WHAT A GWAAN? - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 12
The islanders always have a story to tell and usually, the best way to get the latest gossip is through the local grapevine, on the streets of Jamaica. Learn about the hottest parties, what stars will be performing at the next Reggae Sumfest and whose yachts are docked in the harbour. As the saying goes: “where there is smoke - there is fire”, but if you need a more reliable source, be sure to read “What A Gwaan?”
GLITZY TOURISM SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS SETS HIGH BAR
History was created at Montego Bay’s The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall on April 24 when Fiona Hartley, Room Attendant at Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club and Island Car Rental were named the winners of the first ever National Tourism Service Excellence awards in Jamaica. Created by the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies, the event will be held annually identifying individuals and organizations which consistently surpass the standards of service. Said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, “Those who achieve excellence are a very special breed. It is important that the spirit of excellence is kept at the forefront, as tourism continues to be a driving force for Jamaica.”
ROSE HALL TRIATHLON SET FOR OCTOBER 31, 2009
Olympians Greg and Laura Bennett will return to Jamaica for the 2009 WATA Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival. Greg’s aim is to defend the championship title, while wife Laura has promised to compete for the number one spot. The power couple will compete against Triathletes from across the world in the international event, which comprises a 1500m ocean swim which commences at the Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a Hilton Resort, a 23k bike race and a 10k run through the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. With the addition of a kid’s triathlon, this year’s event will be a real family affair, topped off by a Halloween party at the Rose Hall Great House. For more information contact Janet Silvera, 838-2110 or 392-6566, www.rosehalltriathlon.com.
NEW WEBSITE ASSISTS WITH PLANNING OF DREAM WEDDINGS
Recently launched, Islandbridejamaica.com helps brides wanting to get married in Jamaica with a one-stop shop to chose caterers, photographers, cake decorators, wedding planners, florists and other “big day” essentials. Simply fill out the online form and a representative will suggest the best professionals on the island in less than 24 hours. Island Bride Jamaica also offers three different packages of concierge services: from basic guidance and suggestions to the ultimate in wedding planning, including venue scouting, itinerary planning, the booking of hotel accommodations and the sourcing of complimentary welcome gifts. www.islandbridejamaica.com
UNIQUE BOB MARLEY ART PRINTS FROM URBAN IMAGE
To celebrate Island Record’s 50th anniversary, Urban Image is offering an exclusive selection of unique art prints for music lovers. Fabulous prints of Bob Marley and the island whose crescent-shaped beaches and dramatic Blue Mountains provided the striking backdrop for a strong musical ethos and chilled way of life are available. These iconic images, which captured a rare moment of music history, can be yours to purchase as signed limited edition prints. www.urbanimage.tv/island50
JAMAICA ANNOUNCES CREATION OF CULINARY JERK TRAIL
Jamaica’s most famous culinary export, Jerk, has drawn visitors from all over the world looking to sample this delicious style and flavor of cooking. Now, visitors follow the trail and eat their way through Jamaica sampling this cuisine on the brand new Jerk Trail a new, spicy attraction recently announced by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. With 10 tasting stops, the trail includes the Ultimate Jerk Center in Discovery Bay, Scotchie’s in Drax Hall and the famous Boston Jerk in Boston Bay and takes visitors to Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston, prior to ending in the home of Jerk – Portland. For more information on participating in this culinary adventure, go to www.visitjamaica.com/jerk.
ANNUAL PINEAPPLE BALL SET FOR OCTOBER 3, 2009
Mark your calendars for this year’s Pineapple Ball, set to take place at the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort Rose Hall on October 3, 2009. Organized by the Jamaica Committee, a non-profit organization, proceeds from the Pineapple Ball are distributed to individuals in Jamaica, mainly for the purpose of education. For more information, please contact Moyra Fitzroy at 371- 4382, e-mail: moyraf@aol.com or Cheryl Lyon at c.lyon@rosehall.com.
