WHAT A GWAAN? - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 15
While newspapers, magazines, television, radio and the internet are powerful mediums of transmitting news, nothing beats ‘word of mouth’. Our ‘What A Gwaan?’ page helps you to keep up with the latest happenings, news and gossip.
JIMMY BUFFETT FIRST INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TO BOSCOBEL AERODROM
Expected to become Jamaica’s third international airport, the Boscobel Aerodrome near Ocho Rios welcomed its first international flight May 7, 2010. Singer/ songwriter and businessman Jimmy Buffet of Margaritaville became the first international passenger to be processed by customs and immigration after flying in from the Bahamas on his private jet. No stranger to the North Coast, Buffett was elated to be the first person to get his passport stamped at the aerodrome, scheduled to be commissioned as Jamaica’s third international airport in July 2010. “It was a thrill flying directly into Boscobel,” said Buffett, who predicted that the new airport will have a big effect on business in the area. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, Chris Blackwell of Island Outpost and representatives of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) were on hand to welcome Buffett.
2010 PINEAPPLE BALL IN MIAMI OCTOBER 15TH
The 10th Pineapple Ball will be held at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden on Biscayne Bay in Miami October 15, 2010. Under sparkling stars and swaying palms, Pineapple Ball patrons will experience a magical evening starting with a twilight champagne trolley garden tour at 6:30 pm followed by a fantastic gourmet meal with fine wines and spirits created by international celebrity Chef Cindy Hutson of ‘Ortanique on the Mile’. The Presentation of the 2010 Award of Excellence to renowned marine biologist Dr. Guy Harvey, and a Silent Auction featuring Jamaican vacations, original artwork, crafts and collectibles forms part of the elegant dinner & dance evening. Table reservations can be made with jamaicacommittee@aol.com, call 305-829-7706 or 371-4382 (Jamaica).
LPGA MOJO 6 PLAYERS CELEBRATE AT PALMYRA
Winner of April’s LPGA tournament Swedish pro Anna Nordqvist, US golfer Christina Kim, Beatriz Recari from Spain and teen golf prodigy Mariah Stackhouse were among the lady pro-golfers who danced night away with sand between their toes at the MOJO 6 Farewell Celebration, sponsored and hosted by The Palmyra Resort & Spa. Showcasing the best of Jamaican hospitality, the Palmyra beach cove was decorated with tiki torches, Bali beds, cozy sitting areas backed by groovy reggae music by local band ‘Scotch’, creating the perfect ending to a successful event!
ANOTHER SPLENDID RESCUE BY THE ANIMAL HOUSE
Hats off to The Animal House for the successful rescue of a mutt, very appropriately named “Lucky”. Surviving on scraps of food tossed to her by tourists in Negril, the abandoned dog’s situation grew even worse when she delivered four fragile, very pretty puppies, one of which died. Acting on the tip of a visitor, The Animal House came to the rescue and brought Lucky and her brood to its Ocho Rios sanctuary. Two days later another tourist rescued a puppy the same age as Lucky’s and after only a brief moment of hesitation, she took the orphan as if it was her own. Adopted by the couple that reported her plight, Lucky and her offspring were at MBJ Airport awaiting their flight to their new home in Rhode Island only eight weeks later. Adoption inquiries, visits and donations are welcomed. Call 801-8386 or visit theanimalhousejamaica.org.
CHUKKA CARIBBEAN WINS TOURISM SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Chukka Caribbean Adventures won two of the 2010 “Tourism Service Excellence Awards” for the Montego Bay resort area. Created in 2008, the “Tourism Service Excellence Awards” recognizes the very best men, women and organizations in Jamaica’s tourist industry. One of Chukka’s outstanding supervisors and ATV lead guides, Jamaal Morrison was recognized for his determination to get the job done. We are incredibly proud of these awards,” said John Byles, Co-Managing Director. “The JTB recognized that Chukka Caribbean Adventures goes the extra mile in providing exceptional service to our customers. This dedication is embraced by each of our employees as well, which is why we are thrilled to see Jamaal receive this award.” Known for developing new and unique adventure experiences in the Caribbean, Chukka recently received the World Travel Award as the “Caribbean’s Leading Nature Adventure Excursion Operator” for the third consecutive year. Call 953-6699 or visit www.chukkacaribbean.com.
