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Published February 17, 2010 Hospitality Jamaica  Amitabh Sharma Hospitality Jamaica Senior Writer “I passed by Rose Hall every single day going to school,” reminiscences Nescha Watson, “but never thought that I would end up working here one day.” For Watson, guest services supervisor at Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, the job profile comes as perfect fit as she loves to listen to the ocean, love to laugh and have fun. She joined the resort in May 2002 as communications operator, where she used answer phone calls and handle the PBX (Private Branch Exchange). “I was hired because I was told that I have a sweet voice,” she said, breaking into laughter; a trait that is synonymous with her. Watson recounted her journey from there on, she told Hospitality Jamaica that she learnt the full extent of the operations of the PBX, Front Desk, Reservations and the basic requirements that she needed to have a steady foundation in the Guest Services Department. “This is my fi...

Published February 17, 2010 Hospitality Jamaica  Amitabh Sharma Hospitality Jamaica Senior Writer Kevin Wynn is a team player and always seeks a way to find a solution to any problem, a trait that he learnt from playing football.  A former Seba United player, Kevin is Lead House Person at Rose Hall Resorts, incharge of major projects in the property. “I played forward, mid-field and defence,” Kevin recalled, “People still ask me why I am not playing football.”  Kevin started playing football in school; he was the captain of Glendevon football team. “Steve Bucknor asked me to join the Seba team, I played for one season, but found it difficult to commute so I had to give it up to be with my girlfriend.” Though his football was his first love, family responsibilities take precedence over everything. “For me my family comes first.” He started his career with Sandals Royale as a houseman, and was subsequently joined the then Wyndham Rosehall resort. He has take...

Published February 17, 2010 Hospitality Jamaica  Amitabh Sharma Hospitality Jamaica Senior Writer It was a confluence of who’s-who at the two-day Tourism Outlook Seminar, jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Tourist Board in association with United Nations World Tourism Organization  (UNWTO).  The seminar, which was held from February 2 – 3 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay, brought together representatives of Caribbean governments, academia, business and regulatory agencies and Tourism associations. Organised under the theme, Challenges, Changes and Opportunities in Tourism: Rising Above the Current Global Economic Landscape, the tourism stakeholders sought to address the key issues at hand. One Caribbean Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Hugh Riley advocated the marketing of the Caribbean as one regional tourism destination. “Players in the region’s tourism industry have not yet been able to start m...

  It's playtime Striking a pose :) Down the slide and over the tyres Cute :)

Published: Thursday | February 11, 2010 Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator Meandering through Red Hills, St Andrew, the drive to Rock Hall Basic School encompasses a panoramic view of the Corporate Area and the Caribbean Sea. The school sits atop a hillside, an epitome of perseverance and dedication. To the world! Boys of Rock Hall Basic School pose, Usain Bolt-style. Rock Hall Basic, founded in 1976 by Junior Chamber International (JCI), has withstood the test of time, thanks to the sustained effort of JCI, coupled with the hard work of principal Joy Carr-Roulston. "The Rock Hall Basic School has been a project that has really touched me as an individual," said Craig Harley, Junior Chamber International (St Andrew) president. "JCI is my backbone," said Carr- Roulston, who has been at the helm of the institution since its inception. "They help us in whatever way they can." She attributed the sustainability of the school to her staff, who go...

Cocoro Japanese Restaurant , originally uploaded by AmitabhS . Sushi spread at Cocoro Japanese Restaurant, Kingston, Jamaica

White Bones , originally uploaded by AmitabhS . Sea food in Kingston, Jamaica

Amitabh Sharma Features Coordinator Published February 3, 2010 Hospitality Jamaica The aroma of fresh coffee and delectable fare emanates from Cafecino Café in the Lobby of Hilton Kingston and, topped with that, the cheerful Nicolette Quest, the jovial server, adds to the warm welcome. "I am a people person, I love to smile and joke," says Quest, who was born and raised in Tivoli Gardens and still resides there with her seven-year-old son, Brandon. Her pursuit of excellence did not stop there. In June 2005, she joined the Hilton family in the capacity of server in the Cafecino Café located in the Lobby. Nicky (as she is called) is jovial and friendly by nature. She always wears a ready smile. "I want to make the people feel at home and introduce them to Jamaica," she says. A proactive and creative person, she exhibited these skills last year on Heroes Day, when she provided tidbits on each table of the national heroes so that guests (especially the...

Amitabh Sharma Features Coordinator PUBLISHED, FEBRUARY 3, 2010 Hospitality Jamaica The first thing that strikes you about Maudrie Swaby-Rose is her smile, exuding warmth and welcome to guests checking into the Hilton Kingston hotel. As a room attendant, she is that critical element which makes the stay comfortable and memorable. "I love to take care of people and try to make them happy," says Swaby-Rose, who has been employed to the Hilton Kingston since 1998. She grew up in Salmon Town in the parish of South Manchester, was a middle-distance runner and wanted to make a career in athletics, but fate had something else in store for her. "When I went to school, the track-and-field scholarships were on hold, so it was all about academics," she recalls. Swaby-Rose is considered to be one of the drivers of the Housekeeping Department. She goes about her duties with energy and smile that melts everyone she comes into contact with. "I try to make th...