HospitalityThe Gleaner KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

CHTA welcomes The new president Business page 14 of Tourism page 6

‘I AM pumped for NANNY’ page 8-9 2015 2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 ADVERTISEMENT Negril is so laid out that there is Registration for the 2015 Reggae nothing to prevent the mixing of Marathon begins on December 3 the tourists and the locals. It has at the Couples Swept Away Sport- become a global event and it is ing Complex. The ‘World’s Best positive,” he said. Pasta Party will be held the follow- “There are a lot of Jamaican run- ing day, with dishes prepared by ners; you have the other people who chefs from Negril and entertain- support the event – the doctors, the ment from the Silver Bird Steel journalists, the JTB personnel – it band and local circus and cabaret creates a very positive atmosphere acts. The race will be run on and it is not something artificial and Saturday, December 5, at 5:15 a.m. staged; its natural. And after the Participants will loop into the town marathon, the people who come out of Negril, and then head north on the beach enjoy that mixing towards the Green Island town in whether they go to a concert, a Hanover, before returning to Long restaurant or go ... they enjoy Jamaica, Bay Beach Park for the finish. and many go home with very positive Runners at a Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K in Negril. stories about Jamaica,” he added. [email protected] Negril pumped up for Reggae Marathon 2015 Claudia Gardner In its 2001-2002 annual report, Hospitality Jamaica Writer the JTB noted that “the inaugural Reggae Marathon brought over 800 HE NEGRIL Chamber of persons to the island, 600 of whom Commerce is upbeat about actually participated in the Tthe Reggae Marathon Half marathon”. Marathon and 10K, which is being “This niche market of long- staged in the resort town for the 15th consecutive year. distance running was thoroughly The annual event takes place, explored, showing that a mix of December 3 to 5 in the town sports and tourism works well for tagged the ‘Capital of Casual’. Jamaica,” the JTB report stated. Since the first staging in 2001, The JTB also noted that it had the event’s registration figures have continued to “pursue the develop- quadrupled in the last five years. ment and marketing of events such Vice-chairman and founding as the Reggae Marathon, by max- member of the chamber, Daniel Runners staying the course at imising activities which by utilising Grizzle, said from its inception, the Reggae Marathon. some of our natural cultural or event has had a huge commercial built heritage, can drive business to this country. Events give our desti- impact on the resort town, attract- Athletics Federation and the Asso- nation uniqueness of character pro- ing thousands of visitors during the ciation of Marathons and Distance vide positive experiences of the weekend it is staged, and boosting races. It has been recognised as one interaction for visitors and locals the hotels’ house counts and the of the top 10 marathons in the and help to spread the direct bene- sales of small and micro-businesses. world. The event is organised by the “I think it’s still really the most Jamdammers Running Club in asso- fits of tourism among our people”. important sports tourism event in ciation with the Jamaica Tourist Grizzle, who also operates the Jamaica. It has kept Jamaica and Board (JTB) the Negril Chapter Charela Inn in Negril, said he Negril in particular, in the market- of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist believes the event has fulfilled the place. It continues to attract new Association and the Jamaica strategic objectives outlined by the visitors to the island and most of Administrative Athletics Associa- JTB, as it has not only helped to them become return visitors,” tion, the Negril Chamber of Com- boost house counts over the years, Grizzle told Hospitality Jamaica merce, and the Ministry of Health. but has also helped to foster posi- during an interview last week. tive interactions between visiting “Most of the properties will be full NEWCOMERS runners and their Jamaican coun- because of Reggae Marathon; people This year, the event has attracted terparts, which has resulted in are coming from far and wide and it the usual participants from across many repeat guests to the town. is growing each year and it’s becom- North America and Europe, as well “Because of the way the visitors ing quite an occasion for people to as newcomers from Suriname and are able to interact with the locals, come to Negril and to run in the The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The it is a big plus; not just the running event. The tourists interact with the largest group of participants which but the interaction with the local jerk man, the fruit man on the beach has registered is the Reggae Run- people. I think in a sense, this is and while they are here, they are ners from the United States, and something that tends to be over- spending money,” he added. they will be flying in more than 400 looked – that value when the Reggae Marathon is certified by runners and approximately 100 tourists are able to mingle with the the International Association of cheerleaders to Negril for the event. locals in a positive, relaxed way.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 3 Reynolds Pier set for boosted by upgrade next year Carl Gilchrist three new ships in a week Hospitality Jamaica Writer THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED upgrade of the Reynolds Pier in Ocho Rios, St Ann, seems ready to begin, according to William Tatham, vice-president of cruise shipping, Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ). During a brief ceremony to wel- come the Norwegian Getaway on its inaugural trip to Ocho Rios recently, Tatham told Hospitality Jamaica that work would begin early 2016. “We have a big project in Ocho Rios, we’re looking to upgrade the Reynolds facility to be able to take larger vessels,” Tatham said. Making reference to the Norwe- gian Getaway, Tatham said the ship wouldn’t be able to dock at the Reynolds Pier in the facility’s cur- rent state, “but when we’re finished with our project, this vessel would be able to dock over there”. According to the PAJ official, construction is to begin in the first quarter of 2016 and will last for approximately nine months. NO BUSINESS DISRUPTION Tatham said that during the work there would be no disruption in business. The Norwegian Getaway, at the Ocho Rios pier, one of three ships to make inaugural calls at the Ocho Rios port He said with the size of cruise over a one-week period in November. ships becoming larger, the facilities have to be upgraded to accommo- date them. “We have to step up and be able Norwegian Getaway, Aidamar and The Brittania all visit to accept these types of vessels at all of our berths,” he stated. Carl Gilchrist All three vessels were greeted by officials Tatham continued: “Norwegian Getaway is The Reynolds Pier was used to Hospitality Jamaica Writer and players in the tourism sector, with brief an American line, but Aidamar is German. ship bauxite during the days when Reynolds Bauxite Company operated HE RESORT town of Ocho Rios, St plaque and gift exchanges on each occasion. We’re going to see them every year. Britannia in St Ann. For years the facility has Ann, received a much-needed boost “Excellent news for Ocho Rios,” William is Carnival UK, P&O Cruises. We visit them been the bone of contention, with Trecently when within a week, three Tatham, vice president of cruise shipping, every year, so we’ve been trying to emphasise ships made inaugural calls on the former Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), told the richness of Ocho Rios and the diversity successive governments unable to cruise ship capital. Hospitality Jamaica. of its attractions and so on, and so you’ve finalise a deal in relation to expand- It began with the arrival of The Brittania Tatham said the arrivals were as a result started to see the results of that.” ing the berth to accommodate larger on November 12, which docked at the of hard work by the PAJ. Over the past few years, and especially ships. Ocho Rios pier, followed by Aidamar on “We’ve been working very hard, in fact all since the opening of the Historic Falmouth Funding has also been a major November 15 at the Reynolds Pier, comple- our advertising and promotion in the last Pier, Ocho Rios has seen a downturn in the challenge throughout the process. mented by the Norwegian Getaway on the two and a half years has been specifically for number of cruise ships visiting the town. It is not clear who the PAJ is part- 18th, which docked at the Ocho Rios pier. Ocho Rios. We’ve been pushing Ocho Rios This has led to calls from stakeholders to nering with. The three vessels have a combined very, very hard with a lot of European cruise address the issues that have resulted in this Currently, the pier is used to ship capacity of more than 13,000 persons. lines,” he pointed out. fall-off. limestone and sugar, with cruise ships using the facility occasionally, particularly, when the Ocho Rios pier is being used by another vessel.

