As I confront the sadness of the loss, I recognize the great memories and contribution he has made to me, and my journey in Community Tourism. I met Butch upon his entry into the tourism industry and was very happy to be among the lead campaigners for him to be the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) President and immediately saw powerful qualities. Through a relationship of many years, he was very supportive of my efforts in Community Tourism, and as a small hotelier. When I was the Chairman of the Caribbean Hotel Association’s Small Hotels Committee, we made a pitch for the design of a ‘adopt a small hotel programme’, which encouraged large properties to select a small hotel to adopt to give them support with purchasing equipment, crockery, cutlery, linen at their prices rather than the higher retail prices, since we could not order large quantities and benefit from bulk rates. Also, to offer business development, training and marketing support.

Butch was the only large hotelier to respond positively to this programme and sent me a letter stating that he would like to adopt my small hotel in Mandeville - The Astra Country Inn. It involved a launch at Sandals Negril, and it included a credit line for us to purchase well-needed cutlery, towels, hand towels and wash rags. He then sent 7 rooms of furniture, including hairdryers. Among the most interesting memories and engagement with the community I recall, was when he wanted to discover one of our Countrystyle Community Experience tours and we selected Resource Village. The village became distinctive from its Marcus Garvey heritage and popular traditional way in making bammy. Butch participated in bammy-making and afterwards enjoyed eating with the community, the freshly made ackee and saltfish, boiled bananas and fresh fruit.

The testimony of his legacy lives on with the Sandals Foundation which has supported many community efforts across the country. His support continued for me personally. In 2008, when I was nominated for Virgin Holidays Best Personal Contribution Responsible Tourism Award, a competition with 10,000 others from around the world at World Travel Market in London. I had difficulty getting sponsorship to attend, and he invited me to his office, and sat me down in his down to earth style, and urged me on, and provided the funding I needed, stating “the world must know about this”.

This was not the only time he personally offered his support, upfront and silently. He was pleased that I won this Award together with TUI UK. These are just some examples that fall into an overall tapestry of contribution, which others can testify to. He truly was an amazing person; there will never be another Butch Stewart. I am, however, confident in the power of his legacy which lives on with his family and children. ********************************************************************************* Contact: Diana McIntyre-Pike O.D.
Founder/President
Countrystyle Community Tourism Network
Villages as Businesses
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 876-507-6326

Gordon "Butch" Stewart

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 05, 2021:  “Butch was truly an icon and innovator, philanthropist and perhaps the greatest marketer tourism has ever seen. Sandals is indeed the largest and most enduring brand created by a Caribbean entrepreneur in tourism and arguably the world today and the standard by which luxury All Inclusive is judged. I hail him as a father, leader, benefactor, and the greatest tourism entrepreneur of our time. His passing is truly devastating,” said the Minister.

Stewart was the founder of Sandals Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International. He was also the founder and chairman of the ATL Group of Companies and the Jamaica Observer.

“Gordon Butch Stewart has made an indelible mark. He has established himself as not just the standard by which entrepreneurship can be judged, but he has established a brand that has become global and is also the strongest statement that small island states such as Jamaica can make on global scenes, irrespective of their areas of involvement,” said Bartlett.

“I think that we can look back on his life and times and draw inspiration from the success that he has had. But I think, most importantly, we can be inspired by his resilience and the fact that he has started from nowhere, and has ended up as being one of the most celebrated human beings that Jamaica has produced in the last century,” He added.

Accompong, St. Elizabeth (December 14, 2020). 

January 6, 2021 will be the first time in 283 years that the Accompong Maroon Celebration will not be physically enjoyed by both Maroons and visitors local, regional and international.

This year’s upcoming Celebration will be held virtually. All ancestral celebrations will be observed in appreciation of our freedom fighters.

The day’s activities begin with Ritual proceedings at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Civic Ceremony which culminates at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Dr Leahcim Semaj

Montego Bay, Jamaica. December 09, 2020. Renowned Quantum Transformation Psychologist, Dr Leahcim Semaj, will on December 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. close out the last quarter of the year’s programming for Sistas of D Ankh and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle with a Presentation on Kwanzaa. Guests will learn the meaning of this African American celebration, experience it first hand and intone its meaning with a view to practicing and incorporating African cultural celebration into their lives. Access the virtual programme via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3898417079 Meeting ID. 389-841-7079.

