HospitalityThe Gleaner KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016

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FromFrom ‘wattle‘wattle andand daub’daub’ toto numbernumber oneone ’’

FromFrom ‘wattle‘wattle and daub’daub’to to numbernumber oneone

Paul H. Williams through BREDS, the Treasure Hospitality Jamaica Writer Beach Foundation, but the recent CONTRIBUTED ones are even more significant since HERE SEEMS to be no end A one this year marks the 75th to the number of awards bedroom villa anniversary when Basil Densham, TJake’s Hotel in Treasure at Jake’s. the second ‘outsider’ to build a Beach, St Elizabeth, is winning this house in Treasure Beach, bought a year. lot in 1941, the same year Sally Conde Nast Traveler magazine Henzell was born. readers voted it the sixth-best Basil Densham built a family resort in the Caribbean, and beach house, called Treasure Cot, number one in Jamaica recently, on the property, which was also a and the resort has been rated popular retreat for mainly number five by Afar magazine in its backpackers. Densham kept new ‘Dreamy Bohemian’ category. Treasure Cot a secret, so he did not Add to that the Hotelier of the market it to bring attention to the Year award by Caribbean Journal. area. He did not want it to be In reacting to the commercially developed. Thus, for aforementioned prestigious decades, Treasure Cot was Treasure endorsements, Jason Henzell, Beach’s biggest secret. And, it is to chairman of Jake’s Hotel, said, “I be noted that Alex Haley spent feel God has blessed me. I really nine months at Treasure Cot when found my treasure in Treasure he was writing his now famous Beach.” He also said he is grateful book, Roots. for the day his grandfather, Basil When the Denshams passed Densham, purchased a lot of land away in 1991, one of the daughters at Treasure Beach. Thus, he has got Treasure Cot, while the other, nothing but high honours for his Sally, got the family house in grandparents and mother, Sally Mandeville, Manchester, which she Henzell. eventually sold and bought a Jake’s Hotel has won many other property near Treasure Cot. On it, top awards over the years, including there was a small ‘wattle and daub’ environmental ambassadors awards

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 Another fabulous villa at Jake’s.

structure which she turned into a where people can dine at the Beach. There is space for restaurant called Jake’s, named associated Jack Sprat Restaurant. improvement and expansion. after a parrot. The restaurant “We are in a community that is Thus, more rooms will be evolved into a hotel, whose rustic authentic, unspoilt by commercial constructed. The seaside bohemia environment and artsy rooms were development,” Henzell said, and it is already the home of Calabash its major pulling factors. also has the “warmest customer Literary Festival, the biggest lit fest Fast-forward to 1993 and 1994 service”, to complement the in the Caribbean. In addition to when business was slow. Jason artistically designed rooms, the desire to make Jake’s the Henzell got the idea that he perhaps. For its friendly staff, called leader in community tourism in needed to step in to assist his the ‘Jake’s family’, Jake’s is the the Caribbean, future plans mother. In 1995, he resigned his place to work, according to include taking over and position of manager for Pan Henzell, what with its health and transforming Lovers’ Leap, a very Caribbean Bank in Montego Bay. gratuity schemes, and its ongoing popular sight in St Elisabeth. “Everybody told me that I was training programme. Henzell also wants to work with mad,” he shared with Hospitality GIVING BACK government to upgrade the Lionel Denham Aerodrome to Jamaica. But there was a method Jake’s Hotel is also not about to his madness. He expanded by receiving and hosting guests for accommodate larger planes. The creating more rooms to hosting of a food, rum and A cottage at Jake’s. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS profit only, of course. It has been accommodate British and giving back to the community festival is another idea to be American backpackers. luxurious accommodations, it is the laid-back, adventure traveller, through BREDS, a non-profit brought to reality. Farm tours and The hotel now has 65 rooms, 32 known for its artistic, rustic the Bohemian who is looking for organisation that focuses on sports, cooking lessons are on the front on the original property, and some ambience by the sea, a hotel built somewhere off the beaten track. education and conservation. That burners. 33 villas and cottages within by an artist. Yet, Henzell said he And it also takes guest to other foundation has raised millions of “I see a very, very bright future walking distance. He resided on does not even consider it a hotel or scenic spots, sights, and dollars for the Treasure Beach for Jake’s,” Henzell said, “I am very the property for 10 years, washing resort, but an entity that is driving experiences in the parish. It offers sport park, a model for sports for excited about the fact that dishes and waiting on tables, community tourism and sustainable spa services, kayaking, mountain social change. Treasure Beach is finally being among many other things, until he development. But a gem by any biking, boat rides, and outdoor Yet, Jake’s is not just sitting on seen as a community that is hired a resident manager. other name is still a gem. And this movies every Thursday night. It is its laurels, watching the ebb and making its name in a different Though Jake’s Hotel has gem in Treasure Beach is ideal for also a yoga and fitness retreat, flow of the waves at Treasure niche market.”