4 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 HISTORIC MOMENT: Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill (third left) was in a celebratory mood at the opening of the Maidstone Museum. The museum, situated on the premises of the Nazareth All-Age School, was opened on Wednesday, November 18. McNeill was on a tour of the museum along with (from left): Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing Richard Azan; Member of Parliament for North Western Manchester Mikael Phillips; vice-president, Maidstone Community Council, Enue Davey; head girl of the Nazareth All-Age School, Danielle Goodlitt; and mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsay. They viewed artefacts unearthed in the historic free village of Nazareth, Manchester.

and urged the citizens to continue to take a keen interest in preserving the Model community tourism and site from such elements. He used the fact that no external persons were employed to the project as evidence of the residents’ heritage site open at Maidstone buying into the project, and said it was a major credit to their determi- FFORTS TO boost commu- ed by the Tourism Enhancement the facility was credited with muse- was especially pleased to welcome nation to realise the dream. nity tourism along the island’s Fund and amounted to $9.73 million. um status by the Institute of Jamaica. members of the community, the Maidstone, originally a 349-acre Esouth coast has received a The funds were allocated to trans- The minister also highlighted that media and specially invited guests to coffee plantation, was owned by major boost with the official open- form an existing building on the “the opening of the museum would the opening. Thomas Frith. It ceased operation ing of the Maidstone Museum in site into the museum within the welcome a wider and very apprecia- The Maidstone Museum project, after the Emancipation Declaration Nazareth, Manchester on Wednes- guidelines of the Jamaica Heritage tive audience for the community to according to Phillips, now belongs to in 1838. In 1840, the Nazareth day, November 18 by the Ministry Trust and Institute of Jamaica and to share the heritage and history of the people of Nazareth – as he Moravian Church, located at of Tourism and Entertainment. prepare the community for tourism Maidstone in a holistic and fulfilling charged them to take responsibility Adam’s Valley, bought 341 acres of The project, which falls under the development. A total of 45 persons way”. for its successes, its failures and its the estate and subdivided them Tourism Product Development were employed to the project that The museum and surrounding growth opportunities. He cautioned into lots of one to 15 acres and Company Limited (TPDCo), forms was managed by the TPDCo, under communities will welcome visitors against the threat of vandals and established a free village for the part of the ministry’s Tourism the TIP. from far and wide for a museum thieves who would attempt to erode former slaves. To date, the museum Improvement Programme (TIP) and Guest speaker for the event, Min- and Nazareth community walking the good that had been done. Phillips has a billboard with the names of is situated on the premises of the ister of Tourism and Entertainment, tour, which will also be part of the applauded the work of the security the first ex-slaves to have been Nazareth All-Age School, located in Dr Wykeham McNeill underscored expanded Manchester Heritage Tour. forces, who in recent times thwarted granted plots of land. Some descen- the Manchester community. the merit of the project and was Member of Parliament for North the attempts of criminals to steal dants of ex-slaves are still residents Funding for the project was provid- excited to inform the assembly that Western Manchester Mikael Phillips infrastructure from a nearby project of Maidstone.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 5 David Jessop THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM me resolve a minor issue relating Hospitality Jamaica Writer to remarks I was due to give, and their help in getting me to the AVING JUST spent the last venue on time. two weeks travelling in the I mention all of this is because it US and the Caribbean, I am H The tyranny of is unclear how much notice any of now being plagued by every airline, those in the industry now take in hotel and booking engine that I used, what individual well-travelled cus- to rate my experience. Their objec- tomers are actually saying about tive is of course to use my response their experience. While hotel for analysis or marketing, for the computerised chains and airlines may respond if most part to other consumers. someone posts a derogatory What is fascinating about this is remark on Trip Advisor or similar the formulaic approach that on- peer review sites, the sense is that line questionnaires now take, marketing and research compa- which appear increasingly to be customer surveys nies, even at the more personal designed by marketing advisors to top end of the market, are using ensure that they do not ask the about, the airline’s research company bad name. Here, where I would like warm and helpful – something I computerised forms to produce question you really want to address. gave me no room to address. What I to have received a questionnaire or would like to have also highlighted. sanitised bulked-up reports for Three different examples will would like to have been asked about request for feedback, nothing was their clients that do not address suffice. UNADDRESSED was the catering which, forthcoming. Then I could the individual. The first relates to an online ques- while acceptable, was have at least enquired why QUESTIONNAIRES For the most part, I, like many tionnaire from British Airways about a inadequate and seemed three days running, there My third example is exactly the busy business travellers, do not daytime flight from New York’s JFK to not to recognise that was virtually no fresh fruit reverse. I had booked a hotel have the time or inclination, unless London’s Heathrow. There was only something a little more at breakfast, despite abun- through Expedia in Miami things are really bad, to seek out a one relevant question: Would the substantial along with, dant local supplies; why it because, for one of the nights I manager or to engage in an email departure time have been better if it say, a glass of wine was impossible most days to had wanted to stay, the downtown correspondence, so suspect that had been adjusted by one or two should be offered even get a banana; and why hotels were full because of a bas- such questionnaires mean that the hours? Since the departure time was 8 before arriving into a man making excellent ketball game. That stay was out- detail of much that goes wrong a.m. and invariably with tailwinds, the London in the early smoothies to order appeared standing, and when the electronic now remains unaddressed. eastbound flight arrived early, I said I evening. JESSOP for one day only. questionnaire duly arrived, I was, And, as if to prove the point, just would have preferred to depart an for once, happy to respond, but NO FEEDBACK FORM Instead, after my stay, I as I am finishing writing this, a for- hour later. As for the other questions, received a gushing email from was only allowed a limited number mulaic message arrives: ‘Your review they were meaningless, as, for the My second example relates to a someone called a journey ambassa- of words to say that the hotel – of Four Seasons Hotel Miami has most part, the experience was unre- major government-owned branded dor thanking me for my visit. All of the downtown Four Seasons – was been approved and is now posted on markable and acceptable; but unfor- flagship hotel in a leading Eastern which was in stark contrast to the among the best I have ever stayed Expedia. It looks great!’ givably, the survey did not ask what Caribbean destination, which had hotel staff who, overworked and in. This was in part because of the What a shame I could not hear the airline could have done better. multiple unforgivable shortcomings despite an apparent absence of staff, for whom nothing was too from a real person when I felt so The one issue I wanted to write that give the regional product a management, were wonderfully much trouble; including helping positively about the property. Jamaican children benefit from ‘voluntourists’ Claudia Gardner Dr Beversluis told Hospitality “They (volunteers) will come Hospitality Jamaica Writer Jamaica. down to do the work. RIU hosts “We have to be able to modify each them. Then from the Monday they FOUR AMERICAN ‘voluntourists’ brace the best we can, to fit the work nonstop and they don’t go travelled to Negril from the United patient and so we use grinders and back to the hotel until every patient States (US) last week, where they sanders to trim the braces to fit in the is seen. It is a holiday, but a working spent their vacation providing shoe and fit the patient’s leg. But we holiday.” orthotic services to Jamaican also use a heat gun or a torch to Commending RIU on the tremen- children at the RIU Hotel and reshape the plastic to make it fit better dous work it is doing, Bradley says Resorts-funded Paediatric Orthotic and we have a lot of padding to cush- she hopes the project will continue Services clinic. ion the bone so they don’t get sores for as long as she is around. Dr Gabriel Beversluis; his wife and so they are comfortable,” he said. “For the simple reason is, I don’t Jodi; orthotics assistant, Amanda Programme coordinator, Elaine know what will happen to the kids Schaner; and colleague Tyrell Bradley told Hospitality Jamaica that need the follow-up and how Ingraham, participated in the pro- that more than 200 children from they might digress if we don’t con- gramme, which is the brainchild of across the island, some from as far tinue the programme.” RIU Jamaica’s sales director, Angella away as St Thomas and St Mary, She pointed out that if they are Bennett. have travelled to the clinic to not treated, they will never be The clinic provides lower-limb access the orthotic services, since it independent human beings. orthoses designed and fabricated in At back, from left, are voluntourists Jodi Beversluis, Dr Gabriel opened at the Sunshine Village “Unless you can stand to hold on Canada and the US and have been Shopping Centre in the resort town or walk somewhere, you will never Beversluis, Tyrell Ingraham and orthotics assistant, Amanda donated by families. The devices are three years ago. be independent. If they are not modified and custom-fitted for the Schaner. At front are Jamaican volunteers Nicola Smith (left) The clinics sessions are held every looked after or helped, they will be children at the clinic’s workroom free and Elaine Bradley. quarter, for a week each time, but dependent on somebody all the of cost. Initial cost of custom orthoses Bradley says this could increase to time. They will need a caregiver can range from US$1,600 to $8,000. helping to coordinate donations of so far. The main conditions that I every two months, as the organisation and won’t be able to provide for “I began working at the clinic the used bracing and bring that have seen so far are club foot, spine has acquired the services of an addi- themselves or help develop the just this past year. I have been down. This is my second trip here paralysis of the legs, cerebral palsy,” tional volunteer orthotic specialist. country,” she argued.

