HospitalityThe Gleaner Jamaica KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 Canna Corner puts the spark in Ganja tourism CANNA CORNER puts the spark in GANJA TOURISM

JANET SILVERA Rastafari people and grassroots commu- Above: An Hospitality Jamaica Coordinator nities through educational and training exhibitor at AMAICAN GANJA took its official programmes, collective representation for the Canna place at Reggae Sumfest with Canna better industry standards and inclusive- CornerAn JCorner, a designated area attracting ness, as well as technical and administra- exhibitor at thousands of visitors, both local and in- tive assistance. the Canna ternational, even the police, an indication For president and chairman of Corner that the demand for ganja-infused tourism Cannacure and one of the founders CONTRIBUTED experiences remains tremendous. of RAGGA, Eaton O. Evans, Canna PHOTOS THIS IS the second major Jamaican Corner cemented the synergy between Right: The music festival to incorporate state-sanc- the festival, Jamaican ganja and reggae CannaCure tioned ganja experiences into its offerings, music, which has its groundings in the booth had the first being Rebel Salute, which estab- Rastafarian faith. numerous lished its Herb Curb three years ago. “It was good; it was superb. It was strains of Canna Corner was organised as a pro- actually more than we were expecting. ganja on ject of the Rastafari and Grassroots Ganja The patrons of Sumfest were pleased with display Association (RAGGA), a cluster of or- what they saw. It’s something I would ganisations whose aim is to, among other say differentiated Sumfest this year. things, protect the ganja-related rights of Because this type of vibe is always present

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 plants, they wanted to take pic- tures. It is the first time many were seeing an actual cannabis plant,” he added. “Some of them said they wished they could just stay in Jamaica, because this (ganja) is what they want,” he said. According to an article published in The New York Times earlier this month, titled ‘Cannabis tourism is on the rise’, ganja experiences are “totally hot in Colorado and emerg- ing in others like California, which have “rolled out the green carpet for tourists and entrepreneurs are organising marijuana-infused expe- Patrons checking out the offerings at Canna Corner at Reggae riences, including painting classes, Sumfest 2019. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Guests flowing in and out of bus tours and food classes”. Ganja the Canna Corner at Reggae The CannaHemp Energy drink tourism is regarded as a multibil- Sumfest 2019. booth was popular. lion-dollar industry. The RAGGA organization obtained a special exemption from the Government under the Sacramental Rights and so mem- bers of the organisation were not able to sell ganja in the village, but were only able to accept monetary contributions. Ras Negus of Rastafari Root House sees the Canna Corner as redemption for the weed and a furtherance of the push towards full legalisation. “We give thanks, because we are on a mission with ganja to get Rastafari full freedom and Patrons at the Canna Corner at Reggae Sumfest 2019. full rights in all operations of the ganja business. We give thanks “Canna Corner is important because Ras Negus of the award- Police officers were among that this has happened right here in winning Herb House in those who streamed in to Montego Bay,” he said. a symbiotic relationship is being Lorinel ‘Ras Picky-Picky’ Montego Bay. Canna Corner. Simmonds told Hospitality forged between herb and the music. different level, calling for the free- its vegan food offerings and Jamaica that he was grateful that ing of the herb. So, collaboration natural beauty products; and ganja ganja was being embraced in the Most Jamaican reggae artistes, they on something like this was needed, tourism, which still remains largely very city where one of its natives, and, if you see how Reggae untapped. Mario Deane, was arrested and push the ganja on a different level, later lost his life due to possession Sumfest is being advertised, it “It was also a great experience of a ganja spliff. has a Rastaman doing musical for the overseas visitors. Some of calling for the freeing of the herb.” vibrations as its logo. So it is a “I want to say thanks to Mr these people were already exposed coming home; us meeting at home, Bogdanovich for allowing us this to those types of displays, because basically,” he said. privilege so we could be here at inside of the reggae festivals or Hall in Montego Bay. The response from the tourists they are from California, Colorado, Sumfest. We do appreciate it and shows. But, in this organised “Canna Corner is important and Jamaicans, Evans said, was different places in Canada, and we are looking forward for it to be fashion and my people coming because a symbiotic relationship heartening, adding that with its me- these places are big cannabis deal- better. Regretfully, a youth, Mario together, it was marvelous,” Evans is being forged between herb and dicinal cannabis offerings, Canna ers. But for some of them it is the Deane, lost his life over what we told Hospitality Jamaica on the music. Most Jamaican reggae Corner also provided a boost to the first they are seeing stuff like this. are here trying to promote today,” Saturday6x5 b&w MoreValuestrip.qxdnight at the Catherine 7/20/06 artistes,10:00 AM they Page push 1 the ganja on a Jamaican wellness agenda through When we showed the cannabis he said.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 3 Half Moon names Shernette Crichton general manager HE BOARD of Directors of Half chairman of Half Moon. environmental and pillars of excellence Moon, one of the Caribbean’s most “This was a natural selection as she has training programmes. Ticonic resort destinations, has an- been the embodiment of Half Moon’s values In 1998, she went on to the Tourism nounced the appointment of Shernette of respect, integrity, certainty, and honesty. Product Development Company, where Crichton as the resort’s new general manager. We are confident that Shernette will continue she spent a year as the agency’s training Crichton, who is the first woman to hold our traditions of excellence in the competent officer. In 1999, she returned to Half Moon the position, served as Half Moon’s director manner that she has handled all her other to assume the post of director of training and of resort operations since 2015 and interim roles,” he said. education. general manager since December 2018. Shernette Crichton’s tenure at Half Moon In 2007, she was promoted to hotel man- “Shernette has been responsible for began in 1990 as a trainee manager. She ager, becoming the first woman to hold the leading and implementing programmes that soon moved up the ranks to assistant sales post. have been instrumental in the success of Half manager then to assistant manager, spe- Crichton’s appointment commenced on Shernette Crichton, new general manager, Moon over the years,” said Guy Steuart III, cial projects, spearheading Half Moon’s July 1. Half Moon. CONTRIBUTED