LILY ALLEN IS PLANNING TO BUILD HER OWN HOLIDAY HOME IN JAMAICA
Known for hits such as Smile and The Fear, British singer and Grammy nominee Lily Allen, has told pals she wants a getaway on a stretch of beach she owns. “She’ll spend a few months there every year,” a source told Britain’s Daily Star newspaper. Lily (24) who is currently dating construction worker Sam Cooper, said last month that she’s desperate to become a mother and have a quiet life. “I just want to have babies and live in the countryside, that’s my goal really,” she revealed. “I’m not a careerist, what I really want is to be a mum. I am driven, but that drive goes as far as keeping a roof over my head and having a routine. “I have been in a relationship for six or seven months now and it’s going really well, so why not?”
BRITISH AIRWAYS INTRODUCES NEW PRIVATE JET SERVICE
British Airways (BA) is introducing a new private jet service for travelers that are flying between North America and the Caribbean. “PrivateConnect” will offer private jet travel on a pay-per-trip basis and customers will have access to a fleet of private jets operated by CitationAir and Cessna Aircraft Company. Said Robert Boyle, BA Director of Strategy and Business Units, “We are offering our customers a seamless service that covers most destination in the United States,Caribbean, Southern Canada and Mexico. Travelers can fly when and where they want to in the luxury and privacy of their very own private jet.” www.citationair.com/PrivateConnect.
MR. MOTIVATOR RIDES AGAIN
Join Mr. Motivator, Derrick Evans, from September 30 - October 8, 2010, for the 380 km “Jamaican Cycle Challenge” across Jamaica. A Jamaican-born exercise instructor, Evans made his name in the United Kingdom with his famous appearances on the UK breakfast television show GMT. During the Jamaican Cycle Challenge, Evans will be working with Marie Curie to raise awareness and funds for cancer care. www.mariecurie.org.uk/events/cycling/Jamaica.
JIMMY BUFFETT FIRST INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TO BOSCOBEL AERODROM
Expected to become Jamaica’s third international airport, the Boscobel Aerodrome near Ocho Rios welcomed its first international flight May 7, 2010. Singer/ songwriter and businessman Jimmy Buffet of Margaritaville became the first international passenger to be processed by customs and immigration after flying in from the Bahamas on his private jet. No stranger to the North Coast, Buffett was elated to be the first person to get his passport stamped at the aerodrome, scheduled to be commissioned as Jamaica’s third international airport in July 2010. “It was a thrill flying directly into Boscobel,” said Buffett, who predicted that the new airport will have a big effect on business in the area. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, Chris Blackwell of Island Outpost and representatives of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) were on hand to welcome Buffett.
2010 PINEAPPLE BALL IN MIAMI OCTOBER 15TH
The 10th Pineapple Ball will be held at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden on Biscayne Bay in Miami October 15, 2010. Under sparkling stars and swaying palms, Pineapple Ball patrons will experience a magical evening starting with a twilight champagne trolley garden tour at 6:30 pm followed by a fantastic gourmet meal with fine wines and spirits created by international celebrity Chef Cindy Hutson of ‘Ortanique on the Mile’. The Presentation of the 2010 Award of Excellence to renowned marine biologist Dr. Guy Harvey, and a Silent Auction featuring Jamaican vacations, original artwork, crafts and collectibles forms part of the elegant dinner & dance evening. Table reservations can be made with jamaicacommittee@aol.com, call 305-829-7706 or 371-4382 (Jamaica).
LPGA MOJO 6 PLAYERS CELEBRATE AT PALMYRA
Winner of April’s LPGA tournament Swedish pro Anna Nordqvist, US golfer Christina Kim, Beatriz Recari from Spain and teen golf prodigy Mariah Stackhouse were among the lady pro-golfers who danced night away with sand between their toes at the MOJO 6 Farewell Celebration, sponsored and hosted by The Palmyra Resort & Spa. Showcasing the best of Jamaican hospitality, the Palmyra beach cove was decorated with tiki torches, Bali beds, cozy sitting areas backed by groovy reggae music by local band ‘Scotch’, creating the perfect ending to a successful event!
