Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Dominque Peterkin tenderly consoles her teary-eyed husband Horace at a very painful farewell function in his honour last Thursday. Horace Peterkin said his goodbyes to his staff, friends and guests at Sandals Montego Bay after 17 years at the flagship resort. - photos by Janet Silvera

Outgoing general manager of Sandals Montego Bay, Horace Peterkin (centre), gets a hug from his mom Joyce, while his wife Dominique lends her support, at a farewell function in his honour recently.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Horace Peterkin's 23-year tour of duty with Sandals Resort International, ended last Thursday (July 31) at a tear-jerking, heartbreaking and painful farewell at Sandals Montego Bay.

"There is no good in goodbye, but sometimes all good things must come to an end," said Marlon Tingling, the public relations manager who has served with the tourism stalwart for the last five years. The end of Peterkin's tenure at Sandals signals the start of other things, including his new company, Peterkin Hospitality Services.

It was also an afternoon of celebration, rewards, acknowledgements and introspection of years spent contributing to the hospitality industry.

bedrock of sandals

"Mr P, you are the bedrock of Sandals Montego Bay. You stand out like a beacon, rising head and shoulders above everyone in the sector," said a sad Dawn Smith, executive assistant manager, as she read a beautifully scripted citation.

Humbled by the gesture, Peterkin spoke of his time at Sandals being the most productive years of his life.

"I enjoyed it thoroughly and I fell in love with this organisation soon after joining it, because Sandals has a big heart; it has conscience." When he spoke of his wife Dominique's commitment and the time spent away from his family, he, too, broke down in tears.

In attendance were colleagues Wayne Cummings, Louis Grant, mother Joyce Peterkin, wife Dominique. There was also a host of staff including David Campbell and Keisha Sanderson, Reinford Brown, Rory Frankson and his loyal secretary, Annette Miller.

He will be remembered by his guests as the most affable general manager. One of the gifts Horace Peterkin (centre) received last Thursday at his send-off party at the flagship Sandals Montego Bay was an eclectic dance routine from two of his guests.