Bartlett awards 14 tourism workers with Golden Tourism Awards

Last week, officials from Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and Jamaica Tourist Board bestowed awards upon dedicated tourism workers.

Led by Jamaica Tourism Minister, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, employees who have worked in the tourism sector for 50 years or more were recognized at the Golden Tourism Day Awards.

“Tonight, I awarded 14 tourism workers who have dedicated 50 years or more to working in our beloved tourism industry with the Golden Tourism Award,” said Minister Bartlett at the event.

“I was truly honored to have the opportunity to acknowledge and applaud their many years of commitment and dedication to this incredibly important sector that contributes so much to our nation’s economy.”

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and high level of professionalism that have set the bar for hospitality standards and best practices today,” said Minister Bartlett.

“When the chips were down and our borders shut, you all made the decision to stick with tourism and returned to your passions like you never left.”

“You are indeed invaluable in showing travelers what makes Jamaica and the Jamaican people the Heartbeat of the World. On behalf of myself, our government and our entire country, sincerest thanks once again for playing such an important role in growing our tourism sector.” 

This year’s Golden Tourism Awards honored a total of 20 individuals who have 50 or more years of service in the island’s tourism sector. Two of these individuals received special recognition for having worked in the sector for more than 60 years: Inez Scott and James “Jimmy” Wright.  

Inez Scott devoted 61 years to the job that she loves, creating and selling unique Jamaican craft products. She makes bags and sews baskets that she often decorates with birds, banana trees and other eye-catching figures, which she has been doing all these years since she was a teenager to this day. 

The name “Jimmy James” Wright was synonymous with one of Montego Bay’s top hotels for decades. The passion Jimmy had for his job, regardless of his area of responsibility, remained with him throughout his 61 years in the tourism industry before he recently retired as the hotel’s Director of Operations. 

Further to the awards themselves, this year’s event provided these outstanding workers with an opportunity to enjoy the tourism product to which they have made such important contributions. Since many of them have not been able to have a vacation experience, awardees were each transported to an accommodation partner where they could relax and partake of all the available amenities through a specially curated itinerary.  

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: Kaye Chong and Hon. Bartlett – image courtesy of Jamaica Ministry of Tourism

MEDIA CONTACT: Corporate Communications Division, Ministry of Tourism, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Telephone: 920-4924, Fax: 920-4944 – OR – Kingsley Roberts, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Ministry of Tourism, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990, Cell: (876) 505-6118, Fax: 920-4944