also,” he explained. Bnature lovers will take delight in, during the various stops along the River do. According to his counterpart, Terry Findlay, the area is a birdwatcher’s RastaSafari tour, in Westmoreland. THREE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR TOUR paradise, as numerous endemic species, including the streamer-tailed The RastaSafari experience takes place within the pristine Roaring The tour stretches down to the Shrewsbury community, and several hummingbird, woodpeckers, the West Indian whistling duck, grass- River watershed area, which is regarded as one of the many wonders of other districts along the legendary Georges Plain, known as a bastion quit and others are there in the hundreds, in addition to other native fauna. Jamaica and a prototype of good watershed management. for sugar cultivation dating back to the days of old when sugar was king “The slider turtles, which are endemic to Jamaica and are an endan- The Roaring River lies a short distance away from the town of Savanna- in Jamaica. It spans three to 3 ½ hours and treks through forests, mead- gered species, can be found here. Not as plenty as they used to be, but la-Mar and is an easy drive from Negril. The community is a place where ows, across rivers and streams, a small ganja field, through once-flourish- they are still here,” she said. beauty meets bounty. Fruits are all around; the majority fall on the ground, ing cane fields from where spectacular views of Jack, Jill and Bill, three “A lot of people here rely on the natural environment for survival. The to be eaten by birds as well as bees, or go back to the earth as compost. peaks within the mountain range which are used as a land marker for community is also close-knit and we rely a lot on each other,” she added. RastaSafari could be classed as eco, adventure, community and wellness fishermen in Savanna-la-Mar, can be seen. The reviews of RastaSafari on TripAdvisor are quite telling. Already, it tourism all bound together in one extraordinary experience. Upon arrival, However, there is no rush, as the tour guides allow you to set the pace, is ranked as 4th of 109 activities in Montego Bay, and is rated as excellent guests are greeted not only by the pleasant faces of their tour guides but by knowing fully well how captivating and picturesque the Roaring River by 127 of 130 travellers on that travel site. the aroma of shopkeeper Janice Williams’ Jessies’s Blue Mountain coffee wonderland is. Some visitors have branded it “a speechless experience”, “a great way beans, which she roasts and sells to guests and community members who The tour climaxes with an authentic Rastafarian vegan lunch – rice and to experience authentic Jamaica”, “a must do”, “breathtaking and amaz- visit her small establishment. beans, breadfruit, avocado, veggie chunks, ackee, coconut bean stew and ing”, while another described it as a “mind-blowing experience”. A small foot bridge stretches across a gorgeous tributary to a walking natural juices and whichever fruits are in season. For Findlay, the RastaSafari has opened up doors to community tourism in Roaring River for visitors in Negril and the rest of Jamaica trail that leads to the RastaSafari park, which is the starting point for the “It’s a fascinating experience for a lot of the people, because some of Tour guide Terry Findlay’s welcoming smile greets adventure via ARVs. the fruits and stuff they only see in the supermarkets; they have never seen who continue to be wowed by the experience. “This Negril tourism belt that they have here; we are the buckle on that you at the beginning of the tour Visitors can drive the ARVs themselves, or in the company of the them on the tree before. A lot of them thought pineapple grew on trees,” . tour guide and lifeguard Marvin Clayton told Hospitality Jamaica. belt,” Findlay said.

Roaring River is a prime cattle area. It is not uncommon to see cattle in the vicinity of streams, drinking or strolling around.