6 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 7 AROUND JA WITH PAUL H. she said, was Watch Hill, where she said Nanny still dwells in the spirit. Watch Hill was a place where the narratives say Nanny would go to look out for advancing English soldiers. There soldiers were subsequently defeated, and there are many narratives about Nanny’s war tactics and exploits, and young Melsefeta heard some of them, and wanted to learn more. She would ask her mother about Nanny, but there was not much she could tell. With nothing much coming from her ‘I‘I am parents, who were Maroons, she said she took up the “responsibility” of finding out more about Nanny on her own. And Hanse said she knew she was someone special from she was about nine years old, unbeknownst to her mother. It was a sort of spiritual connection she was having, she said. She had a probing mind, questioning things that were not clear. She was trying to figure Nanny’Nanny’ out things about life that people couldn’t and wouldn’t explain. And when her mother “lied” to her, she said she could not depend on her to tell her the truth. The “lie” of which she spoke had to do with the answer to a question she asked when she saw her mother’s newborn baby. Her mother had sent her to call the midwife when she was in labour to give birth to a boy. On the way, the midwife fell, and Malsefeta said her dress went over her head. Melsefeta Hanse (right) meets University of the West Indies CAUGHT OFF GUARD Professor Verene Shepherd for the first time on Sunday, When her mother had given birth and the October 11. midwife left, Melsefeta wanted to know where the baby came from. The mother told her the midwife had brought it. But Melsefeta didn’t N AN October edition of this column image of Nanny, but more- see the midwife with the child. called, ‘Faces in the dark and then came over, I saw a story in her The mother’s defence was that the midwife Ithe rain’, I wrote about my experience at stoic face. the Paul Bogle vigil at Stony Gut on Saturday, “I saw my ancestors in her had the child over her dress and that’s why she didn’t see it. Melsefeta caught her off October 10. face and turned around, Melsefeta Hanse sits beside Irie’s Andrea Williams and Mutabaruka just before the start of the march to on There guard by saying when the midwife fell and the I wrote, among other things, “The LED moved towards her and Sunday, October 11. light affixed to my camera brightened up the hugged her tight. She didn’t are many dress went over her head, there was no child under the dress. So, she said, she grew up fig- actions and the faces as people danced around move ... . In the morning when angles to When Melsefeta Hanse answered, “I am the drummers. At the point where it shone on I saw her again, she told me she Melsefeta uring things out for herself, and the spiritual Nanny” to my question, “So, what’s your connection to Nanny grew stronger. an elderly black-skinned woman, I stopped is Nanny, and that she indeed Hanse’s name?” I stared at her some more, for her face Melsefeta eventually built her own home and stared ... . She looked like the iconic has a story.” story. in the dark had reminded me so much of the and started to have children of her own. But image of Nanny on our $500 bill. And we all she still wanted to know more about Nanny. know that that image is an artistic impression, And when she was pregnant with her second but in the twilight, the similarity was still child, she said she met Nanny in a vision. The striking. encounter was at Watch Hill. So, she looks like the artistic image of To get to the region, she didn’t have to Nanny, and she said she is Nanny. Who, then, tread on long, winding roads. It was a straight is the real Melsefeta Hanse, and why is she path that led her to the mountains where claiming to be Nanny? there were rooms full of black people with She was born in Hill View in the Rio long dreadlocks. These people, she said, Grande Valley of Portland in May 1947. The bathed in a crystal-clear stream that looked cleansing. But she didn’t go into the river. She story of Nanny enfolded in that region right spent “eight days” talking with Nanny. back to Old . The area is moun- Out of this experience, Melsefeta has taken tainous, which Nanny and the Maroons used on the idea that she is Nanny, and everywhere to their advantage in the fight against the she goes, especially in Kingston, people call English. her Nanny. “As a child, I would see Nanny over the hills “Because it is written on I,” the elderly with a basket on her head, in person,” Hanse Rastafarian woman said. told Hospitality Jamaica. I left her in Morant Bay, where the march In the mornings, she said she would get up from Stony Gut culminated. Her face is etched to watch Nanny moving from hill to hill with in my head and captured by my camera. I know Some members of the Port Morant Kumina group from St Thomas at the Paul It was around the Kumina circle that Hospitality Jamaica writer Paul H. Williams met Patrick Henry of Roselle, of St Thomas, had to take a picture with Melsefeta the basket on her head and a machete in her I will see her again to chat some more, for Bogle vigil on Saturday, October 10. Melsefeta Hanse at the Paul Bogle vigil on Saturday, October 10. Hanse. There is a Maroon connection between them. hand. One of the hills that Nanny frequented, Melsefeta has more stories to tell.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 9 Road races showcase Destination Jamaica to running enthusiasts AMAICA IS known around Beach. A ‘Rasta Pasta’ party kicks the world for success in sprint- off the race weekend the night Jing, but now the island is also before race day. www.reggae- becoming increasingly popular for marathon.com a series of longer-distance road PICTURESQUE RUN ROUTE races. Three signature race events take place annually: the Reggae Kingston City Run will be held Marathon in Negril, Kingston City on March 13, 2016 and features 5K, 10K and half marathon races. Run and MoBay City Run. These The race route takes visitors past races are attended by both visitors many of Kingston’s tourist high- and locals and offer a true sense of lights, including the Bob Marley place for those wanting to explore Museum, Devon House, King’s the destination on the move. House and Emancipation Park. The “The popularity of destination event will have a weekend of festiv- races in Jamaica continues to grow ities and several charities benefit among visitors and Jamaicans,” said from the race. www.kingstonci- Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s director tyrun.com of tourism. “In fact, some 36 coun- The MoBay City Run is a charity tries participated in the Reggae road race which provides funding Marathon in 2014. With Jamaica and scholarships for students attend- leading the charge with more than ing schools in . The 800 runners, the United States and race will be May 1, 2016 with a 5K Canada had over 700 participants Kingston City Run runners make their way through the beautiful surroundings of Kings House on walk, 5K run and 10K run, highlight- while participants from Europe Sunday, March 22. ing a scenic tour of historic Montego accounted for more than 100 run- Bay. www.mobaycityrun.com ners. All three destination races share in their excitement for run- Race options are 10K, half Negril’s coast and finishers get To book your next running staged in Jamaica offer scenic ning.” marathon and a full marathon. coconut water in the shell and a vacation or to learn more about routes as well as the chance to The Reggae Marathon will be Join thousands as Reggae beats Red Stripe before taking a plunge destination Jamaica, contact experience the race with locals and staged on December 5 in Negril. pulsate at each mile marker along in the waters off Seven Mile www.visitjamaica.com.