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 3 Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett addressing staff at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios. CONTRIBUTED Bartlett kick-starts winter tourist season with motivational tour HE ISLAND’S tourism winter tourist season, which runs Continuing, he said, “this year Rios and stops in Montego Bay sector has signalled its from December 15 to April 15, will ‘This year is the we’re going to end up with where he visited Riu Reggae, Treadiness for what is soon have little relevance to something like 3.7 million and Sandals Royal Caribbean’s uniquely expected to be the best winter tourism in Jamaica. “This year is last year we’re when you get to four million created over-water suites and Royal tourist season in the country’s the last year we’re going to have arrivals next year, you can’t talk Decameron. All four properties history. anything called the ‘start of the going to have about winter season and summer have incorporated levels of With hundreds of additional winter tourist season’, we have season, because every day is the innovation that give them unique rooms being brought on stream, a graduated beyond that,” he told anything called the season now.” features which appeal to the significant increase in air seats out staff at a number of hotels during a To rousing applause, he further expanding tastes of today’s of key markets and an uptick in preseason motivational tour on the ‘start of the winter assured staff that, for them, this travellers. cruise arrivals, Minister of Tourism weekend. meant a greater degree of certainty “The visitor, today, is far more Edmund Bartlett is beaming with The anticipated end to the tourist season’, we about their jobs as they would not informed than ever before and is anticipation. seasonality of local tourism is based have graduated have to be too concerned about turning everything that we’ve He outlined that because the on the fact that “we will have four seasonal employment. known on its head. At one time, we sector is doing so well and growing million visitors here next year for beyond that.’ The tour included visits to Moon had a slogan in the market that said, consistently, the concept of the sure,” Bartlett assured hotel staff. Palace Jamaica Grande in Ocho ‘Once you go, you know’. With

