January and April. so far, exceed UNWTO’s forecast …2018/09/05 · continues to lead global outbound travel, Chinese and other tourists visiting a historical site. China continues

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

World Travel Market 2017, ExCeL London – Excel West entrance, Chineseperformers.

Janet SilveraSenior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

ANEW United Nations World TourismOrganisation (UNWTO) reportshows that China continued its lead

as global outbound travellers in internationaltourism in 2017.

China also outspent the rest of the world,with a whopping US$258 million, one-fifth ofthe world’s total tourism spend for 2017,which stood at US$1.3 trillion, some $94billion more than 2016.

The news comes as UNWTO announcedthat international tourist arrivals grew sevenper cent in 2017, the highest increase since2010. Growth in arrivals was echoed by astrong increase in exports generated bytourism, which reached $1.6 trillion in 2017,making tourism the world’s third-largestexport sector.

Showcasing the industry, which is theengine of growth for many societies, theUNWTO Tourism Highlights 2018 Editionshows that international tourist arrivalsreached a total of 1,323 million in 2017,some 84 million more than the previous year,securing a new record.

“The sector has now seen uninterrupted

growth in arrivals for eight straight years. Thegrowth in 2017 was the highest since 2010,led by the increases by the regions of Europeand Africa, which saw a jump in arrivals ofeight per cent and nine per cent, respectively,”said the UNWTO in a statement.

International tourism receipts increased byfive per cent in 2017, the organisationpointed out, noting that in addition to theUS$1.3 trillion in receipts that destinationsearned, international tourism generatedanother US$240 billion from internationalpassenger transport taken by non-residents.

“This raised total tourism exports toUS$1.6 trillion, or US$4 billion a day, whichcorresponds to seven per cent of the world’sexports.”

These strong 2017 results were driven bysustained travel demand for destinations acrossall world regions, including a firm recovery bythose that have suffered from security chal-lenges in recent years, said the report.

Strong outbound demand from virtually allsource markets, including rebounds frommajor emerging economies Brazil and theRussian Federation, benefited both advancedand emerging destinations.

“The new report also illustrates that Chinacontinues to lead global outbound travel,

Chinese and other tourists visiting a historical site.

China continues tooutpace the world ininternational tourism

China continues tooutpace the world ininternational tourism

having spent US$258 billion oninternational tourism in 2017.”

Among the top markets and des-tinations in the world in 2017,Spain rose to become the world’ssecond most-visited destination interms of international arrivals, afterFrance. Japan entered the top 10 intourism earnings in 10th place aftersix straight years of double-digitgrowth. The Russian Federation re-entered the top 10 of worldspenders at eighth place.

Available data for early 2018have since confirmed internationaltourism’s continued strong growth,with a year-on-year increase of sixper cent in arrivals betweenJanuary and April.

Results reflect a continuation ofthe strong trend seen in 2017 and,so far, exceed UNWTO’s forecastof four per cent to five per cent forthe year 2018.

Growth in the first four monthswas led by Asia and the Pacific,followed by Europe, Africa, theMiddle East, and the Americas alsorecording sound results.

The May to August period alsolooks good, and according to thelatest UNWTO Panel of TourismExperts survey, the current outlookis one of the most optimistic in adecade.

[email protected]

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | 3WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

WTM PHOTO

The Asia Pacific area at the 2017 World Travel Market was a hit. Many deals were brokered as the region continues to experiencegrowth in arrivals.

IT HAS been said that, “The dif-ference between a successfulperson and others is not a lack

of strength, not a lack of knowl-edge, but rather a lack of passion,”and it was Martin Zsifkovics’ pas-sion that determined his destiny.

Zsifkovics recently landed theindustry accolade of Top Purveyor–Jamaica Hotel and TouristAssociation (JHTA) 2018.

“We are now 10years in businessand we won thepurveyor most

likely because the hotels are happywith what we are doing so, there-fore, they probably voted for us.”

Farming was never at the top ofZsifkovics’ list, as he initially dreamtof becoming a hotel general manager.As such, he has worked in variousdepartments in several hotels. He hasalso worked with the army, as well as

being a chef at a two-star restau-rant; but his fulfilment came

when he took up farming.For many, farming is

classified as dirty work,but not for the Austrian-

Jamaican, who callsJamaica home. In 2008, he

started Austrojam Limited, ona modest plot of land in

Treasure Beach, StElizabeth, where he

farms and distrib-utes high-

qualityfreshproduceto thehotel

andgrocery

industriesnationwide. This

was out of the needto offer consistent

quality produce andsupplies, as he didn’t seethe sector beingregularly supplied when

he worked there.“If those folks were not

performing that great, maybe Icould do it, but way better, so Istarted to buy the produce, thingslike watermelon and other itemsand started supplying little by little;but then I realise there was thesame problem, then I started to dofarming.”