Round Hill CONTRIBUTED Global Magazine Travel and Leisure gives top ranking to the Tensing Pen Negril and Round Hill Hotel and Villas

READERS OF one of the world’s leading travel travel experiences around the globe – to share small and independent hotels to world travellers magazines, the influential Travel + Leisure their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, and the commitment of our hard-working team (T+L) magazine in its 2019 World’s Best islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. to service excellence,” remarked Evelyn Smith, Awards, have ranked Jamaica’s Tensing Pen and Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, general manager. Round Hill Hotel and Villas among the top 100 service, food, and overall value. The results of For his part, managing director of the Round hotels in the world. the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2019 Hill Josef Forstmayr has been toasting the cov- Tensing Pen, located in Negril, is ranked 76th are featured at www.travelandleisure.com/ eted position in which his resort has found itself. in the world’s top 100 hotels and fifth in the worlds-best and in the August issue of Travel Renowned for its impeccable service, Caribbean’s top 25 hotels. In both categories, + Leisure magazine. outstanding food, and the willingness of staff Tensing Pen is the highest-ranked Jamaican “Last year, we were ecstatic to be voted as members to go the extra mile to meet requests, hotel. one of top 25 hotels in the Caribbean category. Round Hill has earned an international stamp Montego Bay’s Round Hill Hotel and Villas Now, in 2019, to be further recognised as one of approval over the years, that is, in addition is the only other Jamaican resort to make the of the world’s top 100 hotels is truly wonderful. to the fact that physically, as it has often been mark this year. All of the Tensing Pen team is elated by this described, as a naturally beautiful, serene, Every year, for its World’s Best Awards, recognition from the readers of Travel and tranquil, mesmerising, quaint, and fabulous Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on Leisure. It truly demonstrates the appeal of place.