4 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 CONTRIBUTED Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart (centre) shows off the new over-water suites to Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook (right) and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. today’s technology, we have to switch driving the process to have our that around, it has to be now ‘Once you properties use more local produce know, you go’, because there’s so much through our Tourism Linkages Staff that’s out there and such heavy content Network.” at Riu that is flowing in the social space, and As part of the tour, Bartlett and Reggae people are grabbing it and responding other officials from the Ministry of are to it,” said the tourism minister. Tourism and its agencies will also be excited to During the tour, Bartlett also took meeting with workers at the island’s note of the extent to which locally two main international airports and meet the grown fruits and vegetables were made ground transportation operators. The minister of available to guests at the hotels and meetings with industry workers, he tourism urged that greater efforts be made to said, was “to underscore the (not seen) infuse more Jamaican produce in meals importance of the human capital in on his visit prepared at local properties. “These are driving the tourism experience, and to the the things that identify and define a also to motivate them and give them newest destination,” he underscored, adding, my commitment in terms of what we resort in “what visitors come for and what really want to do to assist in building their Montego makes them stay is the authenticity of capacity to deliver more, earn more and Bay. the experience, such as our delicious to become better partners in the Jamaican food. That is why we are industry”.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 5 THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM China prepared to help with tourism development David Jessop Contributor AST MONTH, China published a detailed new Lpolicy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean in which it set out a new approach to its relations with the Americas. The document, which has real breadth and ambition, potentially offers, perhaps for the first time, an agenda around which the region can develop a practical bilateral dialogue with Beijing that can take relations far beyond where they JESSOP presently are. Although a minor aspect of its Development Bank (IDB) says whole, the paper is particularly involves around 117 million interesting on tourism, focussing on outbound tourists spending its significance in ways that few overseas about US$498 billion; other nations do. numbers they forecast to double by It makes clear that “China will 2020. However, their progress has encourage tourism authorities and been limited and possibly even enterprises on both sides to introduce illusory. tourism resources and products to While some destinations have each other and expand tourism claimed year-on-year growth in cooperation.” Chinese arrivals, it is far from clear It goes on to say that China will that these numbers really represent explore and increase its role in tourists, as the figures appear to developing “policies to promote two- include the statistically significant way tourism, and support the number of Chinese people coming negotiation for more direct flights to the region in relation to many between aviation authorities of the public and private projects the two sides”. It also says that China country now has underway. intends working with consumer At present, the biggest problem protection departments in the is airlift. There is not enough region and Latin America to give demand to fill direct regular flights priority “to the protection of to the region, so anyone visiting consumer rights for international the region from China or coming to travellers”. join a cruise ship, has first to fly to already have decided to travel to visitors out of Cuba or Jamaica. significant changes in approach are the nearest point. This means Cuba. Although embryonic, Chinese required, including a streamlined DOOR FOR GOVTS Houston or New York, and then or visa-exemption procedure, more BETTER OPTION cruising potentially would seem to What this appears to do is open a travelling on, or alternatively using offer a practical way to bring five-star hotel properties, better door for governments, tourist Air China’s same-plane service As this column has observed Chinese visitors to the region in security, Chinese cuisine, language boards, the Caribbean Tourism from Beijing via Montreal to before, a more promising medium- large numbers, perhaps initially out skills, sensitivity to different Organisation and the Caribbean Havana. In each case, the overall term option, when it comes to of Miami on existing services into cultural norms, and quality Hotels and Tourism Association, to flying time is at best around 20 numbers, may be the opportunity the region. shopping. pursue with the Chinese how hours. to work towards encouraging This could help circumvent China’s new policy paper speaks practically they might support the This makes the only practical Chinese arrivals by cruise ship. challenges that the IDB noted in to a sector in which the Caribbean gradual development of a Chinese solution at present, when it comes China has been gradually its recent report, ‘Chinese Rise in has genuine advantage. It suggests visitor market. to encouraging stay-over Chinese developing a cruise industry in the the Caribbean – What Does It that individual countries and In recent years, almost every visitors to go anywhere other than Pacific and plans to build its own Mean for Caribbean Stakeholders’, representative regional tourism Caribbean tourist board has Havana, is to develop, as Jamaica is cruise ships, offering perhaps the need to be addressed. For the bodies should make an early start considered how best to obtain a now doing, multi-destination longer-term possibility for home- Caribbean to capture more of the in exploring the Chinese share of what the Inter-American vacations for those who may porting Chinese vessels for Chinese Chinese market the bank said Government’s new thinking.