Racardo Rowe (second left) of Knox College was Jamaica’s repre- sentative in the Senior Division of the FCCA Foundation Children’s Environmental Poster Competition 2015. The senior division is open to children 13 to 16 years of age. This year’s competition attracted SCORES OF STUDENTS ATTEND JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD LECTURE SERIES AND EXHIBI- entries from 12 countries. Though not receiving any of the top-three TION: More than 250 students from western Jamaica attended the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 60th- prizes for his piece, ‘Help us Preserve Jamaica and the World’, anniversary lecture series and exhibition held at Couples Swept Away in Negril on November 26. In Racardo was presented with a cash award. Also present are: addition to the presentation by historian Arnold Bertram, participants had the opportunity to win prizes Omario Kelvin (front), winner, junior division, Chetwood Memorial from resort-area tourism partners. Pictured above are the lucky winners along with tourism representa- Primary School, and (from left) Jason Hall, deputy director, Tourism, tives. Front row, from left: Janice Allen, regional director, Jamaica Tourist Board; Evelyn Smith, Tensing Cruise Attractions and Events, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB); Pen Resort; Hisha Brown, Rhodes Hall High School; Shakeria Grizzle, Hopewell High School; Jodane Shauna Housen, Tourism Awareness Officer, JTB and Rumen Blake, Negril All-Age School; Dana Foote, Petersfield High School; and Le-Ann Connell of Green Island Yovchev, Staff Captain, Royal Caribbean International. The award High School. Back row: Winthrope Wellington, Travellers’ Beach Resort; Tarrick Waugh, Green Island presentation was made aboard Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas High School; Arnold Bertram; Charlotte Wallace, Rockhouse Hotel; Gail Biggs Jackson, Negril at the Falmouth Pier. The contest is open to all students in primary Treehouse Resort; Carolyn Wright, Rondel Village; and Jodean Blair, Petersfield High School. and secondary school. Interested persons may contact the JTB.

10 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 Fisherman’sFisherman’s PointPoint getsgets mentionedmentioned onon msn.commsn.com

Carl Gilchrist between hefty sips of Jamaican Hospitality Jamaica Writer rum.” AMAICA’S TOURISM Chairman of the Ocho Rios product, and in particular, Runaway Bay Chapter of the JFisherman’s Point Resort in Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Ocho Rios, got a boost recently Association, Vana Taylor, said when the resort was listed the mention was a positive on msn.com as one of “eight thing for Jamaica. glorious beach breaks you can “This is wonderful and great actually afford”. for our area, Ocho Rios, and so The resort town of Ocho good for us at Fisherman’s Rios was listed along with Point,” Taylor told Hospitality holiday spots in the Virgin Jamaica. Islands, the US Virgin Islands, The article listed the cost of Belize, Mexico, Puerto Rico, round trip flights to Montego Hawaii and Costa Rica, where Bay from major US cities as holiday seekers could get a starting at around US$450. great deal. It recommended the place The article described to stay as the 74-room Fisher- Jamaica as being beautiful, man’s Point Resort, which easily accessible and relatively offers one-bedroom suites “for affordable. as little as $100 per night”. The article reads, in part: It said Fisherman’s Point comes “Eat cheap at roadside shacks with all the standard hotel ameni- serving the best jerk chicken and ties such as a freshwater pool and pork you’ve ever had in your life, on-site restaurant and bar. discover the natural wonders like The leading Indian restau- the magnificent Blue Hole, spend rant in Ocho Rios, Passage to your days paddling in the ocean, India, recently relocated to and dance the night away Fisherman’s Point.

Fisherman’s Point Resort in the foreground, dwarfed by the Turtle Towers behind it.

