'I felt that this was my year' Half Moon hotel's 2006 Employee of the Year



William Pearce (left), third-generation shareholder and director of Half Moon, Montego Bay presents the 'Employee of the Year' award to Jason Mowatt, senior audio visual technician at the Half Moon Conference Centre

He smiles easily and has the gait of a self- assured, poised professional, very comfortable in his own skin. Meet audio technician Jason Mowatt, he is Half Moon hotel's 2006 Employee of the Year.

"I had a feeling this would be my year," he said with a smile. "I have been nominated three times in the past - 2002, 2004 - and last year I was nominated as an outstanding nominee."

Performs above standards

"And rightly so, says," his immediate supervisor, conference centre manager Elvis Malahoo. "Jason goes above and beyond. He consistently exemplifies Half Moon's core RICH values of respect, integrity, certainty and honesty. He always performs his duties above standard and can be relied on at all times."

And so, last Friday, in the midst of his peers and to rousing applause, Mowatt walked up to the podium and collected for his outstanding efforts, prizes that exceeded $100,000, including round trip tickets to the United States, and a home theatre system among other prizes.

"I was very happy that evening," he said. "I was a little nervous as I did not know who my competitors were, but when the announcement was made I jumped to the roof! I really felt good."

The former Herbert Morrison High School graduate, a newcomer to the hospitality industry, who joined the resort in 2001, is a big believer in honing one's skills.

As a result, he went to Norwich, England, for a six months course in audio visual techniques.

Guiding philosophy

"I take myself and my job very seriously. My guiding philosophy is that if I exceed my own expectations, then those of the guests that I gladly serve will be exceeded as well."

And is there a 'Supervisor of the Year' drum roll somewhere for him in the near future?

"Well, I was promoted to conference centre supervisor and I assume that position in January, 2007 so I will be overseeing the AV technicians and ensuring that they do a great job like I did," he quipped.

William Pearce (left), third-generation shareholder and director of Half Moon, Montego Bay presents the 'Employee of the Year' award to Jason Mowatt, senior audio visual technician at the Half Moon Conference Centre.