Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Dr Norma Blair, wife of Ainsley (left), is sandwiched between kisses from her husband and his elder brother, Kingsley.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Scores of residents of Orlando and adjoining cities in Florida, USA, were at the ballroom of the Rosen Centre Hotel last weekend to celebrate at an Air Jamaica 'Thank You' reception.

Air Jamaica's chief executive officer and acting president, Will Rodgers, reminded the audience how important their support was in making the airline a success, especially at a critical time when the industry is faced with many challenges.

Also present were Paul Pennicook, vice-president of sales and marketing, Joan Boxer; George DeMercado, vice-president of sales; Denise Sloley, Air Jamaica's manager at the Orlando International Airport; Kaye Chung, manager of Air Jamaica's community and special markets; Marjorie Robinson, director of communications; Sancia Gordon, among a host of other staff.

Jamaican Orlando community

Members of the Jamaican Orlando community included the Rev Ainsley Blair, his wife Norma, a physician, brother Kingsley Blair Sr and son Kingsley Jr (brothers and nephew of Bishop Herro Blair); Tina Wong, Miss Orlando 2008; Cecil Bogle, businessman; Debra Thompson-French; Jennifer Copeland; Wayne Golding, attorney-at-law, among many others.

Air Jamaica commenced weekly flights into Orlando 10 years ago but now offers daily flights to that gateway and remains the only airline to fly direct to Orlando from Jamaica. To celebrate this milestone, Air Jamaica flew a team of Jamaican journalists to Orlando to showcase the city and its many offerings from entertainment, elegant restaurants, nightlife and amusement parks, among other facilities outside Disney World for which Orlando has been popular for many years.

Sancia Gordon (left), media assistant with Air Jamaica, and Mary Deatrick, public relations consultant, in a pleasant exchange. - Photos by Noel Thompson

Air Jamaica's vice-president of sales and marketing, Paul Pennicook, has the attention of radio announcer Lady D (left) and Joan Boxer, regional sales manager with Air Jamaica.

Denise Sloley-McIntosh (second right), airport manager with Air Jamaica in Orlando, is the centre of attention as she talks with her bosses during an Air Jamaica reception at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, last weekend. Looking on from left are: Paul Pennicook, vice-president of sales and marketing; Will Rodgers, chief executive officer and acting president; George DeMercado, vice-president of sales, and Debra Thompson-French, general manager of the Hampton Inn and Hylton Gardens Hotel in Orlando.