4 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 From being a janitor, I pushed my- self and sacrificed a lot to be where Manufacturer praises hotels that I am at today, even after my house burnt down,” she added. Perry’s Manufacturing Company is a three-time Jamaica Hotel and buy Jamaican and build Jamaica Tourist Association’s Purveyor of the Year awardee and is one of the JANET SILVERA from Kingston’s inner city who leading distributors, manufacturers Hospitality Jamaica Coordinator “It’s important for the hotels to started out at Perry’s as an office and exporters of hotel supplies in NE OF Jamaica’s major attendant, went to garment-sewing Jamaica and the Caribbean. manufacturers of hospital- try and purchase things made school and then moved gradually The entity is also an exclusive, Oity and tourism supplies up the ranks to seamstress. authorised distributor of well- is singing the praises of hotels in Jamaica. You can literally “When I started as an office known brands of furniture and which have, over the years, made attendant, I later went to school and wares for kitchens, bars and dinner it a standard operational policy see the tourist dollars move now I am a seamstress. I started tables. Perry’s is also the exclu- to purchase goods, both edible sewing napkins, pillowcases and sive, authorised distributor for and non-edibles, that are made in from Rose Hall to Hagley sheets and now moved on to sew- Libbey’s glassware, ABOUKIR Jamaica. ing jackets,” she said. tableware, Coyabay outdoor Harvey Lyn of Kingston-based Park in Kingston and the area “Being at Perry’s is like a team, furniture, and Bison cookware in Perry’s Manufacturing says tourism like a family, and I am so proud. Jamaica. dollars keeps businesses like his surrounding it, impacting afloat and allows the industry to have an impact even beyond the lives and generations.” communities in which the hotels are located. According to Lyn, the Hospitality Jamaica. Perry’s started out as manufac- efforts of these hotels to invest in “I’ve watched, over the years, turers of uniforms in 1975 and local linkages and integrate them- team members lives changed where a decade later, ventured into the selves into the local economy has the ladies who have been working production and distribution of a helped many persons from some here for a while, their children are wide range of linen products for of even Kingston’s most depressed now doctors, working in the IT de- beds, baths, tables, and kitchens, areas to benefit from tourism. partment at banks, becoming pilots. as well as apparel for chefs in, “It’s important for the hotels to All this is possible because of the but not limited to, the hospitality try and purchase things made in hotels who make it their policy to sector. Jamaica. You can literally see the try and purchase non-edible and One prime example of tourism’s tourist dollars move from Rose edible things locally … it is very positive effect on communities Hall to Hagley Park in Kingston important for the hotels to support and Jamaicans far removed from and the area surrounding it, impact- Jamaica, buy Jamaican. It shouldn’t Jamaica’s tourism meccas, Lyn ing lives and generations,” he told be any other way,” Lyn said. says, is Prunella Scott, a seamstress

Jamaica shines at Caribbean305 in South Florida THE JAMAICA Tourist Board (JTB) joined the Federation of Jamaica, delighted eventgoers with a Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebrations, menu of authentic dishes including ackee and salt as a premium sponsor of the popular Caribbean305 fish tostones, curried goat dumplings, and ‘jungle event. Presented by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism juice’, a tropical cocktail made with melon, pineap- Association, Caribbean305 is an annual event that ple, ginger, rum, Scotch bonnet pepper and mint. The highlights the art of Caribbean cooking, bringing JTB brought the sounds of reggae to the evening’s together top chefs and bartenders from more than a entertainment with a special live performance by dozen destinations in the region. Willie Stewart & Friends. Jamaica’s culinary team, led by the Culinary Caribbean305 was held in South Florida in June.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 5 JAMAICA INN PAINT AND SIP FUND-RAISING EVENT

AMAICA INN hosted its first Paint and Sip fund-raising event on JWednesday, July 17, in support of the White River Fish Sanctuary (WRFS). The Jamaica Inn Foundation, in partner- ship with the WRFS, is heavily involved with preserving local marine life off the Ocho Rios Coast. The three-year-old sanctuary has seen much success. The fish population and other marine life have increased dramatically and the first batch of coral pieces from the 1,000 grown in the nurseries were ‘planted’ out and are flourishing. The event was hosted by artist, Liana Gomes and was a huge success as persons came out in their numbers (both local and international guests) to show their support. General Manager, Kyle Mais caught in action Thanks to partner Select Brands and pa- creating his own masterpiece at the Jamaica It was a lovely evening of fun, booze and laughter at the Jamaica Inn. trons for their continued support. Inn Sip and Paint fund-raiser.

Keva Rose of Select Brands did her own piece even while sponsoring the Local artist Liana Gomes guiding the group step by step to create the session’s fund-raising event. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS featured painting.

