Chilling out at Life Yard. Life Yard luring visitors to ‘yard’ life Paul H. Williams are fruit trees, food trees, ground Hospitality Jamaica Writer provisions and vegetable patches, part of the residents’ philosophy of O SAY Life Yard, located in sustaining themselves. The crops Kingston, is an oasis in the are nourished by organic matters. Tconcrete-and-brick jungle of Around the property are several the Corporate Area, is to use a pieces of outdoor furniture, made cliché. But, that is what it really is, of pallets, on which to relax. It is a a fertile spot, oozing life. sanctuary operated by inner-city Surrounded by the din, the youth, many of them Rastafarians hustle and bustle of city life, it is who were born and bred right in Murals at the front of Life Yard, located on 44 Fleet Street, nestled among the madding crowd, the community where Life Yard is. but as you enter through its gate, a The essence of the place is about Kingston. palate-teasing aroma of ‘ital’ food life on The Rock – real life, might just pull you through faster, nothing pretentious, nothing There is jewellery making, leather world since 2014,” Morgan said. and a cool breeze gives you a overstated, nothing sugar coated. craft, and furniture making, among The yard started to get atten- welcoming embrace. When Hospitality Jamaica other income-earning ventures tion internationally because of its When you pass the cookshop, an visited recently, we spoke with and social projects. Yet, it has also Paint Jamaica project, to change been luring people from abroad to communities through art. Social ageing gingerbread house, and a Shane Morgan, the ‘president’ of Vegetable patch. juice bar made of board, you walk the yard, and some of the other experience what it is like to live a media buzzed with the artwork into a farm, and you get the feeling youth about what they are doing social enterprise, an entity that ‘yard life’ in Jamaica. that the youth were turning out that you are in a rural setting in an with the space, including the embarks up on entrepreneurial “Through community tourism, in the inner cities and people urban space, a little piece of coun- community tourism part of it. endeavours for the benefit of the we have attracted over 2,000 went to see exactly what they try in the heart of Kingston. There By its very nature, Life Yard is a community in which it is located. people from 45 countries across the were doing. The murals on the

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 From left: Shane Morgan, Sabuki, DJ Zim, and Ikuma posing with the Robert Nesta Marley Humanitarian Award that Life Yard received in June 2015 for the work that it is doing in the com- A rustic scene in the heart of Kingston. munity. front of the property are as thought- have had visitors who stayed in the com- provoking as they are inviting. munity for weeks, and so the residential And when they realised people were really element is also up and running. interested in the yard, they formally regis- They believe that it is the energy of tered and regularised the concept. They Rastafari ‘livity that is pulling people towards Life Yard, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth, who took it upon themselves to conceptualise and manifest the enterprise. “Nobody came here and empowered us,” Morgan said, “We did this out of our own initiatives, our own pockets ... from noth- ing to something, this is the true definition of it. We rose from the concrete.” And the rise is set to continue. When asked about the safety concerns that people have because of the location of Life Yard, Morgan said, “Think of Life Yard, and Google it, then they will see how much of the world this has already impacted ... then one will say this is more than a safe haven.” But, to what extent are members of the community sensitised to the importance of what Life Yard is doing for the community. “They are fully sensitised, as I am no longer called by my name. I am called Life Yard by the community, and so are other members, they see us now as the movement,” Morgan revealed, “The community is pretty much involved in The entrance to Life Yard. anything we are doing.” Some of the food trees at Life Yard. Chef Ikuma cooking up a storm.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 3 Tourism ministry to host first Falmouth Heritage Expo ALMOUTH’S NOTED gramme of activities is being imple- Georgian architecture and mented to improve civic pride in Frich historical heritage will Falmouth, as well as foster cultural take centre stage today, with the and economic innovation. inaugural staging of the Falmouth Endorsing the expo, Minister of Heritage Exposition in Tourism Edmund Bartlett said, Water Square. “Falmouth’s rich history, Georgian The heritage expo aims to boost architecture and many attractions civic pride in Falmouth by make it a major tourism asset. It highlighting its built and cultural has the potential to be one of the heritage. It is also intended to foster finest cruise destinations on the a civic-minded community that planet. For this reason, the values its heritage and works Government will be leveraging the together to preserve its unique built heritage experience in Falmouth to environment as a distinct element further develop the town as a tourist of its tourism product. destination.” The event is a collaborative effort The heritage expo will include of the Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica demonstrations and presentations National Heritage Trust, the on the town’s built heritage as well Tourism Product and Development as a site visit. A highlight of the Company, the Tourism Enhance- expo will be the launch of an ment Fund and other stakeholders updated, more interactive heritage as part of the Sustainable map of Jamaica – a comprehensive Destination Alliance of the illustration of cultural and natural Americas (SDAA) initiative. heritage sites across the island. The Ministry of Tourism has Talent from the parish will also be collaborated with the Organization on display, with performances from of American States, under the several schools and the 2016 Parish auspices of the SDAA initiative, to Festival Queen, Kacia Whilby. reposition Falmouth as a sustainable During the day’s activities, the tourism destination. Under this ini- winner of the Heritage Ambassador tiative which started in 2015, a pro- Water Square, Falmouth. competition will also be announced.