River bathing is a common occurrence in Roaring River, and Bounty meets beauty at the roaring River. Guests swimming is one of the major activities guests enjoy during are able to eat as many fruits as they like at the . the RastaSafari experience. RastaSafari property

PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA GARDNER Rastafarian tour guide Marvin Clayton leads the RastaSafari community excursion These three mountain peaks are dubbed Jack, Jill and Bill and are used as landmarks by fishermen in Savanna-la-Mar. with ARVs like this one.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 9 Jamaica Tourist Board host Reggae Girlz World Cup parties amaica’s Reggae Girlz bowed into World Cup action against JBrazil on June 9 at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, France. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) threw its support behind the team by host- ing a series of World Cup Watch Parties in four major markets: New York, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, and Toronto. The parties also gave the diaspora an opportunity to get in on the action “We are excited that the Reggae The Reggae Girlz Girlz have qualified to represent Jamaica on the global soccer stage,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism. “We are so proud of the Reggae Girlz, and the series of World Cup Watch Parties gave Jamaicans, members of the Caribbean Diaspora, and Jamaica Tourist Board at Wingout Festival – Christopher Dobson friends of Jamaica the opportunity and Oral Chambers with a patron. to come out in their colours and cheer on the team in the opening Girlz, qualified for the 2019 FIFA the ultimate competition in wom- match in their historic World Cup Women’s World Cup on October en’s football. The 53rd-ranked campaign.” 17, 2018, defeating Panama 4-2 Reggae Girlz is one of four debutants Jamaica’s senior national on penalties, becoming the first at this year’s World Cup, joining women’s soccer team, the Reggae Caribbean nation ever to qualify for Chile, Scotland, and South Africa.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Oral Chambers of the Jamaica Tourist Board shares information Patrons enjoying Wingout Festival with guests at Wingout Festival.

10 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 AN ARRAY OF TALENT Scintillating performances rock Negril Regional Festival of the Arts Talent and Model Competition hat an amazing array of orange Speedos, Triston Irvin from Sandals talent,” was all one guest could South Coast was the Best Male Model “Wutter, totally absorbed in the and had the ladies swooning with his taut, performances at the Negril Regional Sandals well-toned body and stage tactics. Aculia and Beaches Resorts Festival of the Arts Nembhard, also from Sandals South Coast, Talent and Model Competition last Thursday was a show-stopper, gracefully gliding her night. Staged at Sandals South Coast, the way into the Best Female Model spot.The talents from Sandals Negril, Beaches Negril, Musical Instrumentalist category belonged to Grand Pineapple and Sandals South Coast left the talented Jemarie Richards from Sandals the judges and a very receptive audience of Negril, who performed uncontested. visitors, staffers and specially invited guests Glenroy Walker and Owen Brown from star-struck and yearning for more as they vied Sandals South Coast emerged Group Dance for a spot in nine distinct categories, namely, winners with their hilarious dancehall set, Male and Female Vocalist and Model, Dance while Javonne Richards from Beaches Negril Duo, Solo Dance, DJ Spin-off, Musical took the Solo Dance category to a different Instrumentalist and Spoken Word. level with a deeply artistic and intricate mod- The winners will all compete in the ern dance piece that had the judges falling in national competition. Vowing to bring their love with dance all over again. Pleased with A-game in an especially fierce competition the night’s presentations, Beaches Negril for the female vocalists, Sherion Muir from Entertainment Manager Nicholas Nelson Sandals South Coast delivered the perfor- said, “It is obvious that the Negril and South mance of the night to cop the Best Female Coast properties have put more effort and Vocalist spot. Jennifer Holliday’s 1982 time into this year’s presentations.” A senti- classic And I Am Telling You was literally ment shared by the judges. Glenroy Walker (left) and Owen Brown had the audience in stitches with their Muir’s declaration and amid the screams of For Sandals South Coast Entertainment dancehall set during the Negril Regionals of the Sandals and Beaches Festival of a frenzied audience, her outstanding vocal Division Manager Garett Bailey, whose team the Arts Talent and Model Competition. range and gritty showmanship hit the judges’ nabbed five of the nine spots, the excite- table like a bullet. There were several ment has just begun. He noted that he was outstanding performances in the Male confident in his team’s ability going into the Vocalist category as well, but when competition and expected nothing less. Sejeon Williams from Sandals South “This year, our region went out and Coast took the stage, a change most searched for that talent and based on definitely came. Williams rendition some of the performances we’ve seen of Sam Cooke’s Change Is Gonna thus far, I feel like we’ve definitely Come had patrons eating from the struck gold.” palm of his hands. Yet another The winners will face off against outstanding performance was the Montego Bay and Sakae Brooks of Beaches regions in the national Negril, who won the Best competition, scheduled Spoken Word category. for June 15 at Sandals Her gripping piece, titled Ochi Beach Resort. I Quit, was a tall glass of lemonade for thirsty souls and a moti- vational chant of liberation CONTRIBUTED and self-love. PHOTOS The DJ Clash Sandals Negril’s segment was Jemarie Richards dominated was calm and by Sandals collected as he Negril’s strolled into the Nicholas nationals as the Mairs, who only musical kept the instrumentalist at crowd going the Negril with an impressive Regional of the variety of mixes, punctu- Sandals and ated with old classics from Beaches Festival Winner of the Male Vocalist category, Sejeon Williams, from Sandals South popular genres as well as a Coast, performs Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ during the Negril of the Arts Talent number of current hits. A crowd and Model Regionals of the Sandals and Beaches Festival of the Arts Talent and Model favourite from the moment Competition. Competition. he stepped out on stage in his