MICHELE ROLLINS HONORED BY AFJ
Philanthropic business woman Mrs. Michele Rollins was the 2009 recipient of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) International Humanitarian Award, at the annual South Florida gala held on May 16 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Coconut Grove. Described as a humanitarian, Mrs. Rollins was honored for her role in developing the island’s tourist industry since the 70s in the form of job creation, the provision of housing, contributions to several causes in the fields of children’s welfare, education and healthcare as well as her part in strengthening ties between Jamaica and the US. Presenting the award, former USA Ambassador to Jamaica and chairperson of the AJF, Her Excellency Sue Cobb, said that through her work in Montego Bay, Mrs. Rollins has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the people of Jamaica. www.theafj.org
AMY WINEHOUSE TO MOVE TO JAMAICA
After spending several happy months in St. Lucia, ‘Rehab’ singer Amy Winehouse is planning to record her long-awaited third album in Jamaica. The artist, who is reported to have written most of the new album already, is rumoured to have told her label that she wants to record the album in the home of reggae legend Bob Marley. Island Records, seems happy with her request and so, all is set for the rebel singer to record on the idyllic island.
BRITISH AIRWAYS ADDS FLIGHTS LONDON - MONTEGO BAY
Beginning October 25, 2009, British Airways is adding a twice weekly service between London Gatwick and Montego Bay Sangster International Airport. The non-stop flights will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays, and is a welcome addition to BAs London - Kingston flights, which operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. According to the airline, service will increase to five per week eventually. For bookings and additional information, visit www.britishairways.com.
JAMAICA CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF JETBLUE’S NONSTOP SERVICE
Jamaica spiced up JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport on May 21, as island-style celebrations took place for the airline’s inaugural flight to Montego Bay. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism John Lynch were present at the morning festivities and participated in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with JetBlue’s Senior Vice President of Customer Services Rob Maruster and JetBlue crew members, many of which were from the Jamaican Diaspora in the greater New York area. “We are delighted that JetBlue is operating daily flights to Jamaica. The new service illustrates our continued efforts to attract more air carriers to Jamaica, thus making it an even more accessible destination for travelers,” said Minister Bartlett. To book visit www.jetblue.com or call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583).
GLITZY TOURISM SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS SETS HIGH BAR
History was created at Montego Bay’s The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall on April 24 when Fiona Hartley, Room Attendant at Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club and Island Car Rental were named the winners of the first ever National Tourism Service Excellence awards in Jamaica. Created by the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies, the event will be held annually identifying individuals and organizations which consistently surpass the standards of service. Said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, “Those who achieve excellence are a very special breed. It is important that the spirit of excellence is kept at the forefront, as tourism continues to be a driving force for Jamaica.”
ROSE HALL TRIATHLON SET FOR OCTOBER 31, 2009
Olympians Greg and Laura Bennett will return to Jamaica for the 2009 WATA Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival. Greg’s aim is to defend the championship title, while wife Laura has promised to compete for the number one spot. The power couple will compete against Triathletes from across the world in the international event, which comprises a 1500m ocean swim which commences at the Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a Hilton Resort, a 23k bike race and a 10k run through the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. With the addition of a kid’s triathlon, this year’s event will be a real family affair, topped off by a Halloween party at the Rose Hall Great House. For more information contact Janet Silvera, 838-2110 or 392-6566, www.rosehalltriathlon.com.