Sangster Int’l Airport named C’bean’s leading airport for ninth consecutive year

SANGSTER INTERNATIONAL Airport, experience,” said MBJ Airports CEO Jamaica’s primary gateway to the world, has Rafael Echevarne. been named the Caribbean’s leading airport “We are pleased that our efforts to for the ninth consecutive year by World improve the physical infrastructure of the Travel Awards. airport and create an authentically Operated by MBJ Airports Limited, the Jamaican experience for airline passengers facility emerged as the winner from a pool are being recognised by World Travel of 11 Caribbean airports nominated for the Awards and the international travel com- prestigious award. munity. This is yet another example of how The accolade was first bestowed on Jamaica is setting the bar for the entire Sangster in 2005. It won again in 2009 and region,” Echevarne added. has won the title again each year since. MBJ Airports has spearheaded a number Sangster Airport “This is a tremendous achievement for of initiatives over the past two years to Sangster International Airport and for improve the passenger experience by concessionaires improve their product key segments of the tourism, travel and Jamaica. It really reflects the dedication reducing queues at security checkpoints, offering for the travelling public. hospitality industries, thereby encouraging and professionalism of our entire staff, who by displaying Jamaican art throughout the World Travel Awards was established in practitioners to continuously improve the work tirelessly to improve the traveller airport and by ensuring retail 1993 to recognise and reward excellence in standards of their product and service offering.