HONORARY AUSTRIAN Consul Kaelteanlage GmbH, and Thomas to Jamaica and managing director of Albert from MYFOOD consultant, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Josef Austrian delegation visits also visited noteworthy Jamaican Forstmayr, recently organised a visit factories and companies in food from an Austrian delegation as a production and agriculture, show- step towards forging future relation- casing the best of the best in ships between Austria and Jamaica. Round Hill Hotel and Villas Jamaica. The attendees, all leaders in the The business leaders enjoyed food production, agriculture and meeting with the president of the quality control in Austria were led Group visits to forge greater Jamaican Agricultural Society, by August (Gustl) Staudinger of Senator Norman Grant, and also Staudinger & Partner GmbH, one relationship between nations participated in several excursions of the largest import and export organised by Forstmayr, including companies in Austria. Staudinger is resort’s Hanover Room where with the aim of seeing what property vegetable garden at a tours of the Coffee Fac- a repeat guest at Round Hill and minister of state in the Ministry of developments can be adapted fabulous dinner. tory, Walkerswood Caribbean Foods, first approached Forstmayr about Agriculture and Fisheries, Luther and utilised in Jamaica. The group, which included Best Dressed Chicken, Worthy Park bringing thought leaders together Buchanan, was able to meet and One of the highlights of the notable Austrian food manufacturers Estate, Rum Bar Rum, Clifton at the resort earlier this year. connect with the group of business evening was the culinary prowess and consultants such as Reinhard Mount Estate, Stush in the Bush’s The week of events with the leaders. Coming out of the meet- on show by the resort’s executive Zauner from Staudinger & Partner farm-to-table dining experience, delegation included a cocktail and ing, the junior minister was invited chef, Martin Maginley, who used GmbH, Alfred Messner of Messner Belcour Lodge and the comforts of dinner party held at the property’s to visit Austria in 2016, where he only the freshest local ingredients Produktion GmbH & CoKG, Round Hill in the resort’s idyllic exquisite Cottage 18 and the will meet with Austrian companies and items directly from the on- Johann Herunter from Frigopol Caribbean setting.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 11 Winter tourist season starts early in Negril Claudia Gardner Hospitality Jamaica Writer ETERAN NEGRIL hotelier Daniel Grizzle said based on Vthe trends over the last few years, the winter tourist season in Negril has been starting more than a month ahead of the official December 15 date in the Capital of Casual. As a result, Grizzle, who operates the Charela Inn, in the resort town, said tourism interests will have to start undertaking beautification and upgrading works earlier than usual, to enable the town to be at a stan- dard that is aesthetically pleasing to visitors and Jamaican nationals alike. “We make this big thing about the official winter tourist season starting the 15th of December, but those days have changed. Our winter tourist season in Negril starts in November. I can’t say for the entire island, but definitely Negril,” Grizzle told Hospitality Jamaica during a recent interview. “I think it has to do with the arrival of the Europeans; their winter seems to start earlier than the Americans. You know we have the Swedish; Eastern Europeans who have been coming here the last couple of years, Daniel Grizzle, proprietor of the Charela Inn Hotel in Negril. French, Germans, the Italians,” Grizzle pointed out. Grizzle, who is a vice-president some of the state agencies have not the private sector, which is to take “There are unsightly shacks and He added that this was signifi- of the Negril Chamber of Com- fulfilled their responsibilities. care of your individual property. And things along the boulevard that the cant because Jamaica tends to do merce, said this was even now GOOD RESPONSES the state has to move up to the table; government agencies can deal with everything to coincide with more important because the Rasta- they cannot be left behind. We can- and they haven’t been dealing with December 15, yet the country’s fari Rootzfest which was held in “The hoteliers themselves have not be in front and the government it. You are trying to beautify the tourism officials should bear in early November, is slated to be an responded well. I think where we agencies still trailing behind 10/15 place on one hand and on the mind that “we really should be annual event, and will likely pull need to improve is in the public areas, years,” he lamented. other there are people doing the planning from November 1 to do more visitors to the town within like our town centres, the parks – According to him, the Norman opposite. The private sector has whatever beautification that needs the period. He also noted that public spaces, our clinic ... the state Manley Beach Park is still non- risen to the occasion and is going to be done in the town centre and while the hoteliers have been agencies need to be more prepared. existent. Instead, it remains an ugly forward but the public sector is lag- the roadways and not be concen- upgrading their properties in Because let’s face it, it is a two-way fence, which has a shared pathway ging way behind. They need to step trating on December”. response to the new phenomenon, thing. There is what is to be done by that is not yet completed. up and play their part,” he said. Dominica ranked third in top 10 Best Caribbean Destinations for Adventure DOMINICA RANKED number three for Best Caribbean things to do. 10Best.com travel experts selected the top Director of Tourism Colin Piper stated, “This is a great Destination for Adventure in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s 20 nominees and readers voted for the top 10 finalists. accolade for Dominica as it raises awareness of the destina- Choice Awards. Voting took place over a three-week period which ended tion and what is has to offer to a wide audience of potential Readers of 10Best.com and USA Today were asked to on November 9. visitors. It is truly a great achievement to be ranked in the vote for the best in select travel and leisure related categories The final results were announced last week on top three Caribbean Adventure Destinations by USA ranging from food, lodging, destinations, travel, gear and www.10best.com/awards/travel/view-all-winners. Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice.”