6 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 Jamaica’s Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme to be a landmark for global tourism, says Bartlett OURISM MINISTER ‘The plan will protect Edmund Bartlett says the TTourism Workers’ Pension contract workers by Scheme will be a landmark plan providing them with a for tourism social legislation in the social safety net. It will world, as it will be the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive enable them to join as pension plan for all the workers a self-employed person. of the tourism sector – whether per- manent, contract or self-employed. So you can move from Speaking at a Tourism Workers’ one company to the Pension Scheme Awareness and other, change your Sensitisation Seminar at the Norman Manley International contract, knowing that Airport in Kingston recently, the your retirement plans minister noted that “we now, as a are secure.’ result of collective efforts over a period of time, have come together So you can move from one company with a plan that will be a landmark to the other, change your contract, plan for tourism social legislation knowing that your retirement plans in the world. Jamaica will be the are secure,” said Minister Bartlett. only country in the world that has a According to the tourism minis- comprehensive pension plan for all ter, the scheme is the final piece in the workers of the tourism sector”. a four-point human capital develop- The Tourism Workers’ Pension ment plan to enhance Jamaica’s Scheme is designed to cover all tourism workers. workers between age 18-59 years in OTHER INITIATIVES the tourism sector, whether perma- The other three initiatives in the nent, contract or self-employed. This human capital development plan includes hotel workers as well as per- are training, capacity building, sons employed in related industries, and creating the ability of tourism such as craft vendors, tour operators, workers to have knowledge and con- red cap porters, contract-carriage vert that knowledge into practical operators and workers at attractions. applications; providing a pathway The Tourism Workers’ Pension to professionalism and jobs; and im- Scheme, which will receive $1 proving the social conditions around billion in funding from the Tourism which the tourism worker lives. Enhancement Fund (TEF), will see “If we are to build the capacity of benefits being payable at age 65 tourism to deliver on the prosperity years or older. agenda, we must build the capacity “This landmark piece of social of the people; the human capital must legislation in the industry is going be enhanced. We think that there is no to represent, in time, the largest equity in this game if this industry is pool of domestic savings that this so big and it cannot secure the safety, economy would have provided. future and social requirements of the Real growth comes when we are people who work in it,” he said. able to convert domestic savings The Tourism Workers’ Pension into investments,” he said. Scheme Bill was passed in the He further noted that the plan Houses of Parliament on June 25 and will be of particular interest to is in keeping with the Government’s workers in the industry who have focus on creating a social security been employed at a number of network within the tourism sector. organisations over the years on The Ministry of Tourism will short-term employment contracts. host three other Tourism Workers’ “The plan will protect contract Pension Scheme Awareness and workers by providing them with a Sensitization Seminars in Ocho Rios, social safety net. It will enable them Montego Bay and Negril as part of to join as a self-employed person. its public awareness campaign.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 7 Chantelle Abratis, Red Stripe Hostess, Kiera Flynn, activation manager at Heineken UK lined up at Gloria’s buffet alongside sweepstakes winners Golda Pearson and Royston Hope. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Red Stripe provides an enriching Jamaican experience for International Sweepstakes winners Emma Phillips steers the catamaran back to port after a day full of energy and ice-cold Red Stripe. HE CHANCE of winning an all-expense paid vaca- on Wednesday, July 17, along with inclusive of ATV riding, power Ttion to Jamaica for Reggae their guests, stayed at the Half snorkelling, and a catamaran Sumfest 2019 was the hope Moon hotel with much anticipation cruise, but the delight of the ex- shared among entrants in the Red of what the trip had in store. perience was felt in the Montego Stripe International sweepstakes “It was important for us to Bay Craft Market visit, where they competition. present more than just an oppor- had an opportunity to interact with The beer manufacturer has tunity to attend Reggae Sumfest locals. continued to entice its foreign 2019 to our international guests. “It was extremely fun and markets by showcasing authentic Red Stripe is a major supporter of exciting to go into the local craft Jamaican culture and even more so, local music, but we are even more market. I am of the belief that giving consumers an opportunity to supportive of Jamaican culture you cannot appreciate another experience it. and local industries surrounding person’s culture without an un- This dream was fully realised this. To have them partake in all derstanding of who the people are when five lucky