4 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Kingston City Run donates $3m to address homelessness in Kingston INGSTON CITY Run has donated Past president of the JHTA, Nicola $3 million to five charities focused Madden-Greig, who co-chairs Kingston Kon addressing homelessness in the City Run, announced that the date of the capital city. 2018 staging would be March 16-18, The Open Arms Drop-in Centre, Mission- called on all Kingstonians and Jamaicans aries of the Poor, Food Tor the Poor, the to become “heroes” for the most Marie Atkins Night Shelter, and the Alpha vulnerable in the community. Boys Institute were recipients of $600,000 Deputy Mayor of Kingston Winston each. The donation came from proceeds of Ennis commended the organising the March 2017 staging of the annual run, committee and the many sponsors, reiterat- organised by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist ing that “together, we can achieve so much Association (JHTA) Kingston chapter. for the city of Kingston, allowing it to truly Mevis Farquharson of the Marie Atkins become the pearl of the Caribbean”. Night Shelter noted, upon receiving the Christopher Jarrett, chairman, JHTA donation, that most of the times they have Kingston Chapter, extended a thank you over 300 persons to feed. to the many sponsors of the run and also “We feed them three times per day. Some extended thanks to the individuals and come in just to sleep for security reasons, and corporate teams that participated, noting we sleep up to 150 persons on some nights. I that “without them, we would not be able am so glad for the amount we have got. Now, From left: In a jovial mood, Marsha Burrell Rose, development and marketing to do what we do”. we will be able to do some of the much- manager, Food For the Poor; Yvonne Grant, The Open Arms Drop-in Centre The event incorporates three race events: a half Marathon and a 10K and 5K needed improvements we have wanted to do.” (recipient of $600,000 donation from Kingston City Run); Nicola Madden-Greig, race/walk. The event attracts runners Alfred McDonald of the Norman Manley co-chair, Kingston City Run; and Sophia Lowe Pinnock, corporate from the Caribbean, Ireland, the United International Airport (NMIA), sponsors of communications and public affairs manager, Caribbean Cement Company Kingston City Run, at the handover Kingdom, the United States and Jamaica. Limited (sponsors of Kingston City Run). ceremony, stated: This year, the run saw close to 5,000 “We ought to play our part as good corpo- persons traversing the scenic, cultural, and rate citizens in the community. When we saw their part, and the Kingston City Run team, to join the effort, while at the same time mystical assets of Kingston, while the mayor and KSAMC (Kingston and we had to be a part and support them.” committing that the NMIA will be on supporting the cause of bringing an end to St Andrew Municipal Corporation) doing He said he is calling on other companies board yet again for the noble cause. homelessness in Kingston.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Camille Needham (left), executive director, JHTA, Nicola Madden-Greig (fifth left), co-chair, Kingston City Run, and Christopher Jarrett (sixth from right), chairman, share lens time with recipients, sponsors, and deputy mayor, Councillor Winston Ennis (centre) of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 5 THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM Winners and losers in changing US Cuba travel policy David Jessop commonplace, with Hospitality Jamaica governments and tourist Writer boards discussing The Hotel Nacional de Cuba. OVER THE last two and strategies to respond direct financial transactions with specifically suggested that the Hotel Nacional and Hotel half years, the number of through, for example, the identified bodies controlled by the Cuban Capri were among the locations targeted. United States (US) visitors development of multi- military, which include many hotels and Taken together with the damage wrought to Cuba has surged in destinations vacations other tourism-related enterprises; end all by Hurricane Irma, these events will likely response to changing US that included Cuba. individual self-certified travel; require all see US travel to Cuba decline significantly in policy. According to This process was based future US travel to be through formal groups the short term, creating winners and losers. Cuban statistics, while just around the Obama or on cruise ships; ensure that the US’ The winners will undoubtedly be the US- 37,459 US citizens visited administration’s political statutory ban on tourism to Cuba for US owned cruise lines, able to reap the rewards in 2014, some 285,000 did belief that people-to- citizens is strictly enforced; and require that from those US travellers who still want to visit, so in 2016. people programmes, and travellers’ personal records of financial and specialised tour operators. The losers, and This dramatic increase the contact brought about transactions and travel be subject to audit by those most likely to suffer, are Cuba’s non-state followed changes intro- by individual travel, can DAVID JESSOP the US Treasury Department. taxi drivers, the self-employed small property duced by then President create change. Although the regulations have yet to or restaurant owners, and private suppliers of Obama, who in 2015 However, in June this appear, the effect has been to send a chill services, all of whom had begun to pose a allowed US citizens to visit for one of 12 year, US policy went into reverse. In a speech through all US travel to Cuba. challenge to the Cuban system. specified purposes through a tour operator, full of anti-Cuban political rhetoric, Presi- Since then, the overall climate has further As for the rest of the region, it will in the and then in 2016 permitted US citizens to dent Trump asserted that his administration deteriorated following mysterious sonic short term receive displaced visitors and in book tickets for individual travel to Cuba by would not hide from, excuse, or glamourize attacks on US diplomats in Havana. the medium term see cruise ships sailing in simply attesting they were in compliance the actions of the Cuban government. Con- In an announcement following the US increasing numbers to and around Cuba. with US Treasury rules. sequently, the US would, he said, revoke key administration’s response, which was to with- In contrast, Cuba itself, while experiencing The surge was facilitated by a broader aspects of his predecessor’s policy of détente. draw more than half of the staff at its a setback in what it sees as a long struggle, dialogue with the Cuban government. This In relation to travel, he said that embassy in Havana, a travel warning, stated: will likely not perceive recent US policy saw restrictions on scheduled air services he would: introduce because ‘we are unable to identify the changes as significantly affecting tourism in removed, making it possible for major regulations ban- source of the attacks, we believe US the longer term. It observes that its market is carriers such as American Airlines or United ning, with some citizens may also be at risk and warn highly diversified, and that overall visitor Airways to cater to the individual traveller, exemptions, them not to travel to Cuba’. numbers this year will likely peak at around restrictions relaxed on cruise ships sailing out Later, unnamed officials four million. of US ports, and an easing of the use of the US dollar and US credit cards. The consequences for Cuba were a boom in demand for hotel rooms, significantly A man walks in front of the Manzana de increased prices at the best hotels in Havana, Gomez Kempinski five-star hotel in investments in new properties managed by Havana, Cuba in this file photo. In the heart of the major US hotel chains, and the rapid capital, the business arm of the Cuban spread of accommodation, transport, military has transformed a century- and restaurants run by Cuba’s one old shopping arcade into a million-plus self-employed. temple to conspicuous capital- So rapid was the growth that ism as Cuba opens up for in the rest of the Caribbean, business. expressions of concern about the likely impact became