12 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 A piece of paper made by the Fairy Hill Nature’s Handmade Paper Project in Portland.

Left: Gloria Dorman of the FairyFairy HillHill papermakingpapermaking Fairy Hill Nature’s Handmade Paper Project shows Hospitality Jamaica some of their products made of recycled paper. Paul H. Williams nono fairyfairy taletale Hospitality Jamaica Writer APERMAKING HAS been around for a very long time, Pan ancient art it is. And though the world is moving towards everything electronic, papermaking, it seems, is nowhere near extinction. People still need paper. This is good news for some women in Fairy Hill, Portland, who operate the Fairy Hill Nature’s Handmade Paper Project, in which they make miscellaneous items by hand only from paper they recycle. The Fairy Hill Nature’s Handmade Paper Project started in 1987 with the help of the Social Development An assortment of handmade paper items. Commission under the umbrella of The commercial blender that is used to meld recycled paper. the Jamaica Western New York Part- ners of the Americas, in association recycling and not discarding of used have produced from much hard bamboo and other natural fibres, placed over it to coach it. This is with the Dutch government and paper. Over the years, however, the work and commitment. boiled separately, are added to when the paper begins to coalesce. trainer, Massachusetts native, Bo project ebbed and flowed, with little Yet, the process of making the pulp. Ink is also added at this Then all the layers of coached Norris, of the USA Peace Corps. or no commercial activity from time making is not so challenging and point. paper, one atop the other, is Other organisations involved in to time. It was revived as a business complex as some people might The ‘oats-looking’ mixture is removed to another point where the project at some point are in 1993. think. Of course, it is an art, which then poured into a vat. Into the vat whatever water is left in it is JAMPRO, USAID, the Environmen- It’s a venture that produces they seem to have mastered. And a meshed-bottom mould is inserted removed. The drying process is the tal Foundation of Jamaica, the Mock- authentic Jamaican gift items, with so much waste paper available to trap the pulp. The mould is then final stage. ingbird Hill Hotel and National Envi- but it needs a little push. Gloria they don’t have to worry about raw placed at a point for the water to The dried paper is then fashioned ronment and Planning Agency. Dorman, one of the operators told material. drain from it. into the items mentioned earlier. It was meant to be a sustainable Hospitality Jamaica that market- The recycled paper is soaked and After draining is complete the They are ideal for people who want cottage industry which helps to pre- ing is their biggest challenge. They crushed before being melded in a pulp is gently released on a piece of natural handmade Christmas gifts serve the environment, thus the have a variety of items that they commercial blender. Dried leaves, cloth. Another piece of cloth is with a difference.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 13 White Witch Golf Course is Jamaica’s Best Golf Course 2015 HITE WITCH Golf great team committed to Course copped the ensuring that we never WAward for Jamaica’s disappoint! White Witch keeps Best Golf Course 2015 at the getting better and better.” 2nd Annual World Golf Awards GOLF TOURISM EXCELLENCE held in Algarve, Portugal on November 8. World Golf Awards, part of White Witch emerged victori- the World Travel Awards, serves ous from an impressive field of to celebrate and reward excel- world-class golf courses which lence in golf tourism, world-class included Half Moon Golf courses and golf destinations. Course, Tryall Golf Course, Golf tourism constitutes a vital Sandals Golf and Country Club segment in the global travel and and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. tourism marketplace. An esti- “We are very excited to win mated 60 million golfer visits will this award, which truly recognises take place in 2015 to the 32,000 and celebrates the unique beauty golf courses and resorts world- of the White Witch,” said wide. The ultimate goal of the Michael Rollins, vice-president of World Golf Awards is to raise marketing and finance with Rose the golf tourist customer experi- Hall Developments who was in ence and stimulate both the Portugal to receive the award. domestic and international golf The Robert von Hagge and tourism market. Votes are made Rick Baril designed course is by professionals working within well known in the world of golf the golf travel and tourism for its 600 acres of lush greenery, industry – senior executives, dramatic elevation changes and travel buyers, tour operators, alluring panoramic vistas. A agents and media professionals very proud Keith Stein, director as well as the public (golf of golf for White Witch said, tourism consumers). “Each year thousands of golfers Rose Hall Developments delight in this amazing course Ltd also owns and operates which has developed a loyal the Cinnamon Hill Golf Michael Rollins (centre), vice-president of marketing and finance with Rose Hall Development following of its own. We have a Course. Ltd, poses with World Golf Award and event hosts Ela Clarke (left) and Steve Rider.