Zsifkovics explains that the win-ning formula to remain consistentwith supplies is year-long plantingwith rotating plots. “We also have arefrigerated warehouse, whichenables us to respond to variationsin orders from a few hotels, apartfrom our regulars.”

The Terra Nova All-Suite Hoteland Couples Resorts were the firsttwo hotels Austrojam startedsupplying with produce, and todaythey maintain a great businessrelationship.

Kenard Swaby, Terra Nova’sexecutive chef, who has workedwith the two-time nationalchampion for nearly 10 years, spokeof a level of professionalism anddedication to quality service,which, he says, keeps their businessrelationship growing.

Chef Swaby also singled outZsifkovics’ work ethic and integrityas a deal-maker in sustaining therelationship. “Whenever there are

natural variations due to weatheror other growing conditions, eitherMartin points it out to us first, or ifwe raise any concerns, he acceptsfull responsibility.This has builtmutual trust.”

It is Zsifkovics’ consistency thatimpressed Couples Resorts’ LeeIssa, who lauded him as one of themost passionate farmers he hasever met. “That passion convertsinto premium quality andreliability. He always delivers thevery best and on time. We at Cou-ples feel very blessed to have himas a regular source in our supplychain,” stated Issa.

MORE THAN MONEY

Zsifkovics remains motivatedabout what he does and believesthat it’s more than just the money,as love should always be at the foreof what you do.

“We always say one thing whichis very important if you’re goinginto farming, you have to under-stand that it’s not primarily aboutthe money, it’s that you have tohave a passion, motivated byquality. Money will follow thequality.”

He grew to love farming, even inthe tough times. “At first, I didn’tknow the beauty about it, but Ireally fell in love with farming andthe whole surrounding, and thatstruck me.”

Perseverance has caused him tosoldier on in this career, which hasled him to winning other awardsand accolades. He received a YouthAward for Agriculture in 2016from the Inter-American Instituteof Agriculture and now holdsJamaica’s 2017 and 2018 NationalChampion Farmer title.

Zsifkovics is also a top contenderin bringing about change and eyesthree priority areas that couldrevolutionise the agricultureindustry; mainstreaming agricultureto make it more attractive toinclude the youth, tackling praediallarceny on all levels, and greateraccess to financial assistance.

“The most important thing isthat everybody needs to under-stand that the linkages council,which lobbies for the hoteliers,supermarkets as well as for thefarmers, has to be a mutuallybeneficial partnership. It cannot bea one-way stream.”

Chef Swaby agrees whole-heartedly with this view, indicatingthat there is room for many moreZsifkovics as reliable purveyors tothe hospitality sector. “WithMartin, his passion opened thedoor, his persistence produced sig-nificant personal and professionalgrowth over the past decade.”


JHTA top purveyor for 2018 and two-time national champion farmer Martin Zsifkovics (left) explains the process of planting andreaping the best fruit. RJR 94 FM broadcaster Gerry McDaniel takes it all in during a tour of the 80-acre Austrojam Farm in southSt Elizabeth. Reaping of sun-ripened cantaloupes is now under way.

FARMING:A LOVE AFFAIR FOR ZSIFKOVICS

Taste of Jamaica in Waiting: Close up of maturing cantaloupeson the South St Elizabeth Austrojam Farms. They were votedtop purveyors to the hospitality industry by the JHTA this year.

Passion drives JHTA top purveyor for 2018

MartinZsifkovics,championfarmer.


British Airways ensuresa better night’s sleepBRITISH AIRWAYS

has partnered with TheWhite Company for

new bedding and amenitykits, offering Club Worldbusiness class customers abetter night’s sleep.

The new bedding wasrecently launched on the air-line’s network, includingCaribbean flights to London.The White Company luxuri-ous business class beddingincludes a luxuriously soft,large pillow and white, cot-ton pillowcase to enhancecustomers’ comfort. Cus-tomers will also receive anelegant day cushion, whichwill double as a lumbarsupport when working orrelaxing on board a supersoftwoven blanket with satintrim; a bespoke luxury duvet;and a padded mattress coverto give them an extra layer ofcomfort and improve theirquality of sleep.

The new Club Worldamenity kits come in abespoke bag from The WhiteCompany and containproducts from the retailer’s

‘Restore & Relax Spa Collec-tion’. The products include aSpa Relax Pulse Point Oil,with soothing treatment oil tohelp you unwind during theflight; Spa Restore Gentle

Moisturizer, a skin-condition-ing cream with Vitamin E andjojoba oil to leave skin feelingsoft and rejuvenated; and aSpa Lip Balm to keep yourlips soft and hydrated on

board. They have beenspecially selected to helpcounteract the effects of long-haul air travel. Each item isdesigned to provide a relaxingboost whenever customers

need it during their flight.The White Company,

headquartered in the UK,has been making designer-quality products, principallyin white, for over 23 years.