6 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 7 CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Lounge area on the Italian Riviera. The rebranded Sandals South Coast. Sandals Resorts announces newly renovated Jamaican hotel ANDALS WHITEHOUSE furnishings, a handcrafted four- requests and reservations such as spa European Villas and Spa has poster king-size bed, and a large appointments. Sbeen rebranded as Sandals smart TV. The en-suite, spa-style Italian Beachfront Club Level South Coast, says a media release bathroom features modern amenities Junior Suite. These newly from the hotel chain. such as dual faucets, a walk-in rain renovated Club Level suites are The totally reimagined luxury- shower, a large backlit mirror, and a located on the second through included resort unveils recent freestanding soaking tub for two. fourth floors of the Italian Riviera renovations that embrace and The suite’s expansive living room and feature private balconies with incorporate the natural beauty and boasts a fully stocked bar with magnificent ocean views. These bounty of the 50-acre property’s premium spirits, a sectional sofa, an suites include upgraded furnishings, stunning beachfront setting in additional smart TV, and wall-to-wall a four-poster king-size bed, a large Jamaica’s south coast region. glass doors leading to a private balcony smart TV, and bathrooms with a “With this relaunch, we have or patio offering direct views of the walk-in rain shower, a large backlit brought our most innovative ideas spectacular south coast beach and a mirror, dual faucets, and a and concepts to absolutely reimagine bistro set for two. Butler Elite and 24- freestanding soaking tub. A the guest experience,” said Gordon hour room service are included. dedicated concierge is available for The newly renovated Jerk Shack Restaurant. ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman and Italian Beachfront Club Level guests of these suites. founder of Sandals Resorts degree, panoramic water views and a All accommodations at Sandals Walkout Junior Suite. These newly Italian Honeymoon International. glass-floor aisle. South Coast are ocean-facing, renovated Club Level suites are Beachfront Room. These newly “The results further embody the Brides and grooms will have the allowing guests to maximise their located on the beach level of the renovated beachfront rooms reside beauty of the region, embracing the option of making a grand entrance enjoyment of the beach and waters, Italian Riviera and walk directly out in the first through fourth levels of incredible beach and water this on their special day by arriving at the including some of the most on to the pristine beach. Inside, the the Italian Riviera. Inside, the resort boasts, nestled within 500 wedding chapel in style via boat. memorable sunsets in Jamaica. The spacious open floor plan features spacious room is adorned with acres of nature preserve.” Additional completed renovations Italian Riviera, formerly known as masterfully crafted furnishings, a custom-crafted furnishings, a four- This multimillion-dollar include upgrades to the resort’s the Italian Village, which was four-poster king-size bed, and a large poster king-size bed, and a large renovation project includes Sandals’ existing five restaurants as well as completed this month, houses 112 smart TV. The adjacent spa-style smart TV. A sliding barn-style door first, dedicated over-the-water bar four new five-star Global Gourmet rooms and suites, featuring upgraded bathroom is outfitted with luxe within the room leads to a called Latitudes, where guests can dining options: Sushi on the Sand; room categories, including: amenities such as a walk-in rain luxuriously appointed bathroom enjoy their cocktails in hammocks Beach Picnic, an option for Butler Italian Beachfront One shower, a large backlit mirror, dual equipped with backlit mirrors, dual suspended above the Caribbean Sea; guests to have a romantic picnic on Bedroom Butler Suite. These newly faucets, and a freestanding soaking faucets, a modern shower/tub a floating, ocean based swim-up bar the beach; Jerk Shack, an open-air renovated Love Nest Suites are tub. Outside, glass doors open to a combination, and recessed lighting. called Bar-Tender, where guests can seating and rustic vibe dining option located within the first through private patio equipped with a bistro Outside, a glass door leads to a enjoy cocktails right in the ocean; that serves authentic jerk dishes; fourth floors of the Italian Riviera set. As an exclusive Club Sandals balcony or patio offering sweeping and an over-the-water wedding and Schooner’s, which serves and boast a spacious master suite guest, a dedicated concierge is views of the beach and lush tropical chapel with breathtaking 360- Caribbean fare. bedroom complete with exquisite available to handle any special gardens.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 CONTRIBUTED From left: Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, in conversation with Grantley Stephenson, CEO, Kingston Wharves, and Paul Pennicook, director of tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, at the Plaques and Keys Ceremony on board the Pullmantur cruise ship ‘Monarch’ the largest-ever ship to dock at the port of Kingston.

Tourists take time out to get a memento of their visit into Kingston when the Pullmantur Cruise ship ‘Monarch’ the largest-ever ship to dock at the port of Kingston, sailed in recently with 2,744 passengers on board. The ship sailed in from Cartagena, Columbia, and was initially expected to Cruise call on Montego Bay, but with all berths full at that port, an alternative was sought. shipping history RUISE SHIPPING history was made last week when Cthe largest-ever ship to dock at the port of Kingston sailed in at 6 a.m. The 268m Pullmantur ship Monarch docked with 2,744 passengers on board. The ship sailed in from Cartagena, Columbia, and was initially expected to call on Montego Bay, but with all berths full at that port, an alternative was sought. The ‘Monarch’ sailed in from Cartagena, Columbia, and was initially expected to call on Montego “All three cruise ports – Captain Arkadiusz Branka (left), Bay, but with all berths full at that port, an alternative was sought. Expectations are high for Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and M/V Monarch makes a point to another record year for cruise arrivals. The January to October 2016 period saw 1,313,841 cruise Falmouth – were scheduled to be Edmund Bartlett, minister of passenger arrivals at the three major ports, an increase of 109,609 passengers or 9.1 per cent. at capacity, so rather than lose the tourism at the Plaques And call of the Monarch, and noting Keys Ceremony on board the The visit of the Monarch makes Fort Clarence, Studios, future,” said Tatham. that the ship was also coming the day the very first time that all and the National Gallery. Expectations are high for from Cartagena, which is a Pullmantur Cruise ship – four of Jamaica’s major ports were “Kingston already has an another record year for cruise cultural capital much like Monarch. hosting cruise ships on the same interesting range of activities for arrivals. January to October 2016 Kingston, we saw this as a great themselves were pleased with the day. the cruise ship passenger. The period saw 1,313,841 cruise opportunity. The Pullmantur team experience,” said William Tatham, Passengers disembarked the ship feedback we’ll receive from this passenger arrivals at the three was very positive about vice-president, cruise and marina for excursions to Dunn’s River Monarch visit will go a far way in major ports, an increase of redirecting the ship here and by operations, Port Authority of Falls, Devon House, Bob helping us to refine our strategy 109,609 passengers or 9.1 per all accounts, the passengers Jamaica. Museum, Kingston Craft Market, for cruise possibilities in the cent.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 9 CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Kemal Daley (left) of Knockalva Agricultural School and his teacher, Asharee Johnson (centre), with Gary Davies, hotel director, Royal Caribbean.