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 11 Island Routes celebrates its 10th anniversary as an award-winning Caribbean adventure tour company

HE WORLD’S leading Caribbean attraction exclaimed CEO of Island Routes Adam Stewart. company, Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, Island Routes started in Jamaica with one tour desk Topened its doors 10 years ago on June 1, 2009. and has grown steadily into 12 destinations in the Staying true to its motto #LiveFunner, the com- Caribbean and Mexico. Each of its 500-plus tours has pany will be celebrating their decade of providing undergone a thorough screening process, earning the award-winning tours and excursions throughout the organisation a reputation of not just pioneering ex- entire year. cursions that showcase the soul of the Caribbean, but To kick off its celebrations, Island Routes did a providing experiences that are of the highest standard. Caribbean-wide beach clean-up across eight islands From luxury catamaran cruises to guided, one-of-a- (Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Barbados, Turks kind Mini-Routes tours, Island Routes’ commitment & Caicos, Exuma, Nassau) between June 1 and 8,World to excellence shines through each of its hand-picked Ocean Day. experiences. The beach clean-up initiatives were in collaboration In a recent blog posted by Island Routes, titled ‘10 with the Sandals Foundation, which also celebrates Years, 10 Reasons to Celebrate’, the company men- its 10th anniversary this year, as well as the Sandals tioned 10 things it was thankful for. Reflecting on the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) team. past 10 years, number one on the list is their team. In addition, Island Routes will be launching a month- Island Routes’ team of enthusiastic, highly long social media competition offering customers the trained, island experts have contributed to the chance to win free and discounted tours. Later on in number of returning guests that visit the islands the year, the company will be hosting various events to each year. Also on the list of reasons to celebrate thank its team, its certified tour and trade partners. are their partners, destinations, tours, Live “Time flies when you’re having fun, and I truly Funner vibe, authenticity, growth, community believe that our success is driven by the team’s ability involvement, environmental impact and guests. not just to seek out the most exciting adventures, but Join the Island Routes journey by following having a great time doing it. Our journey has been their social media pages @islandroutes and phenomenal and I look forward to the next 10 years,” website, https://www.islandroutes.com/.

Island Routes team celebrating on one of their luxury catamaran cruises.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Island Routes catamaran ‘Soul Rebel’.

