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WHAT A GWAAN? - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 14
What a gwaan friends, residents and visitors of Jamaica? Be sure to read our gossip page to find out which celebrities have visited the ‘yard’, where the hottest events are taking place and what else is new, so that you can be in the midst of the action. Knowing ‘what a gwaan’ in Jamaica, you will soon be the one spreading the news!
JAMAICA VOTED BEST CARIBBEAN DESTINATION
150,000 readers of the leading U.S. travel industry magazine Travel Weekly cast their votes in 58 categories to vote Jamaica “Best Caribbean Destination” in its 7th Readers’ Choice Awards. The award, which nominated the most outstanding travel product and service in the past 12 months, was announced at a gala dinner at New York City’s Plaza Hotel in December 2009. “This award represents the views of travel industry insiders,” said Arnie Weissmann, Travel Weekly’s Vice President and Editor in Chief. “Travel Weekly’s readership understands what it takes to impress even the most discerning traveler. To be voted a winner in any category is confirmation that American travel agents and their customers view your travel product as one of ‘the best’ in the industry.”
JAMAICANS SHINE AT 2009 REGGAE MARATHON
Celebrity runner Rohan Marley (2:53) certainly enjoyed his Half Marathon run at the 9th Reggae Marathon in Negril, December 2009. Hundreds of runners from 19 countries completed the stunning IAAF-certified course along the towns stunning coastline, lush vegetation and world-famous 7-mile beach. Known for their endurance in short distances, Jamaicans upheld their reputation by dominating the long distance runs. While Rupert Green of St Catherine, Jamaica ran away with the gold in the men’s Full Marathon (2:31:50), Terri Rejimbal from Florida took the Full Marathon women’s gold (3:00:56). In the Half Marathon, Kirk Brown won the men’s gold (1:10:11) while Stacey Bell took the women’s gold (1:31:05).
JANET SILVERA NAMED "BEST NEWS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR"
Senior Reporter and “Hospitality Jamaica” coordinator Janet Silvera of The Gleaner Company was presented with the prestigious Hector Bernard/Theodore Sealy Award at the Press Association of Jamaica’s (PAJ) National Journalism Awards Ceremony in Kingston in December 2009. Silvera received well-deserved praise for her articles on a case of incestuous sexual abuse, articles that the panel of judges noted received numerous letters of response from readers around the globe. Her potential as a writer was quickly discovered after the former Jamaica Tourist Board marketing officer joined The Gleaner Company Limited in 1993. A Senior Reporter for the Caribbean’s historic newspaper, The Gleaner, Silvera was appointed Coordinator of the innovative tourist publication “Hospitality Jamaica” five years ago and forms an integral part of The Gleaner team. President of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), Silvera is a director of the Press Association of Jamaica and has served as director of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Congratulations Janet!
PALMYRA COCKTAIL PARTY AT NEW YORK’S PRESTIGIOUS METROPOLITAN CLUB
Residence owners, media and the “Who’s who” of New York’s Jamaica lovers and travel industry socialized with Palmyra developer Robert Trotta, CEO Markus Deutsch and General Manager Lester Scott at a pre-Christmas cocktail party held at the Big Apple’s landmark Metropolitan Club on December 3, 2009. Former US Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda LaGrange Johnson, Jamaican Consul General to the US Geneive Brown Metzger, American television personality and model Whitney Port, Michele Rollins of Rose Hall Developments, and three time Winter Olympian, Jamaican Bobsled Team Captain Devon Harris were among the people who socialized with The Palmyra team at the prestigious Manhattan venue. Reggae music, good company and a short video of this stunning new resort community, made the crowd forget all about the cold temperatures outside.