ANOTHER SPLENDID RESCUE BY THE ANIMAL HOUSE
Hats off to The Animal House for the successful rescue of a mutt, very appropriately named “Lucky”. Surviving on scraps of food tossed to her by tourists in Negril, the abandoned dog’s situation grew even worse when she delivered four fragile, very pretty puppies, one of which died. Acting on the tip of a visitor, The Animal House came to the rescue and brought Lucky and her brood to its Ocho Rios sanctuary. Two days later another tourist rescued a puppy the same age as Lucky’s and after only a brief moment of hesitation, she took the orphan as if it was her own. Adopted by the couple that reported her plight, Lucky and her offspring were at MBJ Airport awaiting their flight to their new home in Rhode Island only eight weeks later. Adoption inquiries, visits and donations are welcomed. Call 801-8386 or visit theanimalhousejamaica.org.
CHUKKA CARIBBEAN WINS TOURISM SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Chukka Caribbean Adventures won two of the 2010 “Tourism Service Excellence Awards” for the Montego Bay resort area. Created in 2008, the “Tourism Service Excellence Awards” recognizes the very best men, women and organizations in Jamaica’s tourist industry. One of Chukka’s outstanding supervisors and ATV lead guides, Jamaal Morrison was recognized for his determination to get the job done. We are incredibly proud of these awards,” said John Byles, Co-Managing Director. “The JTB recognized that Chukka Caribbean Adventures goes the extra mile in providing exceptional service to our customers. This dedication is embraced by each of our employees as well, which is why we are thrilled to see Jamaal receive this award.” Known for developing new and unique adventure experiences in the Caribbean, Chukka recently received the World Travel Award as the “Caribbean’s Leading Nature Adventure Excursion Operator” for the third consecutive year. Call 953-6699 or visit www.chukkacaribbean.com.
LILY ALLEN IS PLANNING TO BUILD HER OWN HOLIDAY HOME IN JAMAICA
Known for hits such as Smile and The Fear, British singer and Grammy nominee Lily Allen, has told pals she wants a getaway on a stretch of beach she owns. “She’ll spend a few months there every year,” a source told Britain’s Daily Star newspaper. Lily (24) who is currently dating construction worker Sam Cooper, said last month that she’s desperate to become a mother and have a quiet life. “I just want to have babies and live in the countryside, that’s my goal really,” she revealed. “I’m not a careerist, what I really want is to be a mum. I am driven, but that drive goes as far as keeping a roof over my head and having a routine. “I have been in a relationship for six or seven months now and it’s going really well, so why not?”
BRITISH AIRWAYS INTRODUCES NEW PRIVATE JET SERVICE
British Airways (BA) is introducing a new private jet service for travelers that are flying between North America and the Caribbean. “PrivateConnect” will offer private jet travel on a pay-per-trip basis and customers will have access to a fleet of private jets operated by CitationAir and Cessna Aircraft Company. Said Robert Boyle, BA Director of Strategy and Business Units, “We are offering our customers a seamless service that covers most destination in the United States,Caribbean, Southern Canada and Mexico. Travelers can fly when and where they want to in the luxury and privacy of their very own private jet.” www.citationair.com/PrivateConnect.
MR. MOTIVATOR RIDES AGAIN
Join Mr. Motivator, Derrick Evans, from September 30 - October 8, 2010, for the 380 km “Jamaican Cycle Challenge” across Jamaica. A Jamaican-born exercise instructor, Evans made his name in the United Kingdom with his famous appearances on the UK breakfast television show GMT. During the Jamaican Cycle Challenge, Evans will be working with Marie Curie to raise awareness and funds for cancer care. www.mariecurie.org.uk/events/cycling/Jamaica.