The programme is dubbed Drums of Alkebulan and features: Nana Yahmin Hazel Vaz, Sharon Martini, Charlie Bobus and other local drummers; they will be joined by South African Drummers Don Dada and Danny Petersen, Jr.

Kwanzaa, derived from the Swahili phrase ‘matunda ya kwanza’, meaning "first fruits of the harvest" was introduced in 1966 to the USA by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home. December 26 to January 1 begins the seven days of Kwanzaa, celebration of community, family and culture, established with the aim of helping African Americans and the Diaspora reconnect with their African roots and heritage.  

In Jamaica, Dr Semaj has been instrumental in educating Jamaicans about this culturally-rich holiday. He will share his affinity for the celebration and impart the meaning of Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba--the seven principles of African Heritage): Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Jamaica Wins Big at World Travel Awards 2020

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 30, 2020:  Efforts by various government ministries and tourism partners to introduce robust COVID-19 health and safety protocols to facilitate the safe re-opening of the tourism sector, continue to bear fruit, as Jamaica has been named the World’s Leading Family, Cruise and Wedding Destination at the 27th annual World Travel Awards. Several leading Jamaican tourism entities have also won major accolades.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed appreciation for the accolades secured by the destination, stating: “We are indeed quite pleased that Jamaica has been recognized by the World Travel Awards for three top honours and that several local tourism entities have won big as well. This year has been a very challenging one and these awards are a testament to the hard work our industry has put in to safely re-open our destination with strict protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens, industry workers and visitors alike.”

Edmund Bartlett, Tourism Minister, Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 06, 2020: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for global policymakers to implement a more empathetic leadership style, while also remaining cautiously optimistic about the future of the industry.

The Minister was speaking yesterday at the A World for Travel virtual international event, which focused on the recovery and the development of global travel and tourism activities.

“Empathetic leadership during this time cannot be sufficiently stressed. It allowed for greater understanding of the people on whose behalf I worked, greater connection with the structure of teams, as well as for my colleagues and other leaders. It is important also, as leaders, we create space for others to demonstrate empathy towards us. These are trying times and togetherness for strength is useful,” said the Minister.

“A hallmark of leadership and highly relevant in times of crisis is the ability to remain cautiously optimistic – without spiralling into doom and gloom – is necessary in these times,” he added.

Members of the Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc. (CACG), Florida based Jamaican charitable organization have embarked on a donation drive to assist hospitals in Jamaica for desperately needed supplies especially since the increases in COVID-19 across the island.

The CACG recently shipped barrels of medical supplies donated to the University Hospital in Kingston.

The shipment included large supplies of protective shields, face masks, gloves, and quantities of hospital bedding, health, and hygiene, as well as personal care items for the hospital.

President of the Association, Ms. Dawn Bloomfield, a Jamaican national and local bank executive, indicated that the members of CACG have been in touch with the Hospital administration and has since embarked on the donation drive for needed supplies.

As I read of the desperate measures being taken by some parents towards ensuring their children are receiving an education during this pandemic. I cannot help thinking that not enough is being done by the Government to ensure that our nation’s children are not left behind. In a recent visit to a local Internet cafe I observed two young children with their school books, an ear plug sitting in this small crowded retail shop trying to do online schooling on the computer, this was when I realised the seriousness of this situation. Whilst I try to put this from my mind, today’s headline “Online Schooling by the Roadside” (Gleaner, October 21) further sent reminders to me that I need to share with Jamaicans my concern and support of the cry of these parents in their desperate need. This, I trust, will help bring more attention to their plight in an effort to return some element of normality to educating our children.

I also ponder the thought on the continuation of policy that keeps all schools across our island closed. The continued lack of traditional teaching in traditional classrooms, coupled with the lack of resources to reach the masses, particularly those in rural areas must be returned to normalcy. Special consideration should be given to those with special needs and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, should be urgently reviewed. Already there has been concern regarding learning capacity and the health nutrition impact on our children depending on their socio-economic background. (Clarke et.al,1991).