winners – one aspects of the culture is the most and what they are about. It was hailing from the UK and five from meaningful experience we can interesting for me as a Guyanese Australia – learnt of their success offer,” stated Reshima Kelly, junior seeing the similarities between in the competition. brand manager for Red Stripe and our islands. The people are What started out as a regular Innovations. hopeful, though, in spite of the date night at Tracks and Records The group was first treated obvious challenges,” said Golda in London saw the UK winners, Brady Donald Chandler, Australian sweepstakes winner, smiles to dinner at Gloria’s Seafood in Pearson, UK winner. Golda Pearson and Royston Hope, for a photo before the exciting ATV tour. downtown Kingston before head- Amid the excursion and the entering a raffle, which afforded ing to Montego Bay for their first excitement at Reggae Sumfest, them their win. For the Australians, Bar owners Nathan Lamont and for a worthy picture of the branded night’s rest. A day of excursions the visitors managed to use the the sweepstakes was awarded to Ben Rickman managed to sell coaster. followed as the group visited the opportunity to relax and bask in the bar owners who saw an increase in over 200 kegs of beer within two Though the trip was focused on Doctor’s Cave Beach before doing simplicity of the experience – days sales and consumers who posted months while the social media highlighting Jamaica’s musical her- a night tour of the RoseHall Great spent at the beach, time spent with the most interesting photos of a photo competition saw persons itage at Reggae Sumfest, the win- House, renowned for the thriller their significant other or even lever- Red Stripe drink coaster on social posting creative photos such as ners were given far more than they tales of Annie Palmer. Another aging new friendships in beautiful media. Brady Chandler, who scuba-dived expected. The group, which arrived day saw guests on a Chukka tour Jamaica.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association recognises industry excellence T MAARTEN Hotel Association executive SWyb Meijer, Aruban guest experience supervisor Berlinda Engelhardt, and Puerto Rican secu- rity supervisor Luis de Jesus were named among three Caribbean tourism industry stakeholders who have exemplified excellence across the region’s bread-and-butter industry. Meijer, executive director of the St Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, was named the 2019 Caribbean Association Executive of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives during the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum at the Hyatt Caribbean Employee of the Year Berlinda Engelhardt (second Wyb Meijer (second from right) is the 2019 Caribbean Association Regency Miami last month. Executive of the Year. From left are Frank Comito, CHTA director Meijer, who was recognised from right) with (from left) Frank Comito, CHTA director general and CEO; Patricia Affonso-Dass, CHTA President; and Vanessa general and CEO; Patricia Affonso-Dass, CHTA president; and as a professional who excels in Stacy Cox, president of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Ledesma, CHTA chief operations officer. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS association operations, destination Association Executives. marketing and community affairs, Renaissance Aruba Resort & a local organisation which helps helped properties and associa- an engineering supervisor. He was Casino earned the Caribbean provide grooming and hygiene care president, as she congratulated tion members recover from the cited for his team spirit, reliabil- this year’s recipients and thanked devastation wrought by Hurricane Employee of the Year title. Joining for drug addicts. ity, and willingness to act as a industry stakeholders at all levels Irma in 2017, positioning the trade the Renaissance team in 2007 as a The Caribbean Supervisor of resort ambassador across several for their daily commitment to association as a key thought leader. casino host, Engelhardt became a the Year distinction, honouring departments. Along with the association, he pro- hotel concierge hostess within one private-sector hospitality employ- strengthening the Caribbean guest vided detailed briefs to World Bank year, before becoming lead guest ees who display excellence in “These Caribbean professionals experience. officials and local government, and experience supervisor, the position leadership and management, went are incredible ambassadors of “Let us ensure that we continue he continues to generate new ideas she has held for the last 18 months. to Luis de Jesus, security supervi- Caribbean tourism, exemplifying to applaud the men and women and initiatives for the industry, and Hailed for her impeccable guest sor at El Conquistador, the Waldorf the spirit of excellence that is who shine their light every day, for the improvement of the local service skills and for creating an Astoria Resort in Puerto Rico. De required for us to remain com- sharing with the world what won- community and the region. inclusive environment, Engelhardt Jesus, who currently oversees 25 petitive in our industry,” said derful Caribbean hospitality is all Berlinda Engelhardt from the volunteers at ‘Hands 4 Addicts’, employees, previously served as Patricia Affonso-Dass, CHTA about,” she stated. Reggae Sumfest highlights