6 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 7 Bustling Sam Sharpe Square a Romaine Meggo HERITAGE HOTSPOT makes his mark at Paul H. Williams Hospitality Jamaica Writer Sandals Negril AM SHARPE Square in Montego Bay is not the WHEN ROMAINE Meggo, a Sepicentre of life for St James front-desk agent at Grand Pineap- only. It is the crossroads for all of ple Negril visited Sandals Negril western Jamaica and has always in 2015, he had no idea that it been like that, historically. would soon become his full-time Though the British slave trade to stomping ground. He also didn’t the West Indies ended in 1807, the envision being named the anti-slavery zeal in Britain did not Diamond Team Member after begin to take root until about 1823- working at the revered resort for a 24 when there were rumours that mere 12 months. the king had granted the enslaved The 23-year old is a past stu- their freedom. dent of The Manning’s School in The rumours were so strong that Westmoreland and hails from the king had to make a declaration Truro in the parish. Success is not to deny any such granting of free- new to him as in his community, dom. The disquiet took a while to Meggo is one who every mother’s be defused, but a few years later, son strives to be like and every another such rumour surfaced. That daughter hopes to introduce to time around, it stayed and frustrated her family. the enslaved. Let’s rewind. It was 1831, and a 31-year-old From a tender age, great things Baptist lay preacher named Samuel were expected of him. In high Sharpe after his owner was secretly This version of The Cage in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, was school, he was a footballer who agitating against the evils of slavery. built in 1823, but it dates back to 1806. It was an overnight lock-up managed to successfully pass all Apparently, he, too, believed that for vagrants and drunks. his exams, a challenge for most freedom had been granted, but was boys who were actively involved being withheld, so he met after in sports. CONTRIBUTED prayer meetings with his followers He started out at Sandals Negril Sandals Negril’s Diamond Team Member of the Year Romaine to organise a general strike in in the Hospitality Training Pro- Meggo (left) accepts the coveted award from General western Jamaica. gramme in 2014, fervently trying Manager David Latchimy at the resort’s Annual Prestige PHOTOS BY PAUL H. WILLIAMS to garner knowledge of the bar REMARKABLE MAN Awards. The Montego Bay Civic Centre, built on the spot where National Hero Sam Sharpe was hanged. operations, but that stint was not Sharpe was a field slave on the too successful. was the Wall of Fame, displaying Team Member of the Year for 2016. Croydon Estate in St James but grew dissipated, and the bullets stopped “That did not go too well, and I up in Montego Bay. He had a good flying, about 14 white and three images of outstanding team General manager for Sandals got somewhat derailed ,” he said. members and the awards they had Negril David Latchimy added relationship with his owners and was coloured people lay dead, while But that didn’t stop him. “My described by the Methodist, approximately 186 enslaved people won. credence to Meggo’s commendable journey later took me to Grand “It was at that moment that I work ethic: “Romaine is an Reverend Bleby, as “the most were killed and 31 wounded. Pineapple Negril in 2015. There, I told myself I wanted my picture example among his peers. He is intelligent and remarkable slave” he The surviving enslaved people found an extended family. I was on that wall,” he recalled. way ahead of his time. His eye for had ever met. were dragged to court and severely loved, and I have so much love for Then, one day in mid- detail and his zeal to get things Of his physical attributes, Bleby punished. Many were hanged. the team members there as well,” December 2015, his dream done properly is admirable. I’ve said, “He is of the middle size. His Sharpe himself was executed on he stated. became a reality when he was watched him working and handling fine sinewy frame was handsomely May 23, 1832. In his cell, he told UNFINISHED BUSINESS recommended to fill a vacant guest issues, and I am impressed moulded, and his skin as perfect a jet, Bleby, “I would rather die upon as can well be imagined. His forehead But there was one feeling that position at Sandals Negril as a every single time. He is everything yonder gallows than live in front-office agent. that this awesome brand repre- was high and broad, while his nose slavery.” Meggo could not seem to shake. and lips exhibited the usual charac- “I just felt I had unfinished busi- “As I walked through the sents,” Latchimy stated. He was hanged in the square in teristics of the Negro race. He had ness at Sandals Negril and I just entrance on my first day, I made a Meggo, who is now reading for Montego Bay, which was called teeth whose regularity and pearly had to go back to get things commitment to myself to work his bachelor’s degree in manage- Charles Square up until 1976 when whiteness a court beauty might have done,” he said. very hard, not only to be on that ment studies, said that in the next envied, and an eye whose brilliance it was renamed Sam Sharpe “So I stopped by the resort one Wall of Fame, but because I five years, he would become the was almost dazzling.” Another historical building in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, Square. On October 16, 1983, the evening to visit my former trainer wanted to be the best version of youngest general manager within Sharpe used his influence and St James. Sam Sharpe monument, designed and to take another look at the myself,” Meggo stated. the brand. authority to get support from many by Kay Sullivan, was unveiled in place where I hoped to work Fast-forward to 2017. One would say that this is quite enslaved people who were entitled holidays in 1831. They were also some of the enslaved started the Sam Sharpe Square. It consists of again,” Meggo added. His hard work certainly has paid the ambition, but from what is to three days holidays every year told to fight for their freedom only flames before Sharpe was ready to five bronze statues, including that That day when Meggo entered off as he has won 12 awards and his known of this young man, his after Christmas. He instructed the if the planters refused to give it to and all hell broke loose. of Sharpe, who holds a Bible while the property, a wall at the image is boldly represented on the ambitions should never be taken people not return to work after the them. But, he was pre-empted as After the smoke and the fire speaking with his followers. The Sam Sharpe Monument in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St James. entrance sparked a fire in him. It wall as Sandals Negril’s Diamond lightly.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 9 Celebrating World Tourism Day through the eyes of the TAC

