Western Bureau:
Take guests and staff on a memorable journey back to the days when Harry Belafonte sang sun islandOcho Rios’ 65-year-old Jamaica Inn hosted a Blue Sapphire Jubilee last Tuesday night, paying tribute to old Jamaican style.
Creating the “bangarang” mento style, the resort’s managing director, Kyle Mace, and his team have imbued the night with what Mace describes as “nostalgia” with Jamaican heritage.
As the ska and reggae formative music blared at the welcome cocktail reception, Belafonte was there, not in person, but in spirit. In fact, it was a momentous occasion not only for resorts, but for the many returning family-turned-comers returning for the first time after tumultuous events that brought the hospitality sector to a standstill.
“I didn’t know we were going to be able to celebrate our 65th anniversary. To be able to celebrate this in style is truly an amazing feat,” affirmed Maithe, who has managed the hotel for the past decade.
Mais took the opportunity to remember the family, staff and friends who were unable to celebrate the 65th anniversary. And despite recognizing the people who have played a key role in serving the thousands of guests who have called this resort home.
Hotels are known for their high staff retention rates, with many having employees between 20 and 50 years. The staff were treated like family, and even my beloved dog, Shadow, who passed away earlier this year, was replaced by another of the same breed and coloration, but is still fondly remembered. 65 years,” Mice admitted. People like ‘Sadie’, bartender extraordinaire ‘Ritchie’, guest service guru ‘Charlene’ and patriarch ‘Miss Marsh’ have all been recognized for their contributions to Jamaica Inn and the Island hailed as one of the top resorts in
Owner Eric Morrow similarly confirmed this, referring to the people who make it happen as the backbone of the property. I remember what you told me. He walked around with a lizard on his hat, scaring all the women in the dining room.
Many entertainers ate fire and danced to cap off a historic evening showcasing the richness of Jamaican culture.
janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com