 Whilst I understand the challenges for our country from this global pandemic, we have found ways to re-open our international borders, and all but few industries have remained closed. The Ministry of education had promised the reopening of our schools for this school term; however, this has not happened with the recent announcement and protocol which has prohibited all schools against reopening and instead classes are being held online.

Jamaica should best adopt the protocol of other countries in making efforts to return to classroom education, recognising the important role of traditional learning on the mental health and wellbeing of our children.

Kingston, 17 October 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced that the Reggae legend, Toots Hibbert, will be laid to rest in National Heroes Park.

Minister Grange said this had become possible thanks to the generosity of the family of the late Charles Hyatt — the actor, broadcaster, director and author — whose remains were due to be re-interred in the last burial spot for cultural icons at National Heroes Park.

The Minister’s statement follows:

“At the time of his death in January, 2007, the family of our dear Charles Hyatt had requested that he be buried in National Heroes Park, but they were told that there were no more spaces available and he was instead interred at the Meadowrest Memorial Park in St. Catherine.

JOHANNESBURG - As the world’s attention focuses on the coming American election, another important vote for a key position is generating controversy in Africa.

Chadian politician Moussa Faki Mahamat is running unopposed for reelection as chairman of the African Union Commission. Critics say his run is undemocratic and are seeking an extension of the nomination deadline to November.

Sarfo Abebrese, author of a petition by the Coalition of Supporters Unions of Africa, says the AU postponed the vote four years ago when there were only three candidates for that seat. At the time, the AU said that wasn’t enough.

“How come, that four years down the line, at this same time, we are having only one candidate, and people are telling us that that is representative enough? If three wasn’t representative enough, how can one be representative enough? How can we go this way when we are preaching democracy throughout all the 55 African countries? When we are telling the people of Africa that we want to go the democratic way?”

First Couple

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; October 6, 2020: 

Minister Bartlett,  Careribnewsroom requests that you speak to the people regarding how the island enjoys "its highest booking rate in the region" while the island experiences the highest numbers due to COVID-19 infection since the borders opened in June.

--Sharon Parris-Chambers, Publisher, Caribnewsroom

As the tourism sector seeks to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s ‘Rediscover Jamaica’ campaign is being hailed as a major success in helping to drive this process. In highlighting the positive contribution of the campaign, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett said it “has been a great success, with some hotels reporting up to 50% to 60% occupancy from local bookings.”

The Lumi

Africa – October 1, 2020 — The world had better brace itself for the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) which is steadily progressing its vision and which in late September announced its adoption of a new currency called : the LUMI

“The LUMI digital currency Stimulus will be issued in the amount of US$100 per month (6.26 LUMI) to every African Diasporan and every African on the continent, 18 years and above, via a digital wallet. It will be issued for a period of 3 years.  The first issuance of funds will commence on October 1, 2020 and end in October 2023,” said Timothy McPherson, Minister of Finance of the Accompong Sovereign Nation of the Maroons and Chief of the Economic Community of the African Diaspora 6th Region (ECO-6).

The Accompong Maroons, which is its own village with its own government established since the 17th century in the hills of St. Elizabeth parish on the Caribbean island of Jamaica, commenced to use the LUMI as its local currency
H.E. McPherson

since 2018.

“Accompong’s new currency is a commodity underwritten with solar and renewable energy. It will contribute to Pan-african climate change initiatives and the development of sustainable energy throughout the diaspora and Africa,” shared H.E McPherson, Canadian born and educated in Economics and Literature.

Reader, who was elected during the associations' 59th annual general meeting, succeeded Omar Robinson, who served in the capacity for the last four years.

“I must extend my heartiest congratulations to the incoming President of the JHTA. You have been given this responsibility during a critical time in our recovery process, as an industry. However, I am confident that with your experience and innovative ideas, that you will have a successful tenure,” said Minister Bartlett.

“The Ministry of Tourism stands ready to assist you and your team at the JHTA in any way that we can. We are all in this together. Strong partnerships and the sharing of ideas is the only way we can move forward, as an industry,” he added.