Hilton Rose Hall Resort’s social media champion Jamaica’s ‘sugar’ and favourite with the Chris-Ann Clarke was very pleased to pose along Protoje was the man of the moment as he poses with (from ladies, Beenie Man, hangs out with Hilton side reggae’s latest sensation Koffee, after her left) Lila Ike, Hilton Rose Hall’s Chris-Ann Clarke and Sevana Rose Hall’s Chris-Ann Clarke at Reggae performance at Reggae Sumfest on Friday, July 19, at the recently concluded Reggae Sumfest music festival. Sumfest, held recently. in Montego Bay. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 9 Jamaica shines at Caribbean305 in South Florida HE JAMAICA Tourist Board (JTB) Tourism Association (CHTA), Caribbean305 joined the Caribbean-American is an annual event that highlights the art of THeritage Month celebrations, as a pre- Caribbean cooking, bringing together top mium sponsor of the popular Caribbean305 chefs and bartenders from more than a dozen event. Presented by the Caribbean Hotel and destinations in the region.

From left: Deputy Director of Tourism – The Americas, Donnie Dawson; JTB summer intern Sydney Sarju; inside sales coordinator, Southeast USA, Andrea Chase; Miss Jamaica Florida, Deyon Callender; Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White; inside sales coordinator, West/Southwest USA, Paulette Wright; National Sales Manager Karlene Shakes; JTB inventory control clerk, Remone Danhi; business development officer, Southeast USA, Christopher Wright.

Jamaica’s culinary team, led by the rum, Scotch bonnet and mint. The JTB Culinary Federation of Jamaica, delighted brought the sounds of reggae to the evening’s eventgoers with a menu of authentic dishes, entertainment with a special live perfor- Representatives of the Jamaica Tourist Board join members of the Culinary including ackee and salt fish tostones, curried mance by Willie Stewart & Friends. Federation of Jamaica to represent the destination during the Caribbean305 event goat dumplings, and ‘Jungle Juice’, a tropical Caribbean305 was held in South Florida in Miami. cocktail made with melon, pineapple, ginger, in June. Jamaica named Favourite Tourist Board in the Caribbean THE VOTERS have spoken ... and been integral to their success. In the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) return, the agents passionately was named ‘Favourite Tourist sell Destination Jamaica, ensuring Board – Caribbean’ at Baxter Canadians come back to the island Travel Media’s annual Agents’ year after year.” Choice Awards Gala last month. Baxter Travel Media is the More than 6,500 Canadian travel publisher of Canadian Travel agents cast their ballots, bringing Press and Travel Courier, two the coveted award to the JTB. of the most successful travel trade “Jamaica Tourist Board publications in Canada. The Baxter Canada’s dynamic and dedicated Travel Media Awards is the largest team works tirelessly to provide travel agent survey of its kind in valuable resources and product Canada. From January-April 2019, knowledge to our travel agent thousands of travel agents nation- Angella Bennett (second from left), regional director, Jamaica Tourist Board(JTB) Canada, holds partners,” said Director of Tourism wide voted for industry suppliers in the ‘Favourite Tourist Board – Caribbean’ at Baxter Travel Media’s Agents’ Choice Gala in Toronto in Donovan White. “Building mutu- more than 40 categories, including June. Others pictured (from left) Maureen Barnes-Smith, director of sales & marketing, Unique ally beneficial relationships with the highly sought after Favourite Vacations Canada Inc.; Judy Nash, administrative assistant at JTB Canada; and Gary Sadler, these key industry partners have Tourist Board – Caribbean.’ senior vice-president, Unique Vacations Inc.