YOU WILL not find the word‘overtourism’ in the OxfordEnglish Dictionary. Despite

this, it is being used increasingly bytourism professionals around theworld. It describes the experienceof residents in locations wherelarge numbers of visitors are seri-ously disrupting local lives, causingenvironmental damage, placing anunacceptable burden on localinfrastructure, or making housingunaffordable.

Although scarcely mentionedpublicly until recently, the implica-tions of overtourism have begun tobe debated in cities from Barcelonato Venice, and Edinburgh, and inrelatively remote destinations suchas Iceland and the Isle of Skye. Ineach location increasingly, angryresidents have been protestingabout the damage being done bytourism to their quality of life andits hollowing out of localcommunities.

Historically, tourism has beenconsidered a largely benign, peace-ful activity that, as the Caribbeanknows, can generate significantlevels of employment, rapideconomic growth, and new sourcesof taxation. Consequently, theindustry and its growing footprinthas largely been led by demand, isvisitor-centred, and, to a significantdegree, has become subject to therequirements of investors, the air-

lines, cruise companies, and touroperators.

However, this is changing as resi-dents in some of the most affectedlocations worldwide are encourag-ing local authorities and govern-ments to engage in a debate abouthow the negative impact of theindustry might be lessened and thenumbers of visitors controlled.

The issue so far has not beenmuch discussed in the Caribbean,

where the natural environment andpromoting to visitors the dream of‘paradise found’ often hides thegritty reality of everyday life. Despitethis, overtourism exists in severalforms in the region.

At its most obvious, it is in theshape of multiple cruise shiparrivals disgorging large numbers ofvisitors for short periods on to des-ignated beaches or into small townsand tourist sites, particularly insome of the smaller islands andcapitals of the region. Lessobviously, it relates to a trendtowards investors trying to restrictpublic access to beaches, once-local cultural events being‘tourised’ and made inauthentic,and long-term onshore and off-shore environmental damage. Itcan also be seen in some Caribbeancoastal and urban locations inincreasing property prices as short-term Internet-led rentals inresidential areas surge, creatinginvestor demand for residential

accommodation.For the most part, the situation is

presently manageable. Cruise shipsapart, arrival numbers tend to belimited by the relatively high-costnature of a stayover Caribbeanvacation, and paradoxically, thedesire of the all-inclusives and thenewly minted mega resorts to doeverything possible to keep theirvisitors on property.

Despite this, the concept of over-tourism in a Caribbean contextrequires serious thought.

In Jamaica and some otherregional destinations, the industryand government have begun torecognise the importance of sus-tainability, the need to do more toprotect the environment, thegrowing demand among visitors forauthenticity, and the need tospread more widely the economicbenefit that tourism brings.

What this and the growing debateabout overtourism suggests is thatthe time has come to ask a broader

question of Caribbean tourismprofessionals, tour operators, envi-ronmentalists, the cruise lines andothers: are there limits to Caribbeantourism-led growth in relation tobeaches, popular sites and cities?

Put more practically, this meansconsidering the nature of futureconstraints on accommodatinggreater numbers of short-stay orlong-stay visitors. These range fromachieving a better understanding ofthe limits to the builtenvironment, the implications, forexample, for food supply,environmental and ecologicaldamage, and, most important,whether residents feel that theirlives are being dislocated. It meansknowing when smallness or socialconcerns might mean that tourismhas become ‘too much’, and how itis best managed to ensuresustainable economic growth.

In some parts of the Caribbean,there is a growing but largely unspo-ken tension between the local andforeign investors and businessesthat profit, governments wantingtaxes and employment, and workersand citizens who want to benefitbut retain their quality of life.

This suggests that there is a case tobe made for an early small industryevent that looks over the horizon toidentify the implications of over-tourism and possible responses.


DAVID JESSOP

THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM

Overtourism: an issuerequiring thought now

Crowds of visitors at Pariser Platz, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin.

ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | 7WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

It was a bittersweet soirée forJamaica Tourist Board (JTB) staffand well- wishers who gathered at

the Sea Gardens Beach Resort,Montego Bay, recently to bidfarewell to one of Jamaica’s finesttourism professionals, MargaretEleanor Jones.

Jones, who served the JTB in thecapacity of visitor relations managerfor 20 years, is heading into retire-ment after making a yeoman’s con-tribution to Jamaica’s tourism sector.

The two-hour event, in which theaffable Jones was lauded for herwork, was filled with laughter andwarm conversations intertwinedwith gifts, hugs, smiles, and kissesfrom everyone, including her co-workers, who shared the view thattheir outgoing boss has a personalitythat brightens up any room and wasa trendsetter in fashion, dancing,industry knowledge, and how to getthings done with efficiency.

