JAVA tipped for tourism award - Dogsledding Jamaican to receive special prize at chamber of commerce ceremony

Published: Tuesday | May 19, 2009


Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer


Oswald 'Newton' Marshall, who finished impressively in the 2009 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, earlier this year. - Contributed

The Jamaica Association of Villas and Apartment (JAVA) will this year be the recipient of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Award for service to the tourism sector.

JAVA, formed in 1967, represents more than 300 private villas, condos and cottages islandwide to include Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay, Port Antonio and the south coast.

The association has sought to develop this area of the tourism industry by setting standards, monitoring operations and marketing overseas.

Long before the Government introduced standards and guidelines for villas in Jamaica, JAVA had formulated its own set of rules to which members have adhered to over the years.

"It feels wonderful, I mean JAVA has been around for many, many years, in fact, 40-odd years," said Vana Taylor, chairperson of JAVA.

The award to JAVA coincides with the departure of its executive director Carmen McKnight who is regarded as a stalwart in the tourism sector.

Retiring soon

"She is retiring and is one of Jamaica's stalwart in the tourism industry, so I'm hoping she would receive the award on behalf of JAVA. She started as executive secretary, moved on to general manager then executive director and has done so much for JAVA and is deserving of any award being received," Taylor said.

The award will be presented at the chamber's annual award banquet on Saturday, May 30, at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa, Ocho Rios, starting at 7 p.m.

Other awardees on the list include R.O. Walters and Associates, which will receive the Corporate Award; Herbert E Murdock, the Citizen's Award and Newton Marshall, musher, who will receive a special award.