12 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 JCDT hosts first GREEN EXPO in eight years Paul H. Williams conservation and protection of Jamaica’s Hospitality Jamaica Writer land, wood, air, and water.” ITH THE impact of climate change MESSAGE looming over Earth, the preserva- Minister Vaz touched on a range of environ- Wtion and restoration of the green mental issues, including that of the controver- environment are paramount on the agenda of sial proposed bauxite mining in the Cockpit A section of the audience that turned out for the opening ceremony of many organisations the world over. Country. “I would like to take this opportunity GREENEXPO 2019 on Thursday, June 6, at the National Arena. Here, in Jamaica, the Jamaica on this platform to reiterate … that there is, Conservation and Development Trust in fact, no mining in the area to be protected (JCDT), managers of the Blue and John as the Cockpit Country designated protected Crow Mountains National Park and World area,” the minister announced. He further Heritage Site, is playing a major role in said that the prime minister had charged the the said thrust. And last weekend hosted relevant agencies to ensure that hydrological, GREEN EXPO 2019 under the theme ‘A biological, forest, and culture resources within better Environment, A better life, do the right the area are protected. thing!’ at the National Arena in St Andrew. For the next three days, there were ex- The showcase, which was last held hibitions about building climate reliance, eight years ago, and as part of National environmentally products and services, Environmental Awareness Week, opened on energy and water conservation, alterna- Thursday night with a welcome and opening tives to plastic and Styrofoam, solid-waste remarks from Robert Stephens, chairman management, disaster-risk management and of GREEN EXPO 2019, and master of organic agriculture, in addition to various ceremonies for the evening, which was well booths where food, art and craft, and other attended from the look of things. miscellaneous items were sold. There were Also addressing the gathering were also a Children’s Pavilion and nightly Anthony McKenzie, director of environmental entertainment. management and conservation at the National Throughout the event, there were discus- Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA); sions on topics such as technology and other Barrington Lewis, chief executive officer at fields in the environment; careers in address- Olivia Anderson (right) of NEPA talks to Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica ing environmental pollution; teacher training Economic Growth and Job Creation Daryl Vaz about eco-friendly disposable (EFJ); Lehome Johnson, manager, Climate workshop through education; trash to treas- utensils during a tour of the booths after the opening ceremony of GREENEXPO Change Data Management Project; Dr Susan ure – what’s happening 2019 while Dr Susan Otuokon, executive director at the Jamaica Conservation Otuokon, executive director at JCDT; and the to your plastic waste; and Development Trust, looks on. keynote speaker, Daryl Vaz, minister without how we are getting portfolio (land, environment, climate change, smart and steady and investment) in the Ministry of Economic and climate-ready; Growth and Job Creation. doing a dry run: Dr Otuokon summarised the highlights modelling for dis- of GREEN EXPO 2019 and explained its aster risk reduction; essence, Lewis outlined the EFJ’s funding and renewable to JCDT and other entities, while McKenzie energy and me. said, among other things, “This staging of the expo is particularly important to NEPA as it comes at a time when Jamaicans are now, more than ever, conscious, aware, and concerned about our changing environ- ment and climate, looking to us as leaders in the