10 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 “Whitehouse is a fishing community and we want to Upcycling workshop preserve that. We want the young people to actually turning the tide on trash venture out into things like these where they have S THE saying goes, one man’s trash early stage. make a livelihood through upcycling.” is another man’s treasure and it’s The workshop entailed two sessions. In One of the facilitators for the sessions, the beauty and bounty of Aa thought come true for approxi- the first session attendees were taught how Robert Toby Grant, CEO for Jamaica Artistic mately 25 members of the Whitehouse and to use a variety of waste materials including Movement for Youth and Humanity (Jamyah) the environment and at Bluefields communities who participated in wine corks, paper and lionfish fins to make International was particularly intrigued by the same time can actually an Upcycling Workshop at the Whitehouse jewelry. In the second session they were the lionfish fin earrings that some partici- Community Centre recently. taught how to make durable garbage bins pants made. make a living from it.” Upcycling is the process of creative reuse, using primarily plastic bottles. “The lionfish remains a growing problem transforming waste materials or useless, According to Sandals Foundation in our marine environment, so to see where scratch and everything here you can basically unwanted products into new materials or Environmental Manager, Bianca Young, the we can eat it and then afterwards use the find at home so it’s really interesting.” products that have a higher value not only aim of this workshop is to encourage and wasted parts of it to make earrings, bracelets Another resident, Nickeisha Robinson monetarily but also for the environment. introduce upcycling as a method to empower etc. is very good.” he said. from Bluefields said the session was excel- The programme was initiated by the community members to participate in the “Whitehouse is a fishing community and lent. “I plan on carrying my pieces back to Sandals Foundation in partnership with the waste reduction and separation project as we want to preserve that. We want the young my community and sharing what I’ve learned United Nations Environment Programme well as to create an incentive to drive and people to actually venture out into things like with my community members and guests. (UNEP) and is part of the Whitehouse and expand the initiative. these where they have the beauty and bounty And my children are going to enjoy this as Bluefields Solid Waste Reduction Project. “This session is an important part of the of the environment and at the same time can well,” she said. This project, which has been taking place Whitehouse/Bluefield Solid Waste Reduction actually make a living from it.” Robinson and a number of other attendees over the last 14 months, has introduced waste Project because of the impact it can have For Christopher, a resident of St Elizabeth particularly enjoyed making the plastic bottle separation, plastic bottle recycling, com- in creating a sense of community when it who attended the Jewelry making session, bins and jewelry items from waste paper, munity composting, and lessons in schools comes to Solid Waste Management, said the initiative was really interesting. “It’s nice which is readily available throughout their to engage the youth in these activities at an Young, and there is potential for persons to to see that we could make everything from communities.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 11 Jamaican stories told with METALS PAUL H. Williams the Taino of Jamaica and Yoruba Hospitality Jamaica Writer of Nigeria in different forms … LAO LUQMAN is a Stories with metal aims to revive Nigerian artisan and and highlight the rich cultural Acultural diplomat who heritage at risk of becoming extinct From left: Imoikor Akhingbe Monday, personal assistant to the Nigerian high commissioner to has been teaching a variety of art, in our society,” among other things, Jamaica; Janet Olisa, Nigerian high commissioner; Nigerian Ambassador Dada Olisa; Valerie including ‘chasing and repoussé ’, is how he explains the show in his Viera, chief executive officer at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC); Colin to Jamaicans since 2017. Chasing notes. Porter, technical services manager at JBDC; and honorary consul at the Consulate of Latvia in and repoussé is a centuries-old In keeping with the theme, Jamaica, Robert C. Scott, making fashion statements at the opening of Alao Luqman’s solo elements of Jamaican history and technique of etching images and exhibition inside the foyer of the regional headquarters of The University of the West Indies recently. heritage are skillfully depicted in objects in metals and other materi- PHOTOS BY PAUL H. WILLIAMS als to tell stories. the metals. They are stories of the Currently, Luqman is exhibiting Taino, the transatlantic trade in over 50 pieces of his own work Africans, the ‘Middle Passage’, inside the foyer of the regional resistance to slavery, ‘Maroonage’, headquarters of The University of and Emancipation, all etched in the the West Indies, Mona. metals, which are actually recycled Called ‘Stories with Metals’ materials. and hosted by the Nigerian High “Recycling and reusing lithogra- Commission, in collaboration with phy plates for chasing and repoussé the Jamaica Business Development technique, the images are drawn Corporation, the show is “cele- directly on the plates, carefully brating the rich cultural heritage brought out and detailed, giving the between Jamaica and Nigeria”. true story of cultural life and the Luqman comes from the Yoruba relationship of traditional Yoruba, people of southwestern Nigeria, Benin of Nigeria, and Taino, Benin and Togo, and uses his Maroon and Rastafari of Jamaica. knowledge and skills to tell Yoruba The background is detailed, with ancestral and familial stories. “The curved and straight lines meeting history of cultures is shown in each other at a point alongside symbols and motifs, such as

‘Abeng 1’, ‘Abeng 3’ and ‘Abeng 2’.

From left: Nigerian cultural diplomat and artist Alao Luqman, and Nigerian Ambassador Dada Olisa look on as Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica Janet Olisa points at something on ‘Maroon Festival’. one of Luqman’s chasing and repoussé pieces.

12 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 cowrie, combs, manila and others,” called ‘Maroon Festival’. The Maroons Luqman says in his artist’s statement. were the Africans who fled the Apart from the aesthetics and the plantations to create their own space. visual appeal of the pieces, the stories Their flight was an effective form of they tell force viewers to reflect and resistance, and on show are three pieces ask questions, because Luqman’s art is called ‘Resistance’. Resistance eventu- provocative and has brought the stories ally led to freedom, which is portrayed of the ancestors to life. The Tainos, in ‘Emancipation’, another part of our the people who inhabited Jamaica checkered story. before the arrival of the Europeans, Hospitality Jamaica spoke with are represented by ‘Taino Zemi1’ and Luqman about the importance of ‘Taino Zemi 2’. Zemis were representa- including Jamaican stories in his array, tional objects fashioned from natural and he said “the history of Jamaica and materials by the Tainos to use in their Africa are related in so many ways,” social, political and religion rituals. But among other things. The unusual pieces their world came tumbling when over- on the Jamaica art landscape have been work, Columbian diseases, and murder quite a stir, pulling patrons from all almost annihilated them. over the Corporate Area towards them. The Tainos were replaced on the Members of the diplomatic corps, plantations by Africans brought across viz an entourage from the Cuban the Atlantic Ocean through what is Embassy, led by Counsellor Ricardo ‘Middle Passage’. widely known as the Middle Passage, Calvo Aguila; Embassy of Panama the second leg of the triangular slave Deputy Chief of Mission Rolando E. trade. The story of the cramped and in- Barrow, Nigerian High Commissioner human conditions of the journey from to Jamaica Janet Olisa and Ambassador Africa to the Caribbean is poignantly Dada Olisa; justice of the peace, told in ‘Middle Passage’. honorary consul of the Consulate of There are three pieces in which the the Republic of Latvia in Jamaica, and abeng is the main subject. The abeng is dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica, actually a cattle’s horn adjusted to give Robert C. Scott, were heavily repre- off a variety of sounds when blown. It sented on opening night, and since was, and still is, an important instru- then, more expatriates have gone to see ment in the Maroon story and cele- the awe-inspiring pieces, telling stories brations, which is depicted in a piece with metal.