REATING HIGH fashion from newspaper and plastic Cbags, to using egg trays to make jewellery kits, and designing glasses frames from straws, the Tourism Action Club (TAC) Youth Forum was both exciting and educational. The forum was held on World Tourism Day, September 27, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Students from clubs across the island gathered to explore and expound on the topic ‘Sustainable Tourism: A Tool for Development’, the theme designated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). “I am enthused about World Moderator of the Tourism Action Tourism Day as it is set aside for the Club Youth Forum, Emprezz world to see this thriving sector and Golding, with a skipping rope what it is doing all over the world,” made from recycled material. said Jeheime Llewellyn, a student of Ferncourt High School. “To me, sus- probe the thoughts and minds of tainable tourism means helping the young Jamaicans about how they sector to meet the needs of current see the future of the sector. The and future generations,” she added. forum was facilitated through a Each year, September 27 is used panel discussion, and the students to highlight the role and impor- also had the opportunity to display tance of tourism, one of the world’s their creativity by using everyday largest industries. items, depicting their knowledge of This year’s theme drilled down the concept of the three Rs – to what was really important to the reduce, reuse and recycle. Utilising newspapers, plastic bags and egg industry – the promotion of respon- CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS trays, the students created products sible tourism through the preserva- Students of Clarendon College at work creating an outfit using recycled material during the tion and protection of the industry that demonstrated their knowledge for present and future generations. of sustainability and continuity. Tourism Action Club Youth Forum on September 27. Data from the UNWTO show that They also displayed their musical aptitude in the creation of a on the beaches. We won the first tourism is the third-largest export tourism song. prize of $2.5 million, as our industry in the world and produces The students and their teachers collection weighed the heaviest. 10 per cent of global GDP. were stimulated by the activities. Even though the competition has Jamaica is heavily dependent on Aisha Lawrence-Reid, TAC adviser ended, the TAC students have the industry as the main source of at Holland High School, explained, continued to clean up the foreign exchange and the second “The World Tourism Day theme environment.” largest employer on the island, helps students to understand how The students at the forum also therefore, the theme of sustainability tourism impacts us as a people. learned that creating a has relevance to the local sector. That it creates employment and sustainable tourism sector isn’t PIVOTAL ROLE helps to lessen crime and violence, limited to taking care of the physical environment, but also As the organisation developed and provides for local farmers and extends to creating an industry and spearheaded by the Jamaica entertainers.” Tourist Board to enhance students’ Getting her students to engage in that is inclusive and has knowledge about, and appreciation activities that are focused on longevity. This was highlighted by Students of Montego Bay High School delivering the winning of, the tourism sector, the TAC sustainability is a year-round Simone Harris, senior tourism performance during the tourism song competition. plays a pivotal role in sensitising undertaking. Lawrence-Reid said, network strategist, Tourism Link- the next generation about its “Last year, our club participated in ages Network. the capacity of Jamaicans, be it provide exclusive and enriching critical role in helping to preserve a recycling competition done by She explained that through the farmers, construction workers, experiences for visitors, while the industry. It was imperative for the Ministry of Tourism. We picked Tourism Linkages Network, the painters, musicians, craftsmen or retaining more of the tourism tourism principals to explore and up plastic bottles on the streets and Ministry of Tourism is building doctors, empowering them to dollar in the local economy.