Those who paid tribute to Jonesspoke of her attention to detail andher capacity to turn ugly situationsaround. They also highlighted herastuteness in managing her staff,visitors, and Jamaicans alike with theunderlining theme, “we are thestandard by which all other entitiesare judged”.

A citation from the JTB, read bywestern regional director OdetteDyer, detailed Jones’ contribution tothe sector in ensuring the comfortand satisfaction of all visitors to theisland since she joined the agency onApril 20, 1998.

The citation in part read:“Margaret Jones’ strong organisa-tional skills are undoubtedly thefruits of her training as a secondaryschool teacher. During her tenure atthe JTB, she gained a reputation forher professionalism and competencein the execution of her duties. Herresponse to challenging andpotentially explosive complaintsfrom individuals and groups,whether locally of internationally,has helped to place the JamaicaTourist Board at the forefront of allother tourist boards. The JTB has

garnered many international acco-lades as the preferred institution tocontact where there is a tourist-related crisis.”

Tourism Director DonovanWhyte, in his tribute to Jones,assured her that if she ever felt theneed to return, he would be the firstperson to endorse that move. “Youhave certainly left large shoes, whichwill be difficult to fill and we thankyou wholeheartedly for your 20 yearsof great contribution to Jamaica, thetourism industry, and the JTB,” hetold her.

In her usual high-spirited, fun, andpeople-friendly manner, Jonesthanked the JTB, Jamaica, and herteam members from various arms ofgovernment for the opportunity toserve and for the support that shereceived over the two decades.

Recounting a number of incidentsthat occurred during her stint at theJTB, Jones pointed out that she criedfor herself only once during her 20

years at the JTB when she foundherself chasing a guest in the swampon the compound of the formerMoBay Hope.

This brought howls of laughterfrom the attendees, who, despitecommiserating, all wore a look ofappreciation for Jones, who earned a

reputation forcalling themat odd hoursof the nightand day,driving fast inorder to reach adestination toresolve a crisis ofjust to ensure thateveryone was readingthe same book andfrom the same page.

Jones recalled thatthere were points whenshe questioned if herdecision to take on theposition of visitor rela-tions manager was agood one, but in herwords “the positives faroutweighed the negatives,and I learnt quickly thatmy job was important tothe visitor experience andthat the need for network-ing was paramount. I thankyou all for supporting me inmy every move. I see thegrowth and development ofa number of people in theindustry, and today, I canproudly say, Jamaica’stourism sector is the very

Former western regionaldirector of the Jamaica TouristBoard J. Rosie Johnson sharesher experience of working withMargaret Jones.

General Manager of theRound Hill HotelOmar Robinson

makes apresentation to

MargaretJones as she

demits office asVisitor RelationsManager at theJamaica Tourist

Board, JTB.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | 9WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Director of Tourism Donovan Whyte (left) gives Margaret Jones awarm embrace as he expresses thanks to her for 20 years ofsterling service to the Jamaica Tourist Board. Jones, who wasvisitor relations manager at the JTB, demits office shortly onretirement.

Members of staff of the JamaicaTourist Board who came out at thebon voyage function for their out-going boss, Margaret Jones, whoretires from the agency after 20years of service. Pictured from leftto right are Candesa Cassanova,Carlene Moore, Jerron Briton,Sharon Williams, MarshaRoberts, Afiya Henry, andKacia Whilby, whoserved on the teamled by MargaretJones.

Canadian Consulate to Jamaica Lillian Crichton (left) was onhand to share lens time with Margaret Jones and wish her afond farewell.

AFTER TWO DECADES OF SERVICE

JTB bids farewellto Margaret Jones

Shernette Crichton (left) of the Half Moon presents a token toMargaret Jones during an appreciation function at Sea GardensBeach Resort in Montego Bay on Saturday August 25.

Director of Tourism Donovan Whyte and Western RegionalDirector at the Jamaica Tourist Board Odette Dyer share aphoto opportunity during the appreciation function staged inhonour of Margaret Jones.


THE JAMAICA Tourist Board (JTB) showcased theisland’s decadent flavors at the 19th annual Citi Tasteof Tennis event in New York City. A precursor to the

US Tennis Open, the evening brought together the world’sbest tennis players and featured signature cuisine from thecity’s leading chefs.

The JTB partnered with Palace Resorts, Red Stripe,Appleton Estate Rum, and Walkerswood for the exclusivecelebration. All guests had the chance of winning a five-day/four-night trip for two to Moon Palace Resort inOcho Rios.

Jamaican chef Wenford P. Simpson served an array of spe-cialties that included an open-faced jerked chicken sliderwith pickled red cabbage and mango chutney, bringing ataste of the island to New York City. Patrons enjoyed thesavory treats with Red Stripe Beer and Appleton Estate’sRum Punch.