NEW WEBSITE ASSISTS WITH PLANNING OF DREAM WEDDINGS
Recently launched, Islandbridejamaica.com helps brides wanting to get married in Jamaica with a one-stop shop to chose caterers, photographers, cake decorators, wedding planners, florists and other “big day” essentials. Simply fill out the online form and a representative will suggest the best professionals on the island in less than 24 hours. Island Bride Jamaica also offers three different packages of concierge services: from basic guidance and suggestions to the ultimate in wedding planning, including venue scouting, itinerary planning, the booking of hotel accommodations and the sourcing of complimentary welcome gifts. www.islandbridejamaica.com
UNIQUE BOB MARLEY ART PRINTS FROM URBAN IMAGE
To celebrate Island Record’s 50th anniversary, Urban Image is offering an exclusive selection of unique art prints for music lovers. Fabulous prints of Bob Marley and the island whose crescent-shaped beaches and dramatic Blue Mountains provided the striking backdrop for a strong musical ethos and chilled way of life are available. These iconic images, which captured a rare moment of music history, can be yours to purchase as signed limited edition prints. www.urbanimage.tv/island50
JAMAICA ANNOUNCES CREATION OF CULINARY JERK TRAIL
Jamaica’s most famous culinary export, Jerk, has drawn visitors from all over the world looking to sample this delicious style and flavor of cooking. Now, visitors follow the trail and eat their way through Jamaica sampling this cuisine on the brand new Jerk Trail a new, spicy attraction recently announced by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. With 10 tasting stops, the trail includes the Ultimate Jerk Center in Discovery Bay, Scotchie’s in Drax Hall and the famous Boston Jerk in Boston Bay and takes visitors to Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston, prior to ending in the home of Jerk – Portland. For more information on participating in this culinary adventure, go to www.visitjamaica.com/jerk.
ANNUAL PINEAPPLE BALL SET FOR OCTOBER 3, 2009
Mark your calendars for this year’s Pineapple Ball, set to take place at the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort Rose Hall on October 3, 2009. Organized by the Jamaica Committee, a non-profit organization, proceeds from the Pineapple Ball are distributed to individuals in Jamaica, mainly for the purpose of education. For more information, please contact Moyra Fitzroy at 371- 4382, e-mail: moyraf@aol.com or Cheryl Lyon at c.lyon@rosehall.com.
MICHELE ROLLINS HONORED BY AFJ
Philanthropic business woman Mrs. Michele Rollins was the 2009 recipient of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) International Humanitarian Award, at the annual South Florida gala held on May 16 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Coconut Grove. Described as a humanitarian, Mrs. Rollins was honored for her role in developing the island’s tourist industry since the 70s in the form of job creation, the provision of housing, contributions to several causes in the fields of children’s welfare, education and healthcare as well as her part in strengthening ties between Jamaica and the US. Presenting the award, former USA Ambassador to Jamaica and chairperson of the AJF, Her Excellency Sue Cobb, said that through her work in Montego Bay, Mrs. Rollins has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the people of Jamaica. www.theafj.org
AMY WINEHOUSE TO MOVE TO JAMAICA
After spending several happy months in St. Lucia, ‘Rehab’ singer Amy Winehouse is planning to record her long-awaited third album in Jamaica. The artist, who is reported to have written most of the new album already, is rumoured to have told her label that she wants to record the album in the home of reggae legend Bob Marley. Island Records, seems happy with her request and so, all is set for the rebel singer to record on the idyllic island.
BRITISH AIRWAYS ADDS FLIGHTS LONDON - MONTEGO BAY
Beginning October 25, 2009, British Airways is adding a twice weekly service between London Gatwick and Montego Bay Sangster International Airport. The non-stop flights will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays, and is a welcome addition to BAs London - Kingston flights, which operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. According to the airline, service will increase to five per week eventually. For bookings and additional information, visit www.britishairways.com.
JAMAICA CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF JETBLUE’S NONSTOP SERVICE
Jamaica spiced up JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport on May 21, as island-style celebrations took place for the airline’s inaugural flight to Montego Bay. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism John Lynch were present at the morning festivities and participated in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with JetBlue’s Senior Vice President of Customer Services Rob Maruster and JetBlue crew members, many of which were from the Jamaican Diaspora in the greater New York area. “We are delighted that JetBlue is operating daily flights to Jamaica. The new service illustrates our continued efforts to attract more air carriers to Jamaica, thus making it an even more accessible destination for travelers,” said Minister Bartlett. To book visit www.jetblue.com or call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583).