10 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Bahia Principe Jamaica a favourite signs deal with Expedia for JetBlue passengers THE EXPEDIA group and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts have announced a strategic technology AMAICA IS a favourite desti- has worked with the US Fish & Children of Jamaica Outreach partnership which will enable the global nation for JetBlue passengers Wildlife Service to start dialogue (COJO), which on September hotel chain to offer package bookings Jand the Caribbean and Latin about responsible tourism and 13, presented US$22,000 in directly on www.bahiaprincipe.com. America region now accounts for educating travellers about how to tertiary education scholarships Package bookings drive incremental approximately one-third of the ‘buy informed’ and travel smart to five former wards of the State demand for hotel partners, as package airline’s network, Icema Gibbs, to the Caribbean. in Kingston. bookings typically have one and a half director of corporate social The airline produced public Gibbs said: “We are excited to times the length of stay than a stand- responsibility at JetBlue said. service announcements featuring continue our support for COJO. alone hotel booking and half the She noted that the airline, local Caribbean conservation Giving back is part of JetBlue’s cancellation rate. which began service to Montego heroes to arm travellers with the DNA and is core to our mission Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Bay in 2009 and later that year right questions to ask when pur- of inspiring humanity. We focus boasts 26 properties spread across the added Kingston, is now “the chasing wildlife and plant-related our efforts on the areas that are Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, largest airline to fly from and products like coral and shells. most important to our customers Canary Islands and the Balearics. It is within the Caribbean”. In Jamaica, airline and crew members – community, part of the prestigious Grupo Piñero one Currently providing daily representatives met with Wolde youth/education and the of the largest companies in the Spanish service to Montego Bay and to Kristos, founder of the Bluefields environment. tourism sector. Kingston from New York City, Bay Fishermen’s Friendly Society, “Our support for education By using Expedia’s best-in-class Gibbs said that “when you think which focuses on sustainable focuses on providing access and technology, the company’s new package of an exotic Caribbean vacation, fishing practices and coral reef Icema Gibbs, director, opportunity to those who are booking option will enable its consumers you think of beautiful beaches cleaning. corporate social responsibility, traditionally underserved or booking on Bahia Principe’s US points of and delicious cuisines, and JetBlue also supports local JetBlue. overlooked.” JetBlue, she said, is sale to combine their stay at a Bahia Jamaica offers all this and more”. causes which benefit Jamaicans. dedicated to improving the committed to helping to provide Principe hotel with a flight booking from She said that JetBlue is They are sponsors of a number of health, education and general better educational opportunities one of more than 500 Expedia airline committed to helping to preserve initiatives, including a New York- well-being of underprivileged for deserving children in partners, driving incremental demand Jamaica’s beauty, too. The airline based non-profit organisation children on the island – the Jamaica.” and revenue for the hotel group. GOOD RELATIONSHIP “We are always looking at new ways to grow our business. By using Expedia’s technology, we can now attract longer length of stays which are booked further in advance and with lower cancellation rates. It is also proof of our good relationship with Expedia to be able to use them as a distributor and as a tech- nology partner to benefit our business,” said Juan Campins, e-commerce and direct sales corporate director, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts. “The collaboration with Bahia Principe evidently shows that our heavy investment in technology innovation is paying off for our hotel partners. We see an increasing number of our chain partners looking to work with us on these groundbreaking initiatives which deliver value beyond distribution,” said Luis Hurtado de Mendoza, senior director, key and distribution accounts, EMEA-LATAM, the Expedia group. “Our ambition is to use Expedia’s strengths in technology, marketing and data to drive as much value as we can for our partners, such as Bahia Principe.” The package path is now live on Bahia Principe’s US point of sale. This strategic technology partnership follows other hotel chains’ announcements, CONTRIBUTED including Expedia also powering Marriott International, Inc’s ‘Vacations Gary Williams (centre), founder/chairman, Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO), with 2017 scholarship awardees (from by Marriott’ site. left) Nickorta Samuels, Golda-Mae Bullock, Shantanna Dixon, Chantell Campbell, Kareem Carr and Aaron Rowe. JetBlue is a sponsor of COJO programmes.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 11 AROUNDAROUND JAJA WITHWITH PAULPAUL H.H. WILLIAMSWILLIAMS OleOle houseshouses andand oleole thingsthings

PHOTOS BY PAUL H. WILLIAMS Rustic redtop at Alley, Clarendon.

HERE ARE many things I find enthralling in my travels around this Tcountry. The natural environment is a given. I have seen vistas that have nearly brought me to tears, scenes that made me get high because of the magic of nature, and sights that made me want to shout, “Yeah!” And within the beauty of nature, there are man-made structures that are thought-pro- voking or simply arresting. But the buildings that really get me reflecting and filled with melancholia are rustic, old board houses, even the dilapidated ones that I can see were eye-catching in their glory days. Every time I see one, something inside of me stirs, my mind going way back, wondering who lived within and what life must have Two-storey gem at Borobridge, St Ann. been like at the time. Where are they now, apart from those who are no longer in the could talk. land of the living? Why were they built at And what about the things that people in those particular spots? Sometimes there are these houses used to use? They are equally as no other structures for miles around. And For the history, for the stories, who would buy this ageing beauty? fascinating as they, too, have their stories who is to tell whether their ghosts are not and can tell the stories of those who used to abiding within? the occupants, their tastes, sensibilities, chance. They are part of our heritage, an own them.Thus, collecting heirlooms and The style and architecture of these houses financial and social status, and are full of important part of our story. No social history other social artefacts are the occupation of also say much about the social history and familial footprints of yesteryear. lesson is complete without the story of these many people worldwide because of their heritage of the places in which they are So, taking pictures of old houses around places of abode. They do have stories, and if historical value. located. They carry stories of the lifestyles of the island is what I do every time I get a only their ageing and decaying wooden walls I regret not having my family’s personal

12 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 Lamps from the past. Where have all the flames gone?