Dantia Welcome accepts her first place plaque from Gary Davies, hotel director, Royal Caribbean. Dantia’s winning poster is in the background. Corinaldi Avenue student wins

With the ‘Independence of the Seas’ cruise ship as their backdrop, Dantia Welcome (third left) poses with her team from FCCA competition the Corinaldi Avenue Primary School before boarding the ship. ANTIA WELCOME of am impressed with your talent. The Corinaldi Avenue Primary Jamaica Tourist Board is happy to DSchool is the first-place support a competition that brings winner in the junior division of the environmental awareness to Florida-Caribbean Cruise students.” Association (FCCA) Foundation He praised the teachers of Children’s Environmental Poster Corinaldi Avenue Primary School Contest. The award ceremony took for their consistent hard work, and place recently aboard Royal the FCCA for their continued Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, investment in educating students at the Historic Falmouth port in about good environmental Trelawny. practices. Also receiving Dantia won in the 12-year-old recognition was Kemal Daley of student category with a poster titled Knockalva Agricultural School for ‘Reduce Recycle Renew the representing Jamaica in the senior Caribbean’. Accompanied by her division. school principal, Hillary Foster, In addition to encouraging teachers Dane Julius and Donette students to be environmentally Salmon and some of her conscious, the competition also schoolmates, Dantia was elated to provides a scholarship reward to the receive her prize and experience first-, second- and third-place touring the ship. winners and their schools. As first, In his congratulatory remarks, place winner, Dantia will receive Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook US$3,000. Corinaldi Avenue praised Dantia for her excellent Primary School will also receive the work that copped the top prize in same amount. The local round of the region. “You have certainly the FCCA Environmental Poster Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook (left) and Gary Davies (right), hotel director, Royal Caribbean, made Jamaica proud. When I look Contest is organised by the Jamaica celebrate with Kemal Daley (second left) of Knockalva Agricultural School and Dantia Welcome at the work you have produced, I Tourist Board. of Corinaldi Avenue Primary School.

10 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 Tourism Linkages Networks expanded to further drive economic growth INISTER OF Tourism that directly foster greater synergy $5 billion in tourism earnings, October 2016, the island registered prepared detailed programmes and Edmund Bartlett last week between tourism and the increase the total direct jobs to an increase of 5.2 per cent in total projects that were specifically Mofficially launched five new productive sectors namely the 125,000, and add 15,000 new hotel visitor arrivals over the same period chosen to add value to the networks under its overarching Agriculture Technical Working rooms, then we must put in place last year, with 3,101,920 total Jamaican tourism sector, Tourism Linkages Network initiative Group and the Manufacturing the framework to foster the growth visitors. For winter 2017, the particularly as it relates to to better position the sector to Technical Working Group. of this sector. So the networks being destination also secured in excess of increasing visitor arrivals and generate higher growth rates in both NEW NETWORKS introduced today will aid in 4,000 new air seats from the United spend. visitor arrivals and earnings. transforming the sector, deepen States over last winter. More than Among the proposed plans for However, the tourism linkages Chaired by renowned hotelier linkages, and achieve significant 1,000 new rooms are also expected the networks are the creation of a initiative has now been expanded Adam Stewart, the Tourism growth,” said Bartlett. to be added in 2017. gastronomy mobile application; the to include five new networks: Linkages Network was first gastronomy, sports and The minister also indicated that “There is no doubt that this is a development of a top-10 events introduced in 2013 with the primary entertainment, health and the timing of the launch was very strong performance for the initiative to help drive goal of ensuring that tourism would wellness, shopping, and knowledge. significant as recently released figures island’s tourist industry. But there entertainment locally; the be better integrated with other Bartlett said the decision to from the Jamaica Tourist Board is still a lot of work to be done. development of nutraceuticals sectors. The initial focus was expand the networks was strategic indicate that the country’s tourism This is why the new networks we (such as ball moss, ginger, and strengthening the relationship with as they will have a fundamental role sector is performing very well. have developed are vital,” Bartlett marijuana); developing a central the manufacturing and agricultural to play in helping the tourism sector He revealed that Jamaica has said. information repository and an sectors as well as the creative achieve its growth targets. registered growth of more than five Each network, which is chaired online tourism knowledge portal; industries. “If we intend to attract five per cent in both earnings and visitor by a member of the Tourism and identifying areas to be The council has two main groups million visitors by 2021, generate arrivals. Specifically, from January to Linkages Council, has already designated as shopping areas.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 11 PHOTOS BY PAUL H. WILLIAMS Rastafarians were expectedly well represented at the held at the Museum on Saturday, December 3. AROUND JA WITH PAUL H.