During the virtual AGM, Minister Bartlett praised the JHTA for the work they have done throughout the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global Spirituality Forum (GSF) produced its 3^rd Global Forum on Spirituality and Peace: Lessons from the Caribbean for a Holistic Way of Life on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 on a virtual Zoom platform. A diverse group of members attended from exotic places such as The Maldives, Trinidad & Tobago, Sri Lanka, India and many others. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2020GSF

Two of the key sponsors brought greetings. Dr. Chandi Jayawardena gave the background on the GSF, its members goals and objectives. He stated that the group is open to all persons interested in spirituality, wellness, art and a few other topics. It is not based on religion, rather on spirituality, which shifts to the inward search for Self. The group plans three (3) more forums for 2020, the next being Spirituality & Spiritual Thinking, which is slated for October 31. Jody Grizzle was on hand to represent Dr. Luz Longsworth, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal (Ag.) of The UWI Open Campus.

Diana McIntyre-Pike, OD, Founder & President Countrystyle Community Tourism and Villages as Businesses was a guest presenter at the 2^nd staging of GSF two months ago; based on her passionate and innovative presentation, she was invited to coordinate her own forum, which was delivered September 30.  McIntyre-Pike wove her definition of spirituality throughout her presentation which was entitled: The Spirituality of Creating Peaceful Communities. She said “Spirituality is broader than religion, but the two are closely related. Both may offer questions and answers about the infinite, provide support during emotional crisis, and invoke a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence.”

Other guest panelists were: Elizabeth Terry, NLP Trainer and Master Coach, Founder/CEO Limitless Transformation Coaching and Training Services Ltd. (Topic: NLP & Spirituality: Self-Discovery, Self-Leadership, Self-Actualization). Terry defined spirituality using profound quotes from Carolyn Myss and Stephen P. Pretorius. She challenged us to become aware of our sensatory filters and interrupt behaviours that do not serve us well.

Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers, BA, Moderator, Transformational author, Non-denominational minister and Wholistic Therapist & Coach shared her inspired pledge adapted by The Manchester Peace Coalition & IIPT Caribbean: “I pledge, under God, to be the Peace I want to see in the world. To show Respect and Tolerance for all. I pledge with all my heart and mind to Love, Forgive, and Trust myself and others. As a committed One Love Peace Ambassador, I pledge to foster Peace and Love every day. In doing so, I heal myself, my country and the world with One Love, One Heart at a time.”

Raymond Powell (Aka Prince Matthew) Founder of It's All Good Holistic Movements, offered his Welcome tribute in a short medley of songs invoking the “Natural Mystic to open the third eye” to understand the spiritual meaning of life. He drummed and chanted Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” followed by a brief presentation. He sang Reggae songs with timeless messages such as: “Chant down Babylon”, “War”, written by His Majesty Haile Selassie1 and sung by Bob Marley. The GSF ended on a high note with everyone singing “One Love” and feeling “Irie” (in harmony with oneself and the universe).

All presenters, including Dr. Chandi & his assistant Samanthi de Mel, received a “One Love Call to Action Certificate” originated by Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers in 2015. The Certificate was inspired as a tribute to Bob Marley and to recognize the community spirit in individuals who answer the call to be one with humanity by leading group activities and becoming the love and peace that they wish to see in the world. www.Facebook.com/Onelovecalltoactionpledge 

Contact: Sharon Parris-Chambers
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lovers at Eiffel Tower, Paris

“Have you wondered how other couples are handling social distancing, travel restrictions and quarantine? Wonder no more, read the article below and be informed about lovers around the world.”
-Sharon P. Chambers, Publisher
Caribnewsroom

-------------------------

PARIS: Are the long months of lonesome waiting finally over?

Coronavirus travel restrictions have kept lovers and unmarried couples apart since the outbreak, but governments around the world are now showing more understanding of their plight, with some introducing measures to allow a happy and long-awaited reunion.

PHOTO: Sunset in Jamaica. (photo by Paul G. Smith)

As we all know, the travel world has changed considerably over the course of the past five months. Our experience is no different. Having traveled to Mexico in mid-June, visiting 13 resorts in seven days following the reopening of many resorts, we saw that Jamaica was also opening up properties on June 15 during phase 1 rollout.