During the event, tennis players, including Serena andVenus Williams, participated in chef demos with Iron ChefMasaharu Morimoto as guests looked on from the Jamaicastation, sipping signature Red Stripe Beer.

THE JAMAICA Tourist Board (JTB) congratulatesDiana McIntyre-Pike on being honored with theGlobal Tourism Award by the Wheatle Peart GlobalBranding Organization. The awards ceremony tookplace in Chicago in August at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.McIntyre-Pike serves as the president-founder of theCountrystyle Villages as Businesses Programme andpresident of the International Institute for Peacethrough Tourism (IIPT) Caribbean.

In her remarks, McIntyre-Pike stressed the impor-tance of education, the training of communities inentrepreneurship, and personal development to preparethe next generation for the world of business. As a globalspeaker on tourism matters, McIntyre-Pike providestraining, business development, and marketing supporton an international platform.

“Jamaica Tourist Board is proud to congratulate McIn-tyre-Pike on this prestigious award,” said DonovanWhite, Jamaica’s director of tourism. “We laud herexemplary work in promoting Jamaica’s communitytourism efforts.”

A pioneer in community tourism with over 40 years ofexperience, McIntyre-Pike has created a dynamic pro-gramme helping to revive communities by facilitatingfunding support and implementing diverse businesses.

Her work with the Countrystyle Community TourismVillage programme, is to empower communities byexposing their natural culture, talents, passions, andpotential to the world. Her vision lies in three keyprinciples: think globally – act locally, establish inde-pendence, and develop human resources. Throughthe International Institute for Peace through TourismCaribbean, she works to facilitate tourism initiativesand the belief that every traveller can be an‘Ambassador for Peace.’

� For more information on Jamaica, go towww.visitjamaica.com.

From left: Diana McIntyre-Pike, president-founder, Countrystyle Villages, poses with DrToni Wheatle Peart, CEO of the WheatlePeart Global Branding Organization.

Mcintyre-Pikereceives GlobalTourism Award

Guests enjoying jerked chicken sliders with pickledred cabbage and mango chutney served by ChefWenford P. Simpson.

Chef Wenford P. Simpson (second from the right) poses with bloggers and influencers at Citi Taste ofTennis New York.

Sloane Stephens, US Open Tennis Champion (left),with Chef Wenford Simpson.

From left: Cessie Cerrato, senior director for PalaceResorts, Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge, 2018 NewYork; and Kristopher DaCosta, digital marketingmanager, Jamaica Tourist Board.

JTB & Palace Resortsserve up a taste of Jamaica


LOCALLY OWNED gamingand entertainment franchise100 officially opened the

doors to their Montego Bay loca-tion recently.

This first-ever expansion of thebrand by the Sizzling Slots group,according to CEO Gassan Azan,“not only represents an investmentin Jamaica’s tourism product, butalso an investment in Jamaicanpeople through employment”.

“The expansion, for us, was aunanimous decision. Montego Bayis the entertainment mecca of thewest, and we knew that investingin a new location right here wouldnot only bring economic gainsthrough the employment of indi-viduals, but that it would also addvalue to our evolving and growingtourism product,” Azan explainedin his address to guests at thelaunch event.

He highlighted in his addressthat while the new venue is to beenjoyed by all, it is vital that allvisitors know that the city has a lot

to offer in terms of is nightlife. Heshared that the facility will intro-duce themed nights, similar to itsKingston counterpart – a tactic thatboth he and his team hope will notonly bring out Montegonians, butwill be introduced to visitors by key

players in the hotel industry.“We need to get our tourists out

of the hotels and have them knowthat Montego Bay is safe and thatwe have a wealth of cultural experi-ences to be enjoyed. We at 100 lookforward to working with the Min-

istry of tourism and the JamaicaTourist Board (JTB) to ensure thatthis is done,” Azan added.

The importance of businesses inthe entertainment industry focus-ing on inclusivity was also high-lighted by Jamaica’s director of

tourism, Donovan White. In hisaddress, he shared that thereneeds to be more movementtowards getting visitors to Mon-tego Bay exploring what the citytruly has to offer in the nearfuture. He expressed the need forthere to be a higher level of serv-ice offering that will ensure thatentities like 100 capitalise on theboom in the tourism industry.

“Establishments like 100 willhave the great opportunity to tapinto the fact that this year, theinternational tourism sector andthe entire Caribbean and worldtourism market will travel to thecity for three days. They willthen come back for CaribbeanMarketplace later in the year. Ihope that 100 will [take] theopportunity to ensure that whenthese global travel-industry heavyhitters come, we ensure theycome, enjoy, and take back theexperience for more to comeback,” White shared.

