Yeild TO Kindness (Y2K), a non-profit organisation whose aim is to provide community services within St. Ann, recently held a dinner for the staff of the Ocho Rios branch of the North Eastern Parks and Markets (NEPM).
Held the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel, just outside the town square, the event focused on the work of those who often go unnoticed and, in the words of Y2K founder, Althea Bryan, rewarded some of the unsung heroes of Ocho Rios.
Speakers at the event included St. Ann Chamber president Eva Myers: tourism regional manager Iva Walters; Custos of St. Ann Radcliffe Walters; Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) St. Ann chapter president, Freddie Marsh and Detective Superintendent James Forbes.
Mr. Forbes, who was the guest speaker, commended Ms. Bryan and the Y2K organisation for their outstanding work throughout the parish and noted that it was service organisations like theirs that brought out the bet in the people of the country.
He added that the work done by the NEPM worker was important to the continued development of Ocho Rios and it was important for them to know that their efforts were being appreciated.
Business leader
The who’s who in the garden parish turned out last week to celebrate with National Meats’ boss David Phillips, his recognition a the Jamaica Observer’s business leader of the year for 1999. They were hosted by SuperClubs executive vice president Joe Issa on the immaculate front lawn of his St. Mary home.
Mr. Phillips, who started his meat business from the trunk of his car and has turned it into what is now a successful multimillion dollar empire, was accompanied by his beautiful wife Tanya. They were both very gracious at the outpouring of congratulations from their business counterparts and close friends.
Father Howard James gave his blessings, while friend, led by St. Ann Chamber of Commerce president Eva Myers and Triple Supersave Supermarket’s owner Michael Belnavis, toasted the man of the hour, who was described as a humble man who had never lost sight of his roots.
Guests stayed late into the night.
In attendance were Darcy and Ron Santikola, Paul Pennicooke, Dr. Francis Barnett, Careen Byfield, Andrew and Caroline Grant, Angela Afflick, Richard Lee, Hainsworth and Sandra Lindo, Sheryl Robinson, Howard McIntosh, Deanne Belnavis, Bobby Montaque and Audrey Crooks.
Cruise visitors
The world’s largest cruise ship, the Voyager of the Seas, is starting to make its presence felt.
With a capacity of nearly 4,000 passengers, it was felt initially by several business operator in Ocho Rios that not many people were disembarking from the ship while in port, and that the town was not benefitting much from its presence.
However, that seems to be changing as the Voyager, with a much younger clientele during its last couple of visits, has finally started to give Ocho Rios the kind of returns that were earlier predicted.
Entertainment and night life activities at the Little Pub Restaurant in Ocho Rios have also started to pick up.
The Tuesday night karaoke special has got so popular that residents and visitor alike are starting to come out in droves to the restaurant.
Source: Outlook