At TravelSmiths, we like to educate our clients prior to their travel so that there are no surprises (unless we plan them). We traveled to Jamaica to let our clients know our experience door-to-door. We had clients traveling to Hyatt Ziva and Zilara, the Jewel Grande and Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay. On the ground, we always use Reggae Tours, as we know they are safe, reliable and always provide service with a smile, even if it is under a mask.

Things You Should Know Prior to Travel

First, if you’re parking at the airport, make sure you have a reservation. Most parking places are not providing valet service. Because we live in New Jersey, not a high-risk state at this time, it was not required for us to have a negative COVID-19 test. Since we had just returned from Colorado and Florida (on the hotlist), respectively, both Sally and I went to get a test and both tested negative. We brought those results with us in case we were asked. If you do live in a high-risk state, Jamaica is requiring you to have a negative test result within 10 days of your entry.

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says he is pleased with the level of compliance of tourism operations in Westmoreland with the protocols put in place by the Government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the sector.

Barlett was speaking at a press briefing held at the Bluefields Bay Villa in the parish on Friday, following a tour of several entities, to get a first-hand look at the safety measures put in place and donate sanitisation items and personal protection equipment.

He was accompanied by a team from the Ministry, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

The tourism minister visited large and small hotels and attractions including Riu Negril, Bluefields Bay Villa, Rondel Village, the Zimbali Retreat, and Scott’s Cove, which is located at the border with St. Elizabeth.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett says the donation of a new ambulance by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to the Negril fire station in Westmoreland will boost health security for visitors and locals alike.

“Negril represents a very critical resort area that continues to add to Jamaica’s prestige as a destination and this donation of an ambulance will boost the health security that is needed for this growing town. Visitors and locals will feel more confident moving around, as the response to health emergencies will be strengthened,” Bartlett said while speaking at the handing over ceremony on Friday.

Bartlett spoke also to the importance of the assurance every destination needs to provide, that if something happens there is adequate resources to respond.

The ambulance, valued at $18million, will greatly assist the emergency medical service (EMS) department at the Negril fire station, which has been without a working ambulance for the past eight months.

Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett (second right) and Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Network Council, Adam Stewart (left) proudly display personalised gifts created by Bambusa Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 28, 2020:  Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs), have a key role to play in reviving the economy, in the aftermath of the fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking recently at the virtual staging of the Tourism Ministry’s signature Christmas in July tradeshow, he said: “The Tourism Linkages Network through initiatives such as Christmas in July is playing a crucial role in this recovery process by stimulating well needed economic activity through partnerships.”

He stressed that “everyone has a role to play in rebuilding the economy and Christmas in July provides an avenue for suppliers to begin to earn again and do their part in rejuvenating the economy.”

Minister Bartlett underscored that assisting local suppliers to meet the demands of the tourism sector through the development of stronger linkages with other sectors, remains a top priority of the Tourism Ministry.

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann, Jamaica; Monday, July 27, 2020: Employees of some of Jamaica’s leading tourist attractions have expressed gratitude to be able to return to work and told Tourism Minister Hon Edmund Bartlett, that they were eager to be back playing their role in rebuilding the tourism sector.

 Mr Bartlett toured attractions in the Ocho Rios area, along the North Coast Resilient Corridor recently. He heard first-hand, overwhelming expressions of appreciation from workers, who welcomed the recent decision to reopen COVID-19 compliant attractions effective July 21, 2020. A number of the entities are currently receiving strong support from local patrons.

While awaiting final Cabinet approval for attractions impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic to reopen to international patrons, Minister Bartlett and ministry officials visited Mystic Mountain, Dolphin Cove and Chukka Caribbean Adventures to check their levels of compliance with stipulated protocols and equipment to manage the spread of the virus.

At all three, he was warmly greeted by staff members expressing their excitement to be able to return to work. Their sentiments were encapsulated by Team Leader at Chukka, Alicia Green. “We want to thank you for freeing up tourism so we can all have our jobs back,” she said, supported by resounding applause from her co-workers. “We promise to follow all protocols to remain COVID-free and to have a wonderful time,” she added.