Valerie Viera, chief executive officer at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, addressing the gathering with one of Alao Luqman’s pieces, ‘Emancipation’, in the background.

Rolando E Barrow (right), deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Panama, is happy to be in the frame with the artist himself, Alao Luqman. Opon Ifa (divination board) is sandwiched by ‘Resistance to slavery’.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 13 Jerked rabbit and bumper crowd at Boston Jerk Festival A section of the bumper crowd that turned up at the recent Boston Jerk Festival. PHOTOS BY PAUL H. WILLIAMS

WAS enjoying the ambience at the recent have killed the rabbits, those poor, innocent, I witnessed how a hog was killed and I jerked white-tail deer meat. These invasive Boston Jerk Festival, sipping on cane long-eared creatures, and I shuddered some was tormented for an entire day thinking ruminants, I heard, are teeming in eastern Ijuice, munching on ‘salt fish flittas’ made more. about how painful it could have been if Portland. However, if deer meat was availa- by Syble Watson, who lives in the area, and I was tempted to go see what it looked someone had used a piece of lumber to clout ble, I did not see any, so that desire perished. watching the clowns making a fool of them- like, but as much as I tried, I could not. I see me in the forehead. For that’s how the hog So, what’s the difference between killing selves, when I heard a man loudly advertis- rabbits as pets, and you simply do not eat was killed. It had a sledgehammer effect on an unwanted deer and slaughtering a rabbit? ing his jerked rabbit. your pets. But, it was just mind-boggling as me. Bam! And the swine went silent after One is cute and cuddly, the other is a nui- I shuddered. Who would really want to to why I was shaken by the thought of killing squealing incessantly for mercy. sance to farmers, some would say. Which is kill a fluffy, cuddly rabbit and jerk it for con- and jerking rabbits. It could have been some- Yet, back at the jerk festival my hypocrisy more tender? Jerked rabbit or jerked deer? Is sumption? I thought about how they might thing I saw years ago. chipped in. I was hoping to get a piece of one more innocent than the other? And what

Was it roots, rock or reggae he was The meat of singing? Not the matter. sure.

14 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 The ‘king’ and ‘queen’ of the festival.

There was a lot of clowning going on. It was scorching hot, but the beach kept the heat at bay in Boston Bay. Syble Watson was around to help quench the thirst.

And the winner is, at left, home town boy, ‘Head’! about the fish in the flittas I was eating? The meat of the corporate entities. The pull is the Boston Jerk brand, and peo- matter! ple had travelled from abroad to be at this jerk festival by the Jerked rabbit, jerked deer, and jerked fish aside, the turnout sea. For Boston is not just a little community in east Portland. for this year’s installation must have been encouraging for It is well known the world over for its jerked foods. the promoters. It was bumper to bumper, people to people, The beach setting is perfect for the event, but the issue with vehicle to vehicle. Things were warmed up the day before, parking and congestion has to been addressed. There was not music blared, firesides set up and ready to blaze, vendors adequate parking space and the road is very narrow. The situ- marked out their spots, and people were seen washing pots. ation inside the venue itself was ‘cook and curry’, but it was There were pre-event activities, even some boxing matches, outside of the enclosure that greater control of pedestrian and and boxes of matches were standing by. vehicular traffic, parking, and vending was needed. The size of the crowd on the day was a good sign that And should there be a future ban on jerked rabbit? I should people were supporting events that were not put on by big have asked the clowns.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 15 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GLEANER COMPANY (MEDIA) LIMITED, 7 NORTH STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA