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ANNTONETTE SMITH always dreamt of being a nurse, a passion she had since her high-school days. The realisation of her dream came full circle yesterday when she, along with 75 other students, graduated as a practical nurse from the PreUniversity School at the University of the West Indies, Mona. For Smith, who is the valedictorian of her batch, this moment has come after long years of waiting. "I worked as an administrative assistant for some years and had to take a break when my children were born," she related. A new perspective Smith heard about the practical-nursing programme on radio and decided to apply in 2008, and looking back two years down the line, Smith said that it was one of the best decisions she ever took. Smith said that her experience in the programme helped to give her a new perspective towards the profession: "The programme was very intensive and we learnt a lot." She added that the experience and training were able to break some stigma...

Sonia Gray is proud of her roots and her country, which shows in the warmth and the down-to-earth attitude that she exudes. Owner and operator of Ahlambra Inn and Restaurant, the lush green foliage, fish tanks and quaint and historical relics welcomes the visitors. A thoroughbread country girl, Gray recalled her childhood in Portland, where she used to spend time, at one with nature. “As a little girl growing up in Portland I used to catch Jhaanga (shrimp) and make soup.” She went abroad to pursue degree in film and television with minor in radio, after a career in public relations, Gray decided to live her dreams. “Cooking is my passion, all my life I have loved to cook… I decided to go back to my passion of cooking,” she said. The journey began in 1981, when Gray started her catering business from home. The transition was tough, but it was a learning experience, it gave her a chance to go around the city and explore the shops. “In the first couple of years I knew what was sell...

Nicola Madden-Grieg’s sojourn with hospitality started in high school, “it was a friend of mine in High school that felt this would be a good industry for my personality,” she recounted. Madden –Greig set off to do the Diploma at CAST (now UTECH), followed up with a first degree at Florida International University (FIU) and started her first full-time job at Half Moon Resort..”I have loved it since,” she said. Since early in life, Madden-Grieg had set high standards and goals, from excelling in academics to her professional life, it resonates in whatever she does. At FIU, she graduated top of class with honours and was named to the Dean’s List every semester, as well as receiving the distinction of having her biography published in the National Dean’s List of American Universities, (only ½ of 1% of United States students achieve this coveted award,) as well as being invited to join the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Honour society. She describes herself as an avid go-getter, crea...

  Lee-Ann Godfrey is one among Jamaica’s youngest managers in the tourism industry, she joined Spanish Court Hotel Jan 2009 as Assistant Manager promoted to General Manager in March 2009. Godfrey developed an interest for the industry early in life, “My mother Carlene Esterine worked with Air Jamaica for 40 years and during this time I was able to travel and meet people of different cultures- thus developing my love of the industry and interacting with people,” she informed.    During high school she wanted to be a pilot like her father, but she went on to do Tourism Management from the University of the West Indies. Godfrey, who was recently engaged, said that she has always followed the traits of hard work, commitment and dedication. “The hospitality industry is one that is demanding and in order to have it as a career there has to be an innate love for the industry and customer service,” she said.    Along her professional career, Godfrey said that t...

Its all about soul - powerful song!!