Troubetzkoy automatically assumed the post as acting president. CHTA welcomes new president “Looking ahead, CHTA is in good hands. Miss Troubetzkoy is no THE CARIBBEAN Society of mation, and best practices among stranger to national hotel and Hotel Association Executives one another, both the destinations tourism associations, having served (CSHAE) has congratulated Past and the region become stronger at president of the St Lucia Hotel President Emil Lee for his leadership advocates for the tourism industry and Tourism Association and on as president of the Caribbean Hotel locally and regionally” according to the leadership team at CHTA,” and Tourism Association (CHTA) Gumbs-Samuel. “We are grateful states Gumbs-Samuel. “We look and wishes him success in his newly for his leadership and wish him forward to working with her as we appointed post as minister of health, build upon the strong foundation success in his new role,” she added. labour and social affairs for the which has been established.” Government of St Maarten. Lee ‘HUB AND SPOKE’ Gumbs-Samuel has served as the stepped down from the CHTA Lee has advanced a ‘hub and volunteer president of CSHAE for presidency last week after 17 two years and has worked closely with spoke’ concept, whereby all the months at the helm and having CHTA and President Lee during that destination associations are con- served for over 10 years on the time. In addition to strengthening the organisation’s board of directors. Karolin Troubetzkoy Emil Lee nected through CHTA, and there exchange of information among des- CSHAE president, Gilda is a constant two-way flow of infor- tination associations, CSHAE has Gumbs-Samuel, who also serves as recognising the essential role which dent Lee reinforced the value of mation and resources to address provided professional development executive director for the Anguilla the region’s national hotel and the relationship between the the multiple challenges which the opportunities for the region’s associa- Hotel and Tourism Association, tourism associations play in support region’s hotel and tourism associa- destinations and the region face. tion executives through an arrange- applauded Lee for his leadership of the Caribbean’s leading industry. tions and CHTA. By strengthening With Lee’s resignation, ment with the American Society of with CHTA, in particular for “Throughout his tenure, Presi- these ties, and sharing data, infor- CHTA’s first vice-president Karolin Association Executives.