Taking pictures with the Marley statue was the order of the evening on Saturday, December 3. Here, master drummer NINENINE HOURSHOURS OFOF Maroghini strikes a pose. SWEETSWEET && SOURSOUR SENSATIONSSENSATIONS N MY exuberance, I lifted a of people, mainly Rastafarians, I felt a little bad that I got in crippled youngster I went to see were at the gate hurling derogatory before the early birds, but I moved Irecently. On the way up with words at the security officers. on, on to the property where Bob him I heard a ‘crick’, and then that They had arrived early only to be Marley, his wife, Rita, and producer familiar sharp pain radiated from told they needed a pass for the Don Taylor were shot in the my spine. I had dislocated that disc free concert to commemorate the Marleys’ house hours before Marley in my spine ... again. 40th anniversary of the first was slated to perform at the peace For the rest of the week, there Smile Jamaica concert on and unity concert. was much discomfiture. By the December 3, 1976. That house is now the museum time Saturday rolled along, the A security officer searched for to which visitors from all over the pain level was negligible. And my pass, but there was none. I was world travel. And the faces in the while I remembered the Smile not going to be jostling for space in crowd that filled the yard to Jamaica concert at the Bob Marley the gathering of the disgruntled, so capacity said it all on Saturday. It Museum at 56 Old Hope in St I made a call. Voice message. I was like a United Nations Andrew, I did not remember that called again. Answer. I turned back gathering, with Jamaica being over- my situation did not lend itself to to the gate, passed the spewing represented. That ethic mix standing up for long hours. venom, and was met by the affable enhanced the richness of the I arrived just before 3:30 p.m. for Debbie Bissoon of the Bob Marley festive air. And the original fashion Sister Mitzy Williams was present at the first Smile Jamaica the four-o’clock start. A small group Foundation. and styles of Rastafari were always concert held at Heroes Circle on December 3, 1976.

12 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 PHOTO BY PAUL WILLIAMS Stephen Marley performing at the Smile Jamaica concert on Saturday, December 3 at the . going to brighten the overcast rocked. I also enjoyed Runkus, evening and the night. Feluci, Dre Island, Roots Uprising, It was a night of nostalgia, Bongo Herman, among others. reflection, revelations, hypnotic And to climax the show, three of and exhilarating performances, Bob’s sons – Stephen, Ky-Mani and multiple band changes, five Damian – and other relatives, emcees, including Sister Mitzy appeared on stage, singing and Williams, and Elaine Wint Leslie, paying homage to their late, great who were present at the 1976 progenitor. It could not get better. show. Wint Leslie actually After more than nine hours of introduced the defiant Bob Marley standing in pain, near deafening after he returned from hospital to speakers, I left feeling that it was the stage. worth it. A memorable night it But it was also a night of pain was, indeed, and for several hours Third World and Bongo Herman onstage were among the highlights of the Smile Jamaica concert from the slipped disc resting on my after my slumber, I heard the rush on Saturday, December 3, at Bob Marley Museum. last nerve. I shifted my weight from of the sea in my ears. I made a one leg to another to ease the ache, note to self. Next time, do not but when the music of Third World stand so near in the night of sweet hit me, I did not give, I moved and and sour – music and pain.