Who used to bathe in this? Old opulence.

objects of the past. We were never pot, pictures, etc, they were thrown so there were many free pictures. socialised to keep old stuff. They away. Yet, the great majority were, never seemed to have no use to us after We took, perhaps, hundreds of saved, and pictures, they say are they had become aged. And as pictures because a photographer worth more than a thousand words. soon as we were finished with a named Jolly lived in our Some of our family stories by way of clothes iron, a utensil, a chamber community. He was a family friend, pictures are now lost forever. My mother has an earthenware jug in which her grandparents used to keep water cool. I am laying claim to it. I am next in line to own it because apart from that, nothing in my family goes back to over 50 years. And I am the best person to own it. I have started my own collection of old things. Everywhere I go, I try to find something to add to my stock. It is like I have to find some- thing. Why? I do not know. Are they connecting me to a time and space long gone? And is that what they are doing to the owner of the Big Brown House in Woodside, St Mary? In that board house, there are family stories jumping out of The heat is gone. But life goes on. decades-old paraphernalia. They seem to have kept everything. The learn about life in Jamaica, going Week. I spent it cleaning my set of types of old things that are still in back several decades. old enamel utensils. Who had eaten good condition are too numerous Old houses and old things are part and drunk from them? While I to mention. That place could be a of our tangible heritage, and that did pondered, from one of the cups hot museum where people could go to not die on me during Heritage chocolate ‘tea’ I sipped. Enamel objects of yesteryear.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 13 St Thomas to welcome return of Royal Caribbean on November 10

HE GOVERNMENT of the US Virgin effort is being made possible with the support Islands is welcoming the return of of the Department of Planning and Natural TRoyal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas Resources, the Department of Public Works, to the territory on Friday, November 10. the Virgin Islands Water and Power US Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Authority, the Virgin Islands National Guard, Mapp and Commissioner of Tourism Beverly and several private sector organisations. Nicholson-Doty reported today that the cruise “We are very excited to get back home to company would be the first to return to our friends in St Thomas. The Caribbean is St Thomas following back-to-back Category 5 our family, having cruised there for nearly 50 hurricanes that affected the territory last month. years, and the long-standing relationships The news follows last week’s visit by Royal created in all this time are unwavering,” said Caribbean executives to meet with the Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal territory’s public and private sector Caribbean International. “We are committed stakeholders and see first hand the island’s to doing everything we can to help and are port facilities, infrastructure, shopping areas, proud to support the restoration of the iconic and attractions. Magens Bay. “As we move forward from September’s his- “Welcoming cruise visitors back to the US toric storms, we are laser-focused on improving Virgin Islands is key to our economic and enhancing the overall tourism product and creating an environment that stimulates recovery,” Nicholson-Doty said, disclosing economic growth and employment for our that cruise guests represent a significant residents,” commented Mapp as he thanked share of overall visitors, supporting jobs both the executive team at Royal Caribbean for its within and outside the tourism sector. The confidence in the Government and people of commissioner said that preparations for the US Virgin Islands. evacuation of affected visitors and residents resources to help with the restoration of Royal Caribbean’s arrival were ongoing and The line, which operated two mercy and to bring much-needed humanitarian world-famous Magens Bay, one of St additional meetings with the business missions to the territory to assist with the supplies, has been providing significant Thomas’ popular beaches. The clean-up community were being planned. US Virgin Islands getting back to business following September storms THE US Virgin Islands is getting Beach, the golf course, tennis improve, airline schedules are likely and anticipated reopening dates. back to the business of welcoming courts, pool, the spa, and the to normalise. In the interim, pas- The storms’ impact on the Terri- visitors to its shores following Mermaid Restaurant will be sengers are encouraged to check tory’s hotel inventory was not as Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which available for guests. with their airlines for flight times. extensive in St Croix as it was in St struck the territory last month. Additionally, the resort will host “We are working closely with our Thomas and St John. In addition to Commissioner of Tourism the annual St Croix Coral Reef airline partners to ensure there are The Buccaneer, the Caravelle Beverly Nicholson-Doty reported Swim on November 5. Now in its commercial flight services to meet Hotel & Casino, and Tamarind that the airports on St Croix and St 22nd year, the race attracts fitness the needs of our residents, busi- Reef Resort in St Croix are Thomas are now open to swimmers and world-class athletes nesses, visitors, and the numerous currently housing relief workers. commercial flights, and one of the who compete in various swim professionals who are supporting Seaport facilities are open, and Beverly Nicholson-Doty, the flagship hotels on the island of courses, culminating at The the hurricane recovery,” said businesses and attractions are new CTO chairman. St Croix, The Buccaneer, has Buccaneer’s Mermaid Beach. Nicholson-Doty. “We will continue looking forward to welcoming restored. On St John, efforts are announced that it is accepting As discussions with transportation to advocate for expanded service cruise visitors in November. While the clean-up process is ongoing to clear debris, restore reservations for leisure guests arriving partners continue, the Department as more of our hotel properties under way in the town of Frederik- infrastructure, and reopen the on or after November 1, 2017. of Tourism reports that JetBlue reopen and demand begins to grow sted on St Croix, many dining Virgin Islands National Park. The historic property received Airways has resumed commercial in the marketplace,” she said. establishments, stores, and Many of the territory’s beaches minimal damage to its infrastruc- service to the territory. This service In order to assess overall readi- activities are up and running in are getting set to reopen in the ture and has remained open to is in addition to American Airlines ness of the destination to welcome visitors, the Department of Christiansted, on the eastern side weeks ahead, pending the accommodate relief personnel. operations at both the Cyril E. Tourism has met with business of the island. Similarly, shops, completion of water-quality testing The resort team reports that King Airport on St Thomas and leaders in the St Croix and St restaurants, and attractions are by the Department of Planning and while availability is limited due to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Thomas/St John districts and is in ready to welcome customers in St Natural Resources. many rooms being occupied by St Croix, as well as Delta Air Lines the process of conducting an Thomas. The downtown Charlotte For further information, visit federal relief teams, the hotel will and Spirit Airlines service to and assessment of hotels, attractions, Amalie shopping area, including www.usviupdate.com. be fully operational and ready to from St Thomas. Inter-island flights and other visitor-related businesses businesses on Main Street and at The official website to donate to welcome vacationers starting by Air Sunshine, Cape Air, and to determine the extent of damage, the Havensight Mall, is ready to the US Virgin Islands recovery November 1. Key facilities and Seaborne Airlines are also availability of power and water, open, with power and water already effort is www.usvirecovery.org. amenities, including Mermaid operational. As conditions