Officially opened – Sizzling Slots CEO Gassan Azan (second right) is joined inside the casino at100 MoBay by (from left) Director of Tourism Donovan White, Councillor of the Spring GardensDivision Dwight Crawford, Mayor of Montego Bay Homer Davis, and Sizzling Slots Director ofOperations Robin Perkins.

100 MoBay to boostJamaica’s tourism product

Island Routes gives back to local communitiesTour company upgrades the St Ann Infirmary

ISLAND ROUTES CaribbeanAdventures is not only dedicat-ed to providing the most

authentic, sought-after tours andexcursions, but is also committedto the enhancement of local com-munities. Island Routes’ newestinnovation, MINI-Routes, offersguests the chance to see Jamaica inall its authenticity, and the companycontributes a portion of the pro-ceeds from each tour to the localcommunities that are visited.

Having marked the first full yearof MINI-Routes operations, IslandRoutes recently organised andfunded the renovation of the nurses’station at the St Ann Infirmary.The project was fully funded withthe proceeds collected from MINI-Routes. The aim of MINI-Routes isto allow visitors to “see, touch,taste, drive the real Jamaican expe-rience” as each route takes guests toauthentic spots on an exploration ofculture and adventure in destina-

tions such as Ocho Rios, Negril andthe less-frequented Portland.

Island Routes felt it would bebeneficial to the parish of St Annto provide the nurses of the

infirmary with a clean, comfortablespace in which to carry out theirduty of providing the best care to theresidents of the area. The scope ofthe renovations included the installa-

tion of partition walls; tiling of thebathroom, fitting of a new face basin,windows and doors; painting; anddonation of new furniture.

“We are very appreciative of therenovations to the nurses’ stationat the St Ann Infirmary, and wethank Island Routes for the timeand effort that they put intomaking this happen. The staff hereat the infirmary can now performtheir work in a much betterenvironment. Now, every time wesee the cute, green Island RoutesMINIs drive through the community,we will think of you. Giving is notjust about making a donation, it’sabout making a difference,”commented Matron Davidson.

The tour company offers a num-ber of other tours that are aimed atcommunity development. TheReading Road Trip in Jamaica, StLucia, Antigua, Grenada, the Turksand Caicos Islands, Barbados andExuma in The Bahamas gives

guests the opportunity to give backto the little ones by spending themorning at a local school workingwith the children on developingtheir reading and comprehensionskills. The Oistins Express FridayNight Fish Fry in Barbados givesguests the opportunity to becomeimmersed in the culture, knowingthat the proceeds are being used fordevelopment of the community.The Turtle Watching Tour inJamaica is about protecting themarine life and educating guestsand locals about preserving theenvironment. More informationon these tours can be found on theIsland Impact page of the IslandTours website.

Island Routes is honoured to playa part in building the Caribbeanthrough its award-winning adven-tures and will continue to make apositive impact within its variousdestinations.

The refurbished nurses’ station at the St Ann Infirmary. Standing(from left) are Island Routes representatives Tiffany Forstmayr;Ryan Terrier, vice-president of operations; Matron SharmainDavidson and Caldine Bowman. Sitting (from left) are nursesRosebelle Clarke, Sheirka McCook Clarke, and Yoniqe Duckett.

BUILT ON a swamp betweenthe 1740s and ’50s, FortAugusta’s objective was to

protect the western section ofKingston Harbour. Yet, Fort Augus-ta, located in St Catherine, andbuilt of bricks and stones, is stillwaiting for an invasion, or is it?

During its construction, manypeople died from fevers and insectbites. Many more lives were lostthere when in 1763, the magazinecontaining 3,000 barrels of gunpowder was struck by a bolt oflightning. It is said that over 300people were killed and theexplosion caused damages to home17 miles away. By 1765 the fort gota new magazine, and by 1770 it wascapable of holding 1,400 barrels ofgun powder.

The research did not revealwhen it was transformed into aprison for women, but its use forsuch came to an end in March lastyear. The inmates were removed tothe South Camp Road Rehabilita-tion Centre. And the facility wasabandoned, it seems.

I chanced upon it recently on oneof my treks. The entrance gateappeared to be closed, but when Ireached it, I realised that a smallergate within that entrance was open.I let myself in. Not a soul was insight, so I pressed on. And then Istopped with arms akimbo,wondering when ‘Hurricane Vandal’had blown over Fort Augusta. Signs

of vandalism were everywhere.Not one of the modern struc-

tures was spared. Door jambs areyearning for the return of theirdoors. Window spaces need noblinds or curtains. To block outwhat? The roofs seem to haveflown away with the winds. Theformer dorms and cells are nowshells, echoing the cry of anguishand pain of those who dwelledthere. All the metal bed frames

have been sawn from the walls cov-ered with graffiti that reveal thenames and other peculiarities ofthe former inmates. I also saw abook full of their names and whenthey were released.