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS ADDS MORE AIRLIFT TO JAMAICA
AirTran Airways has added daily nonstop flights to Montego Bay from Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington DC, as well as a nonstop flight service from Orlando four days per week with connecting service from more than 40 other AirTran cities. “We are extremely excited to connect Atlanta, Baltimore and Orlando, in fact, almost our entire network to the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay,” said Kevin Healy, senior vice president, marketing and planning. With its Atlanta hub, AirTran Airways is the leading and largest low-fare carrier to winter sun destinations such as Cancun, Mexico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Phoenix, Las Vegas, New Orleans and nine cities in Florida. www.airtran.com
JAMAICAN SKIER TAKES TO THE SLOPES IN CANADA
Another Jamaican is ready to stun the world “a la Jamaican Bobsled” by competing in a sport that just does not match the sunny climate of Jamaica. Born in the United States to a Jamaican father and American mother, 23year-old Errol Kerr is representing Jamaica in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, competing in the discipline of Freestyle Skiing. Featured at the Olympics for the first time, Freestyle Skiing competitors ski down a course with jumps, rollers and banks, travelling at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Kerr has the love and support of the Jamaican people behind him. He is ready to scale mountains and tackle anything the Olympics throw at him to represent Jamaican in the world of skiing. Explains Kerr, “Jamaica is the land of my father; it’s in my DNA.” www.errolkerr.com
PALMYRA HOSTS JAMAICA JAZZ & BLUES MEDIA RECEPTION
International media mingled with the movers and shakers from the tourism industry at The Palmyra, A Solis Resort & Spa, on the second night of the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. The resort’s beautiful white sand beach was decorated with cozy cabanas, seating areas, flowers and tiki torches, showing off The Palmyra’s iconic pavilion as the backdrop for the stage. Welcomed by the General Manager Lester Scott, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett took to the stage, pointing out the uniqueness of Jamaica as a destination, The Palmyra’s importance to the tourism industry and the significance of the developer having been granted the first casino license on the island. The 200 visitors were entertained by Jazz songbird and actress Karen Holness, followed by the sweet sounds of John Saxx’s saxophone, who enchanted the crowd until sunset. Apart from the beautiful setting, it is rumored that the ladies were most impressed by the complimentary sandals allowing them to take their shoes off before going onto the beach, while the men were won over by the complimentary shoeshine.
ACTOR MICHAEL WEATHERLY TAKES IN A ‘TASTE OF TRYALL’
American actor Michael Weatherly Jr. was spotted mingling with the crowds at ‘Taste of Tryall’, a culinary benefit event at the prestigious Tryall Club in November 2009. Famous for his role as Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on the TV series “NCIS”, Weatherly first gained notoriety for his role as Logan Cale in the TV series “Dark Angel”. The actor enjoyed the best in Jamaican cuisine, showcased by the property’s many skilled Chef’s, who had pulled out all the stops to create their favorite recipes. A silent auction of artwork, jewelry and other unique items raised funds for the Tryall Foundation, which provides educational scholarships and undertakes health initiatives through the development of an early intervention program.
JAMAICA VOTED BEST CARIBBEAN DESTINATION
150,000 readers of the leading U.S. travel industry magazine Travel Weekly cast their votes in 58 categories to vote Jamaica “Best Caribbean Destination” in its 7th Readers’ Choice Awards. The award, which nominated the most outstanding travel product and service in the past 12 months, was announced at a gala dinner at New York City’s Plaza Hotel in December 2009. “This award represents the views of travel industry insiders,” said Arnie Weissmann, Travel Weekly’s Vice President and Editor in Chief. “Travel Weekly’s readership understands what it takes to impress even the most discerning traveler. To be voted a winner in any category is confirmation that American travel agents and their customers view your travel product as one of ‘the best’ in the industry.”
JAMAICANS SHINE AT 2009 REGGAE MARATHON
Celebrity runner Rohan Marley (2:53) certainly enjoyed his Half Marathon run at the 9th Reggae Marathon in Negril, December 2009. Hundreds of runners from 19 countries completed the stunning IAAF-certified course along the towns stunning coastline, lush vegetation and world-famous 7-mile beach. Known for their endurance in short distances, Jamaicans upheld their reputation by dominating the long distance runs. While Rupert Green of St Catherine, Jamaica ran away with the gold in the men’s Full Marathon (2:31:50), Terri Rejimbal from Florida took the Full Marathon women’s gold (3:00:56). In the Half Marathon, Kirk Brown won the men’s gold (1:10:11) while Stacey Bell took the women’s gold (1:31:05).
JANET SILVERA NAMED "BEST NEWS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR"
Senior Reporter and “Hospitality Jamaica” coordinator Janet Silvera of The Gleaner Company was presented with the prestigious Hector Bernard/Theodore Sealy Award at the Press Association of Jamaica’s (PAJ) National Journalism Awards Ceremony in Kingston in December 2009. Silvera received well-deserved praise for her articles on a case of incestuous sexual abuse, articles that the panel of judges noted received numerous letters of response from readers around the globe. Her potential as a writer was quickly discovered after the former Jamaica Tourist Board marketing officer joined The Gleaner Company Limited in 1993. A Senior Reporter for the Caribbean’s historic newspaper, The Gleaner, Silvera was appointed Coordinator of the innovative tourist publication “Hospitality Jamaica” five years ago and forms an integral part of The Gleaner team. President of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), Silvera is a director of the Press Association of Jamaica and has served as director of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Congratulations Janet!