14 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 ARTISAN CORNER Giving credit where credit is due Arlene McKenzie Hospitality Jamaica Contributor WOULD like to share one of the stories of our great grand- Imothers upon whose shoulders we stand. At the turn of the 20th Century, Jamaica was the hub of cultural enterprise and business growth. My great grandmother – Mistress Ella Foot, was known for her duties at the Half-Way Tree post office ensuring that mail was received and delivered into the right hands. But this could not sustain her and her family who had recently migrated to the town from West- moreland. So she, like many other women, turned her hands to fash- ion out a new source of income. She started to buy and sell. She would purchase needed goods and resell to the passing public right there in Half-Way Tree. She was doing what so many women in particular, did – engaging in independent commercial activity. My great grandmother was a trader of goods, a self-employed woman who took control of her economic situation to support her family and bring them through post-slavery The Village Market in Portland. strife and hardships. Through her buying and selling, handmade produce for trade. This value of memory and experience. the marketspaces and give support work and ensuring the health of our she was able to educate her daugh- trade has given rise to small inde- She had to evaluate what the mar- to these small businesses, to raise communities. ters away from the cut and thrust of pendent businesses and has educated ket needed in order to advise the the standards of the retail experi- TPDCO’S INVOLVEMENT street sales, producing a teacher and the bulk of our workforce. I often producer and negotiate prices and ence and service, we must find a secretary for ‘nice’ government jobs. hear the elderly women in the mar- calculate profit. She was responsible way to keep alive the uniqueness of Tourism Product Development GIVE TRIBUTE kets say that it’s the straw and the for delivering authentic made in our heritage manifested in our pro- Company Limited and partners Jamaica brands to the client on hol- under the Ministry of Tourism and My small and very personal wood that created the doctors, nurses ductivity and commit to buying Entertainment is one agency assist- research revealed that we should and teachers that we have in the sys- iday. Her role in selling branded Jamaican handmade/produced ing in joining the dots to sustain the remember to give credit where tem today. products cannot be underestimated goods and build Jamaica. The business of producing and she became one of the guardians of cultural identity and business enter- credit is due and pay tribute and IGNORED OPPORTUNITY respect to all the women who work trading in markets brought Jamaica our Jamaican heritage. prise of our micro small and medium hard to build our nation on the through the experience of slavery The craft markets evolved into There are many young people enterprises. backs of their small businesses. into the freedoms of the self- spaces where the visitor would meet who are seeking to join the work- In acknowledgement of the impor- My great grandmother’s story is employed person. While for the the people, make friends, have force and because of the ‘sufferation’ tance of local community collective the same as many of our Jamaican most part, the men planted and genuine interactions, and because of associated with self-employment, production, training is regularly women today, who rose from very reaped in the fields and cut straw for the centrality of location, they also they are ignoring the opportunities offered to the traders most impacting humble and challenging circum- baskets and carved in wood, the act as guide posts for visitors walking that abound. We must encourage the tourism product. Every trader in women dominated the marketplaces through the towns. The markets stances to work for themselves to them to look within and draw on a craft market has been exposed to a just like our African ancestors sell- became microcosms of the society as ensure the survival of their families. their school learning, creativity, generic Jamaica awareness training ing their fresh farm produce and a whole and could offer the visitor a They use their skills – with their skills and talents and to work collec- programme called Team Jamaica. handmade household goods and genuine Jamaica experience. Some are further trained in customer resources on hand, usually from the tively to identify gaps in the supply farm, or utilising the material adornments. Too often we as Jamaicans ignore services, first-aid and CPR and tour chain. around them – to craft products The craft trader evolved from the the beauty of our social environ- guiding. Artisans are exposed to Technology has opened the door and to create market spaces in food trader; she began to buy within ment as we become trapped and opportunities for training in design to globalisation in design and new which they sell to sustain their the marketplace to process the raw overwhelmed by our own fearful and skills enhancement, marketing, ideas in design and many of our households. The markets are goods for sale to the tourist market. stories of indiscipline and crime. technological, and entrepreneurship local producers are creating very serious business environments and With the growth of tourism came However, by overlooking these development. important social networking com- also the need to provide tangible wonderful cultural oases in the interesting and unique products on munities where intricate business memories, gifts to take home, arte- middle of our towns and cities we the foundations of traditional For more on craft development transactions are carried out. facts attached to memories of are perpetuating the destruction of methodologies. In supporting local contact Arlene McKenzie, direc- Food and craft vending have the places. This businesswoman was the foundation of our communities. production we are assisting in fight- tor, Craft Development TPDCo at same root; locally grown and locally now dealing with assessing the We must find a way to venture into ing crime, putting idle hands to [email protected].

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 15 Mount Airy All-Age School students wear glasses to shade their eyes.

“Upfront funding is from the Rotary Club of Negril. Mission of Sight has provided the doctors, Negril students get a chance some of whom come in from the United States of America to do this. They have provided the facilities here, and the main cost will be met to See Better, Learn Better by the Rotary Club of Negril. We are asking parents whose children Claudia Gardner Frome where the second phase of do need glasses to make a small Hospitality Jamaica Writer the programme was being held. contribution of $2,500 and we think “Each child gets an extensive if we are providing the glasses that HE ROTARY Club of eye examination and is also there be some sort of buy-in from Negril, in collaboration with checked out and measured and gets the parents,” Cooney said. Cornerstone Jamaica and the T the chance to choose the pair of The See Better Learn Better Frome-based Mission of Sight, glasses should they need them. programme was initiated by Gary recently conducted eye screenings The glasses are new; they are not Robinson, chairman of for the entire Mount Airy All-Age second hand; they are not recycled. Cornerstone Jamaica, a non-profit School population in They are made specifically for the organisation. Optometrist and Westmoreland, under the See child so the child has already cho- founder of Mission of Sight, Dr Better, Learn Better programme. sen the frame they like and now we Doug McCloy, told Hospitality According to director of commu- are gonna make up the lenses that Jamaica that Robinson had nity service at the Rotary Club, they need. They will be made in become concerned after he noticed Ken Cooney, the programme was the US,” he added. that very few school-children in initiated to undertake corrective According to the American Jamaica were wearing glasses, work for students who were Paediatric Association, one in despite research showing that one afflicted with eyesight problems, every four children may have in four has eye problems. in order to enhance their learning. vision problems, which can inhibit “So he wanted to figure out how “There are loads and loads of learning. Consequently, Cooney to help to get Jamaican children the research that show that children said the children’s progress will be care they need in the western who can’t see properly can’t learn Dr Doug McCloy checks the eyes of students at Mount Airy All- tracked overtime to see what the region first but potentially be a and suffer academically, and in Age School. learning outcomes are. national programme, that would life, so we are trying to address “The kids get their glasses, but initiate vision screening for chil- that particular problem here in Mission of Sight volunteers, conduct allows us to manage the thing bet- the one thing we need to be estab- dren in schools,” Dr McCloy said. Westmoreland because many of the the first phase of the screening using ter because a whole chunk of chil- lishing is, ‘do they learn better?’ “Out of the 420 students, 150 children don’t have access to a vision screener which checks the dren are taken out because they We will be tracking their progress. were referred; 90 of them are going affordable eye care,” Cooney told children’s vision and identifies those don’t have any issues. Out of the And will also be following up. We to need eyeglasses ... . A large Hospitality Jamaica. who need further examination. approximately 420 students, we are treating this as a pilot. number of children that aren’t The Rotary Club of Negril “It (vision-screen use) is not in had about 150 that were flagged as Hopefully we will go to Sheffield wearing glasses and that have organises and manages the pro- itself an examination or a prescrip- needing checking out,” Cooney All-Age, as well and spread out to learning conditions, have com- gramme within the schools. tion for eyeglasses, but it flags the explained during an interview at the rest of Westmoreland,” he said. plaints about their vision,” he said. Rotarians, including Cooney, and children that should be seen, and it the Mission of Sights Clinic in

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