Barrington Lewis, PHOTOS BY PAUL WILLIAMS chief executive Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation officer, of the Daryl Vaz makes a purchase from a member of the Ujima Farmers’ Market Environmental during a tour of the booths after the opening ceremony of GREENEXPO 2019 Foundation of while Dr Susan Otuokon, executive director at the Jamaica Conservation and Jamaica. Development Trust, looks on.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 13 AROUND JA WITH PAUL H. After the CROWNING I danced CANNOT help moving to the hypnotic sounds of African drums. Rhythms are in my blood, waist, Iand feet. I am African. But I dance mainly in my private space, away from the stares and, perhaps, jeers of the crowd. There were some occasions when I danced a little publicly and people were amazed. They said they didn’t know I could move. It was a terrible assumption. For I dance even when I am sitting still. I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the drums floating on a breeze across the Atlantic, calling me home. Yet there are several other things, includ- ing the one that I rather do than writing and teaching that most people do not know I am capable of. In time it will be revealed. And a certain revelation came my way recently. I learned that an acquaintance, Robert Pairman, aka Kalaan Nibonri, was to be enstooled as the first Jamaican kaseke (Taino chief) in over 500 years. It was to be an event that I would not miss for the world. Even a trip to Africa could not hold me back. Perhaps. Mi confuse. ENSTOOLMENT RITUALS Anyway, Sunday, May 26, came. I was in Portland, the parish in which the enstoolment was to take place, from the day before. So there was no reason why I should have been late. And yet, I was almost. As I arrived at the Asafu Yard in the Charles Town Maroon village, the ceremony was about to begin. The rituals last for about two hours, and when it was over, Robert Pairman emerged as Kaseke Nibonrix Kaiman, chief of the Jamaican Hummingbird Taino Tribe. It was a historic moment, a rebellion against Columbus, his brother, Diego, and all the other genocidal Spaniards. It was also a debunking of the lies that the Tainos were all dead. Because, in fact, they were not. There are many people walking up and down on this rock with strong Taino blood. One of the things I do when I go outside of my PHOTOS BY PAUL WILLIAMS St Andrew cacoon is to Colette Garrick and Bibi Ata Mildred chat with people about ‘Karaira’ Gandia Ziegelasch fix the cachucha (headdress) as they crown Robert Pairman as Kaseke PLEASE SEE Kaseke Nibonrix CROWNING, 15 Kaiman moments after Nibonrix Kaiman, chief of the Jamaican Hummingbird tribe. he was enstooled.

14 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 Bibi Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana hands over the mayana (ceremonial axe) to Kaseke Nibonrix Kaiman.

Kaseke Nibonrix Kaiman speaks for the first time as chief of the Jamaican Hummingbird tribe.

of it. And the drums played. CROWNING I rocked as I ate, and I was not taking pictures as usual. I got up because the intensity of the drumbeats CONTINUED FROM 14 was electrifying. Standing on one spot, I moved a little, then I just felt like joining the celebration their ancestry. The conversations are revealing and onstage. I did not resist. I just wanted to dance. interesting. Many have mentioned their Maroon Then across the Asafu Yard, I marched and danced. ancestors who were mixed with the Tainos. Kaseke To the stage I was heading. Up the few steps, I Kaiman is living along that line, too, but he is not danced to join the frenzy of moving bodies and just living. He has reclaimed his Taino ancestry, in an arresting rhythms. Some people looked at me and effort to restore the balance. smiled. The pain in my back was gnawing, but then I After the ceremony, which was replete with Taino let go. The kaseke was back at home. ritualistic and cultural nuances, it was time for the And I danced, danced, danced to the liberating Charles Town Maroon drummers to tear the goatskin. sounds of the drums. The beats went deep, deep, Some people joined them on the stage in the Asafu deep into my psyche, and I twirled and rocked, Yard. It was with much passion and deftness that flailed my hands, pivoted and dipped, shuffled Kaseke Nibonrix Kaiman supplicates between Taino elders, the drummers played, and people danced, from the backward and sideways. The drums were speaking, Bibi Ata Mildred ‘Karaira’ Gandia Ziegelasch and Bibi Vanessa young to the old. The drums seemed to be rejoicing, telling the narratives of redemption. Inarunikia Pastrana. for the kaseke was back after over 500 years, and I closed my eyes at points and let the music guide people danced. me. Sweat oozed down my face, burning my eyes. I sat on a board bench, and I watched and rocked. The pain in my back raged, but my legs could not The music sweet. And I moved. I could feel the pain keep still. The kaseke was back. And then the drums of the pinched nerve in my lower back, but I con- stopped. Balance has been restored. tinued to rock. Then I saw the father of the kaseke It was the following day that I realised that the coming towards us with a sliced melon. I remember pain in my back was gone. I reflected on it. Yes, the seeing the melon on the investiture altar. I got a piece kaseke was back, I danced, and my pain was gone.