PALMYRA COCKTAIL PARTY AT NEW YORK’S PRESTIGIOUS METROPOLITAN CLUB
Residence owners, media and the “Who’s who” of New York’s Jamaica lovers and travel industry socialized with Palmyra developer Robert Trotta, CEO Markus Deutsch and General Manager Lester Scott at a pre-Christmas cocktail party held at the Big Apple’s landmark Metropolitan Club on December 3, 2009. Former US Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda LaGrange Johnson, Jamaican Consul General to the US Geneive Brown Metzger, American television personality and model Whitney Port, Michele Rollins of Rose Hall Developments, and three time Winter Olympian, Jamaican Bobsled Team Captain Devon Harris were among the people who socialized with The Palmyra team at the prestigious Manhattan venue. Reggae music, good company and a short video of this stunning new resort community, made the crowd forget all about the cold temperatures outside.
AIRTRAN AIRWAYS ADDS MORE AIRLIFT TO JAMAICA
AirTran Airways has added daily nonstop flights to Montego Bay from Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington DC, as well as a nonstop flight service from Orlando four days per week with connecting service from more than 40 other AirTran cities. “We are extremely excited to connect Atlanta, Baltimore and Orlando, in fact, almost our entire network to the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay,” said Kevin Healy, senior vice president, marketing and planning. With its Atlanta hub, AirTran Airways is the leading and largest low-fare carrier to winter sun destinations such as Cancun, Mexico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Phoenix, Las Vegas, New Orleans and nine cities in Florida. www.airtran.com
JAMAICAN SKIER TAKES TO THE SLOPES IN CANADA
Another Jamaican is ready to stun the world “a la Jamaican Bobsled” by competing in a sport that just does not match the sunny climate of Jamaica. Born in the United States to a Jamaican father and American mother, 23year-old Errol Kerr is representing Jamaica in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, competing in the discipline of Freestyle Skiing. Featured at the Olympics for the first time, Freestyle Skiing competitors ski down a course with jumps, rollers and banks, travelling at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Kerr has the love and support of the Jamaican people behind him. He is ready to scale mountains and tackle anything the Olympics throw at him to represent Jamaican in the world of skiing. Explains Kerr, “Jamaica is the land of my father; it’s in my DNA.” www.errolkerr.com
PALMYRA HOSTS JAMAICA JAZZ & BLUES MEDIA RECEPTION
International media mingled with the movers and shakers from the tourism industry at The Palmyra, A Solis Resort & Spa, on the second night of the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. The resort’s beautiful white sand beach was decorated with cozy cabanas, seating areas, flowers and tiki torches, showing off The Palmyra’s iconic pavilion as the backdrop for the stage. Welcomed by the General Manager Lester Scott, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett took to the stage, pointing out the uniqueness of Jamaica as a destination, The Palmyra’s importance to the tourism industry and the significance of the developer having been granted the first casino license on the island. The 200 visitors were entertained by Jazz songbird and actress Karen Holness, followed by the sweet sounds of John Saxx’s saxophone, who enchanted the crowd until sunset. Apart from the beautiful setting, it is rumored that the ladies were most impressed by the complimentary sandals allowing them to take their shoes off before going onto the beach, while the men were won over by the complimentary shoeshine.
ACTOR MICHAEL WEATHERLY TAKES IN A ‘TASTE OF TRYALL’
American actor Michael Weatherly Jr. was spotted mingling with the crowds at ‘Taste of Tryall’, a culinary benefit event at the prestigious Tryall Club in November 2009. Famous for his role as Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on the TV series “NCIS”, Weatherly first gained notoriety for his role as Logan Cale in the TV series “Dark Angel”. The actor enjoyed the best in Jamaican cuisine, showcased by the property’s many skilled Chef’s, who had pulled out all the stops to create their favorite recipes. A silent auction of artwork, jewelry and other unique items raised funds for the Tryall Foundation, which provides educational scholarships and undertakes health initiatives through the development of an early intervention program.