This young patron wears a shirt that brings back much memory at the Smile Jamaica concert on Saturday, December 3.

A section of the huge crowd at the Smile Jamaica concert on Saturday, December 3.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 13 Tourism key to US-Caribbean interests HE CARIBBEAN must Troubetzkoy also recalled a key De-risking threatens the ensure that issues of critical US policy which underscored the Caribbean region’s smaller banking Tsocioeconomic importance special relationship between the sector, which operates in are firmly addressed with the US United States and its Caribbean jurisdictions that host overseas Congress and the incoming neighbours: “We must also not banking facilities. For many hotels administration, according to forget the Third Border Initiative, and tourism-related businesses in Karolin Troubetzkoy, president of and our envoys must convey to the the region, there are limited the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism new administration that the banking options in their Association (CHTA). Caribbean’s success is in the destinations. Troubetzkoy commented on this strategic interest of the United Troubetzkoy asserted that the during her presentation on the States of America.” Caribbean is suffering more than impact on the tourism industry of AIM OF THE BILL others from de-risking, as trade is de-risking and correspondent affected directly. Tourism is the banking relationships at the 40th Congressman Engel noted: “We largest income generator in the Annual Conference on the spend a great deal of time focusing region, and she urged the sector to Caribbean and Central America in on challenges and opportunities in be more alert to the threat. Miami, produced by the Caribbean- faraway places. But it’s important “The Caribbean tourism industry that we never lose sight of our Central American Action (CCAA) must pay close attention to the very interests closer to home. Indeed, we organisation. serious effects the withdrawal of should be working to strengthen our Underscoring the common correspondent banks would have ties with countries in the Caribbean. interests between the Caribbean CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS on our industry,” said Troubetzkoy, That’s the aim of this bill, which and the United States, and the adding that these long-standing Karolin Troubetzkoy with Congressman Eliot L. Engel in Miami. would prioritise US-Caribbean critical importance of tourism to banking relationships are vitally relations for years to come.” He also the region’s socio-economic important to the region’s survival. moved out of Senate Committee for The draft legislation, which addressed the need to pay more development and stability, “If the industry is disrupted and we consideration now by the full emphasises energy security, attention to the Caribbean in a Troubetzkoy called for a new focus are unable to interact with overseas Senate. countering violence, expanded recent editorial published in The by the region’s governments and buyers and clients, the HR 4939, introduced by diplomacy, engagement with the Miami Herald. private sector in support of recent consequences will be dire.” Congressman Eliot L. Engel (D- private sector, and other priority Speaking on a panel on ‘Tourism, legislation aimed at strengthening The annual Conference on the NY) with Congresswoman Ileana areas, sets the stage for a new US- Trade and the Unintended United States relations with Caribbean and Central America Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), would Caribbean relationship, declared Consequences of De-Risking’, Caribbean countries. tackles issues which affect the require the US Secretary of State Troubetzkoy, who met with Troubetzkoy called for continued CHTA has joined CCAA in region’s economic growth and and the administrator of the US Congressman Engel during the action on priority areas such as ‘de- urging the US Senate to adopt the competitiveness. According to Agency for International conference. risking’ or ‘de-banking’, in which US-Caribbean Strategic CCAA, the hotel and tourism Development (USAID) to submit Before Congress adjourns, CHTA large US banks, sensitive to fraud Engagement Act of 2016 (HR industry is at the front line, and the to Congress a multi-year strategy is supporting the outreach by and money-laundering allegations, 4939), which has already received ability to do business as usual in a focused on enhancing engagement CCAA to the US Senate to end their business connections with bipartisan support in the House of competitive global market is with the countries of the advance passage of the legislation in smaller banks in other regions like Representatives, and just this week critically important. Caribbean. the Senate. the Caribbean. HEART College of Hospitality Services receives SJF bursaries IN LATE November, The Spanish-Jamaican in Kingston (with the support of the Embassy Foundation (SJF) presented eight trainees of of Spain and missions of other Spanish- the HEART College of Hospitality Services speaking countries) and, for the first time, in in Runaway Bay, St Ann, with bursaries St Ann’s Bay. Later this year, the foundation totalling $300,000 to cover education-related will also be paying the oral examination fees expenses. of all students in the Ministry of Education’s This is the latest such donation in the Regions Three and Four. SJF’s thrust towards making a tangible At the bursary handover ceremony, SJF impact on the lives of young people by project manager Vanessa Meggoe awarding bursaries and scholarships to encouraged the students to continue to tertiary-level students specialising in the field strive for excellence in their studies, because, of hospitality. Earlier in November, the although faced with numerous challenges, Foundation awarded $500,000 in she said they had been given a golden scholarships to hospitality students of the opportunity to pursue tertiary-level Montego Bay Community College. education and to advance in their chosen career paths. CRITERIA The SJF was created in 2006 as a non- In order to be awarded SJF hospitality Heart College of Hospitality Services awardees flank SJF project manager, Ms profit organisation of goodwill, intended to scholarships/bursaries, students must meet Vanessa Meggoe (fourth from left). deepen the friendship between the people of certain criteria, including functional fluency Spain and Jamaica. Its mission is to ensure in conversational Spanish; involvement in ambassadors and are expected to participate students of Spanish, the SJF has recently that Jamaican communities benefit from community service programmes, and in the foundation’s community outreach collaborated with Emma-June Bell of the improved access to quality education, attaining at least a B+ overall average. activities. Jamaica Spanish Language Review to stage increased cultural awareness, and positive Awardees automatically become SJF youth In its continuing efforts to support the annual National Spanish Carol Service social integration.