Many pieces of rejected scrapmetals are strewn all over. Nobodyshould walk in that place in thedark. Cables have been dug fromthe ground, leaving gaping trench-like openings. The copper was


Where have all the inmates and the beds gone?

Not even the sentry box was spared the wrath of ‘HurricaneVandal’.

AROUND JA WITH PAUL H

The rapeof Augusta

The corridor between two former dormitory looks like ahurricane has passed through it.


removed and the useless metals leftbehind. Razor-sharp security metalcoils are on the ground keepingcompany with the grass. They haveno one to restrain and intimidate,so they have gone to eternal rest.

The old chapel, also made ofthick brick and stone walls, seemsto be the best preserved of theancient structures. The ‘tunnels’ atthe back and side of it were wet andreplete with garbage. Inside thearched-ceiling room there is onlyone bench of invisible worshippers,perhaps annoyed at my intrusion.On the walls are a few plaquesbearing interesting inscriptions.

Back outside, it was time to‘tour’ the brick-and-stone fortressitself. Its thick walls seem sturdy

and strong, though sections of it,ravaged by time and lashed by thesea, are crumbling. From it, thevistas of Kingston Harbour, PortRoyal and the Hellshire Hills arepicturesque, yet the sight of thepolluted sea pounding the base ofthe fort is not so flattering.

Not one of the 80 cannon placedstrategically around the fort by1768 was ever fired in war. Theparanoia of the English was in vain.I saw four of them, which the salt-laden air has turned into rusting,flaking, redundant and impotentdogs without a bite. While theyfaced the sea looking out for shipsto blast apart, an invasion of sorttook place behind their back, andthe invaders are long gone with

their ‘treasures’.Fort Augusta is a part of the story

of the fortification of Jamaica, andits ancient stone and brick wallshold the secrets and narratives ofthe men who were stationed there,and women who were imprisonedwithin. It used to be their home.Why, then, was this prime heritagesite left for all and sundry toplunder and rape?

Augusta, the mother of KingGeorge III, for whom it was named,might just be cursing in her grave,shouting, “Remove my name fromit, I do not deserve this! It is aninsult to my honour!” PoorAugusta.

The shell of the former administrative block.

The front gate of Fort Augusta in St Catherine.

A section of Fort Augusta still in an excellent state of preservation despite being battered byangry waves for decades.

Two of the remaining cannon at Fort Augusta.

ON WEDNESDAY, July 25,we featured Trelawny’sGood Hope Estate, looking

briefly at some of the points ofinterest. Today, we are focusing onthe great house, which is one of thecenterpieces of the tourist attraction,along with Chukka’s AdventurePark and Falls at Good Hope.

Its story started in 1742 whenColonel Thomas Williams, for serv-ices to the King of England, wasgiven several acres of land not farfrom the Martha Brae River. Heestablished a sugar estate on this landin 1744. The area was then a part ofthe parish of St James. In 1755Colonel Williams built the greathouse in honour of his young bride,Elizabeth Baker. At age 24, Bakerdied aof malaria. She was buried inthe basement of the great house.

The history of ownership succes-sion of the estate is a bit obscured.A storyboard at the back of thestructure says, “In 1767, JohnTharp, at the age of 25, purchasedthe home from Colonel Williams’son. Tharp died in 1804.”

Yet, in an online article byDaniel L. Ogilvie called ‘The

History of the Parish of Trelawny’,Ogilvie says that in a tablet on theestate is the following inscription:“Colonel Thomas Williams Jnr,from the parish of Westmoreland,began to settle this estate April7th, 1774, and named it GoodHope.” That was seven years afterJohn Tharp bought it.

The same article also says thatthe property passed from ColonelWilliams to his son, Obediah, forwhom John Tharp worked as anoverseer. Williams departed Jamaicato reside in England, after which“the finances of the estates werereduced to a low ebb, and in dis-gust, the estates were passed over to


Visitors to the Good Hope Great House looking earnestly at apoint of interest.

A sculpture outside the Good Hope Great House.

The entrance of the Good Hope Estate in Trelawny.

An older section of the Good Hope Great House.

Good HopeGreat House:

LONG STORY OFHOSPITALITY

to Mr John Tharp”. So, when exactlydid Tharp acquire the property, andby what means? Was it handed downto him, or did he buy it?

In any case, the great houseremained in the Tharp family until1867. It changed ownership a fewmore times and was once operatedby American banker John F.Thomas as a small hotel where“distinguished visitors”, such asPrincess Marie Louise of Sch-leswig-Holstein, the duke andduchess of Kent, and governors ofJamaica stayed. It operated as ahotel until 1989.