14 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 experience and are slated to open in October and November,” Griffith revealed, adding that Barbados reports stellar 2017 reopening this winter is the renowned Fairmont Royal Pavilion in November and Sea Breeze Hotel in December. growth at SOTIC Grenada In addition to the new accommodations, the island will ARBADOS REPORTED and 12.1 per cent, respectively. 2018, as well as a new Thomas Cook also welcome the world-acclaimed strong tourist arrivals, a “Meanwhile, cruise arrivals grew direct weekly flight from London luxurious Nikki Beach at Port Fer- Bsuccessful year of sports, and by 20.3 per cent between January Gatwick airport. dinand this winter, as well as the a slew of new activities, attractions and August compared to the same In the US, JetBlue has also first-of-its kind Departure Beach and accommodations on the period in 2016, from a total of 323 announced a new year-round Bar- by Virgin Holidays in May 2018. horizon at the recent State of the cruise calls,” Griffith told the bados-Boston service, and the Tourism Industry Conference gathering. carrier’s Newark service will WINTER MEANS LUXURY (SOTIC 2017) in Grenada. His report was bolstered by an increase from eight to 24 rotations “To promote the diverse and Addressing the media, Barbados exit survey done by the Caribbean this winter. quality offerings in the pipeline, Tourism Marketing Inc’s William Tourism Organisation, showing that Barbados’ winter campaign will NEW AND IMPROVED ‘Billy’ Griffith gave an overview of visitor expenditure between January focus on luxury,” explained how the destination performed and June stood at US$587.7 ACCOMMODATIONS Griffith, noting that the campaign over the past year, and what’s new million, up 5.3 per cent compared Visitors taking advantage of these is geared towards promoting travel for the island. to the same period in 2016. new services this winter will have during the dominant travel period Year-to-date, the island is their pick of new and refurbished of December 2017 to March 2018. reporting growth in both arrival AIRLIFT accommodations, from luxury to “We are targeting the affluent numbers and visitor expenditure. These strong growth trends are adults-only. traveller and will commence in all Arrivals to Barbados between Jan- expected to continue as several new “Sandals Royal Barbados is slated major markets in October.” uary and August 2017 stood at services are added at the Grantley to be opened on December 20, He said a mix of traditional and 453,645, up 7.4 per cent over the Adams International Airport. This 2017. Elegant Hotels’ The House digital marketing tools will same period in 2016, with visitors December, a new twice-weekly and Treasure Beach are both showcase the effortless beauty and from the US and Canada recording Barbados-Heathrow direct service William ‘Billy’ Griffith undergoing extensive luxurious wonder destination the highest growth at 16.4 per cent will be introduced through April renovations to enhance guest Barbados has to offer.

From left: Deputy Mayor Winston Ennis of the Kingston and St Andrew Kingston City Run Municipal Corporation; Christopher Jarrett, chair- man, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Kingston Chapter and co-chairman, Kingston City Run; and Alfred McDonald, senior director, commercial development and planning, Airport Authority of Jamaica.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Deputy Mayor Winston Ennis (left), of Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation and Christopher Jarrett, chairman, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist From left: Joshua Chamberlain, Alpha Boys Institute; Camille Needham, Association Kingston Chapter, review plans for the March 18, 2018 staging of executive director, JHTA; Brother Charles Selridge and Father Hayden Kingston City Run. Augustine of Missionaries of the Poor.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 15 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GLEANER COMPANY (MEDIA) LIMITED • 7 NORTH STREET • KINGSTON • JAMAICA