Sybil Watson of Boston, Portland, being ‘cleansed’ before entering the Asafu Yard in the Charles Robert Pairman, his wife, Ronalda Bowes, and daughter just Maroon village before Robert Pairman was enstooled. before his enstoolment procession.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 15 Hilton São Paulo Morumbi. Hilton Rio de Janeiro. hotels, the mini-bar, the comput- erised reservation system, and Hilton celebrates 100th anniversary with Connected Room – the first hotel room allowing guests to unlock ‘RANDOM ACTS OF HOSPITALITY’ their doors and control their lights, thermostat and TV with a ITH MORE than 5,700 Travel with Purpose in 2011, smartphone app. Hilton properties properties around the Hilton’s team members have even invented the brownie and the Wworld – and a new performed more than 1.3 million piña colada. hotel opening every day. Hilton hours of volunteer service, and Hilton now offers 17 distinc- continues to lead with its newly the company has invested tens of tive brands across 113 countries announced foundation and global millions of dollars in the commu- and territories, with more than hospitality initiative. nities it serves. As Hilton’s pri- 5,700 properties, and continues Hilton, the world’s first global mary international philanthropic to grow with a new hotel opening hotel company, will celebrate arm, the foundation will channel somewhere in the world every its milestone 100th anniversary financial and in-kind resources to day. Hilton first entered the tomorrow in the midst of the most further amplify the Hilton Effect Caribbean and Latin America in dynamic year in the company’s – the ongoing positive impact of 1949 with Caribe Hilton, marking storied history. the world’s first global hospitality the company’s first international To mark the occasion, hundreds company on guests, team mem- hotel and birthplace of the piña of hotels around the world, in- bers and communities. colada. Today, the company has cluding throughout the Caribbean Celebrating its 100th anniver- a portfolio of nearly 150 hotels and Latin America, are extending sary with hospitality and a global and resorts open and welcoming Hilton hospitality beyond their foundation speaks to Hilton’s travellers in 24 countries across doors by taking ‘Random Acts of Hilton Mexico staff founding vision. the region, while having more Hospitality’ to their communities “One hundred years ago, – everywhere from Buenos Aires than doubled its presence in the Conrad Hilton had a noble idea last five years. to Mexico City and Aruba to Rio that travel can make the world a de Janeiro. better place,” said Chris Nassetta, LOOKING AHEAD As it looks ahead to its next president and CEO of Hilton. With one of the industry’s century, Hilton also announced “That deep-rooted sense of pur- fastest-growing pipelines, Hilton today the creation of The Hilton pose has fuelled our transforma- plans to expand to nearly 20 ad- Effect Foundation, which will tive impact all across the globe, ditional countries by 2020. There help create a better world to travel as we have welcomed three bil- are already more than 2,400 by investing in both organisations lion guests, employed 10 million hotels in Hilton’s construction and people having a positive team members and contributed $1 pipeline, and approximately one impact on the communities Hilton trillion in economic impact. And of every five hotel rooms under serves. The foundation is launch- in the years to come, we will do construction around the world is ing this week with 15 grants to even more to positively change a Hilton. In the Caribbean and establishments that will support Latin America, the company has communities around the world, the world through our Hilton Effect Foundation.” nearly 90 hotels under develop- including Latin America. These ment across 14 different brands in inaugural grants will support pro- PAST AND PRESENT more than 25 countries. grammes around the globe that Hilton Lima. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Founded in 1919 in the tiny The company’s legacy of are creating opportunities for the town of Cisco, Texas, Hilton has driving innovations that change youth, aiding in disaster recovery, impact already driven by Hilton company’s investment in social pioneered the travel industry the hospitality industry contin- and supporting water stewardship through its Travel with Purpose impact while cutting Hilton’s for decades, introducing room ues in 2019 and beyond with the and sustainability. corporate responsibility strat- environmental footprint in half service, air-conditioned lobbies, ongoing expansion of the first The foundation builds on the egy, which seeks to double the by 2030. Since the inception of in-room televisions, airport mobile-centric Connected Room.

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