It was undoubtedly a socialhotspot in the parish, especiallybecause of Tharp’s repute. LadyNugent wrote in her diary thatTharp was second to Simon Taylor ofSt Thomas in terms of socialrespectability. She and her husband,Governor George Nugent, alsostayed at the great house in 1802 asguests of John Tharp.

The mostly cut-stone building isstill going strong and is in a anexcellent state of preservation. Apartfrom the regular furniture, a bedroomhad a commode chair and chamberpot, a basin, a pewter, and a drinking

glass. There were no adjoiningbathrooms in the 18th century. Up to1804, there were nine bedrooms.Now, there are only three.

Yet, John Tharp installed a lead-coated bath when he got sickly andsuffered from rheumatism. The hotwater for the bath came from aboiler that was fed with waterstored on the roof. The water in

the boiler, located outside ofTharp’s room, was heated by wood-fire. It is said that Tharp mighthave unknowingly hastened hisown death as he could have beenpoisoned by the lead used to coathis bath.

There are many pieces ofexquisite furniture throughout theone-level house. Of note are two

lounge chairs in a sitting area.Called planters’ or Spanish chairs,they were made of a combinationof mule-skin leather and mahoganywood. They were uniquely designedand were made to accommodatepeople of different heights.

The great house is open tomembers of the public as part of atour package.


An exquisite dining table inside the great house.

One of the bedrooms inside the Good Hope Great House in Trelawny.

John Tharpe’s lead-coatedbath in which he soaked him-self in hot water to ease thepain of rheumatism.

Planters’ chairs made of mahogany and mule-skin leather.

THE CHUKKA Foundation,Lets Limited, and HanoverCharities recently partnered

in assisting the children of thePumpkin Bottom community inHanover with back-to-schoolsupplies for the new school year.

The three organisations wantedto help to enable the children ofPumpkin Bottom to start the yearon a positive note and support theiracademic success.

“We believe that supportingchildren through education is thekey to reducing poverty,” statedChukka Foundation manager,Sheona Muschette.

Supplies were provided to 100children in the Pumpkin Bottomcommunity ranging from the early-childhood up to the secondarylevel. Neveast Supplies Ltd alsoassisted with this special event.

According to Muschette, the ini-tiative to assist the children andfamilies in the Hanovercommunity was undertakenspecifically to help ease financialexpenses. “The cost of pencils,crayons, books, and other supplieseasily adds up at the beginning ofeach academic year. Families arefocusing on their daily needs, andthe extra pressure to fund schoolsupplies is one more challengeand stress,” she added.

Chukka Sandy Bay is locatedacross from the Pumpkin Bottomcommunity, and Chukka, Lets Ltd,

and Hanover Charities were keenon showing their support by

helping the children. It was a funand relaxed afternoon. The chil-dren played at the communityplayground, then there was thepresentation of gifts, followed byrefreshments. Parents and grand-parents attended and offered theirsupport to the sponsors.

In addition to supplying thePumpkin Bottom community, theChukka Foundation is alsoproviding assistance to 10community schools around all theChukka locations across the islandwith back-to-school supplies.

Chukka offers a variety of toursthroughout Jamaica, from WhiteRiver Valley in St Mary across toSandy Bay, Hanover and Mayfieldin Westmoreland.

The Chukka Foundation feelsstrongly about developingrelationships and partnering closelywith rural and local schools offer-ing their support where possible.

In addition to Neveast SuppliesLtd, which provided the schoolsupplies, other partners includedFalmouth Jamaica Land Company,the local affiliate for RoyalCaribbean Cruise Lines.

They provided small cabinfridges that will be useful withinthe schools, Muschette said, notingthat each sector brings in usefulresources and assistance, all with acommon vision to helpcommunities.

“The partnership has beenbeneficial and rewarding for every-one concerned,” stated the ChukkaFoundation chairman.

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Dorothy Marzouca and ayoung Pumpkin Bottomresident deep in conversation.

The early-childhood and primary students of Pumpkin Bottom awaiting their supplies.

A little boy looking though hisschool supplies during theChukka Foundation-LetsLimited back-to-school treat atPumpkin Bottom in Hanover.

From left: Latanya Dawes and Dorothy Marzouca (Lets Ltd), KatrinCasserly (Hanover Charities), Sheona Muschett (Chukka Foundation),and Kadeisha Moodie (Hanover Charities), share lens time during arecent back-to-school treat at Pumpkin Bottom in Hanover.

Hanover school gets positivestart to new school year

The Lets Ltd and Chukka team giving blessings before the presentation.

Organisations partner to assist school with back-to-school supplies

Documents

January and April. so far, exceed UNWTO’s forecast …2018/09/05 · continues to lead global outbound travel, Chinese and other tourists visiting a historical site. China continues