14 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 CHTA announces comprehensive approach to ‘people development’ HE CARIBBEAN Hotel and internationally recognised Institute Springboard’s Professional Tourism Association of Hospitality provides an Development System courses will T(CHTA) is aiming to deliver opportunity for Caribbean be delivered online through the high-quality, affordable training hospitality employees to receive Springboard Caribbean Online support to its members with a world-class training and website, hosted on an industry- renewed emphasis on ‘people professional recognition based on standard learning-management development’. their experience and evidence of system; face-to-face workshops at CHTA President Karolin continuous professional the client’s business location; and a Troubetzkoy announced the development. blended approach involving a creation of a ‘People Development’ “CHTA has been working with combination of both delivery initiative aimed at building upon Springboard Caribbean in recent methods. successful educational programmes. months leading to the development Participants in the training will At the heart of the new direction of this MOU,” said CHTA’s CEO be challenged to meet global is the recent signing of a Frank Comito, who noted that standards of excellence, and memorandum of understanding CONTRIBUTED Springboard Caribbean facilitated a graduates will be awarded with Springboard Caribbean to Participants at a recent professional development workshop leadership-development workshop certificates, and in some increase the region’s held in Puerto Rico. for supervisors and managers, programmes, internationally competitiveness while creating new which was well-received, at the recognised certifications. opportunities for Caribbean people aggressively invest in their people Hotels in Barbados. Working with Caribbean Hotel Industry These initiatives help to build in the world’s most resilient and provide elevated levels of the CHTA staff and other Exchange Forum, held in San Juan upon CHTA’s existing education service.” volunteers, one of her first tasks is industry. this past September. and training activities, said to guide the implementation of the Comito, including the CHTA “The Caribbean’s future is not STRATEGY new strategic education Under the new agreement, just about sun, sand, and sea,” said The new initiative and the partnership. Springboard Caribbean will provide Education Foundation, through Troubetzkoy. “It’s also the warmth, partnership with Springboard Springboard Caribbean, in CHTA members with professional which more than 40 Caribbean hospitality and professionalism of Caribbean are part of the CHTA’s partnership with a number of development services in leadership, nationals are currently receiving our people, which continues to strategic plan to advance the international accreditation bodies, management, supervisory, line, and financial support. CHTA has also attract visitors to our shores.” region’s bread-and-butter tourism has a proven track record of entry-level training and put in place extensive training and The St Lucia hotelier believes industry. providing certificated services to development. They will also launch professional development that the region is standing on a CHTA’s People Development leading Caribbean hotels and the a series of HACCP (Hazard programmes into three of its major solid foundation, “but we are in initiative is chaired by third vice- cruise industry. Analysis and Critical Control regional events this year, with more danger of losing our competitive president, Patricia Affonso-Das, Springboard Caribbean’s Points) certification workshops and than 600 participants attending edge as more areas of the world group general manager at Ocean partnership with the food-safety training workshops. various training sessions.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 15 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GLEANER COMPANY (MEDIA) LIMITED • 7 NORTH STREET • KINGSTON • JAMAICA