Noel Thompson, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

The memories of the late John Pringle, founder of the prestigious Round Hill Hotel in Hanover, were rekindled at a ceremony on the property last Thursday.

The intimate affair saw in total, 15 family members headed by Mr. Pringle's widow, Liz ,and close friends and a few staff from the hotel, including managing director Josef Forstmayr, in attendance.

Photo by Muna Issa - John Pringle in 2003.

The ceremony was held primarily to rename the Round Hill Drive - the main driveway leading unto the property as the 'John Pringle Drive.

EYES welled with tears

As Round Hill's general manager Omar Robinson read a citation in honour of the late tourism stalwart, Mrs. Pringle's eyes welled with tears.

A few minutes later, she unveiled the sign with the assistance of Mr. Forstmayr, as the entourage looked on.

Mr. Robinson said the late John Pringle was one of the men who had laid down unshakable bricks in support of Jamaica's tourism industry.

"John Pringle was the foremost Caribbean hotelier in his day. Today we proudly salute him for the foundation he had laid down," Robinson said.

Mr. Forstmayr said upon the passing of Mr. Pringle in December last year, there was an overwhelming demand from staff that something should be named in his honour. He said it was an instant desire of staff and shareholders.

a brilliant stroke

"John was the inspiration for Round Hill and it is endowed with his philosophy and spirit. This is one of the few resorts worldwide that has been able to maintain its standard as when it opened 54 years ago," said the resort's managing director.

Noted the uniqueness of the property, he described as it as a brilliant stroke, which has been copied by many other resorts across the Caribbean. "John is a constant reminder of what we are, where we are and where we will be in the future."

In 1953, John Pringle opened up the Round Hill Hotel, which was a tremendous success, attracting people from all across the globe. The property gained international recognition through cover stories in Time and Life magazines.

Mr. Pringle was appointed Jamaica's first Director of Tourism in 1963 and served for four years. Years later he was conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) and CBE (Commander of the British Empire). He died at age 80, in London, England after a long illness.