Two splendid years of 'Hospitality Jamaica'

Believe it or not, it has been two years since Hospitality Jamaica had its official launch at Half Moon in Montego Bay.

An important emissary of this publication who was with us that historical day - Ken Kennedy - is gone to another place, but his memory lives on.

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Those of us at the Western Bureau, from where this very necessary publication is coordinated, will always remember the feisty English man who read everything placed on your desk, even upside down. We will also remember his zest and determination to see Hospitality Jamaica integrated into the fabric of Jamaican history, and, moreso, that it continues to highlight happenings within the industry not only across the region, but globally.

I have no doubt that you, our readers, will embrace the fact that this second anniversary publication commences a Spanish column catering to persons who wish to familiarise themselves with the language and to the hundreds of Spanish-speaking people residing in Jamaica.

I also know that Ken Kennedy would have been proud of the team at Hospitality Jamaica.

At the Gleaner Company, we are continuously discovering innovative and creative ways of satisfying the thousands of readers who find time to open our pages, and a Spanish column is our latest addition.

As you'd expect in two years, we have captured a niche market of dedicated readers, not only those being trained in the hospitality industry, but our university and college students. I make special mention of students because they are our future leaders.

Hospitality Jamaica is well read because we are unique, exciting and fresh. We have mastered the art of getting news that others will never be aware of unless they read it here first. We attend every major tourism conference whether in the Caribbean, the United States or England, just so you, our readers, can get a taste and feel of the ingredients that make up this fabulous industry.

In the same breath, we wish to welcome Mrs. Martha Corbett-Baugh, a Cuban/Jamaican who will translate our Spanish column.

In the meantime, we could not have made these giant steps without the people who believed and continuously encouraged us. They include Half Moon's Myrtle Dwyer; Margaritaville's Brian Jardim; Couple's Alex Ghisays; Point Village's Evelyn Smith and chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Dennis Morrison.

JAMPRO embraced us early in the game; SuperClubs' Zein Nackash felt we deserved an award for our hard work, Carmen Patterson congratulated us every step of the way and many of the industry's best tried to ensure our survival.

With all that has been said, we will die like the small hoteliers who say they are unable to remain viable, if we don't get the support of the entire tourist industry.

On behalf of our whole team, thank you for reading us today.

Send us your comments at janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com