MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, is the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Hotelier of the Year. This recognition is a testament to her decades-long dedication and exemplary leadership in the hospitality industry, underscoring her significant contributions to Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.

A true product of the Caribbean, Affonso-Dass was born in Dominica and lived in in Trinidad and Antigua before moving to Guyana where she grew up. She has lived in Barbados for the past 22 years.

After earning her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University, she embarked on an impressive career spanning over 30 years. From her initial role with CHTA (formerly CHA, under the Caribbean Hospitality Training Institute), to her pioneering work in Guyana where she managed an eco-resort and was one of the founding members and early presidents of the Guyana Hotel and Tourism Association, to her current position at Ocean Hotels Group, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence and a commitment to elevating Caribbean tourism standards.

A passionate believer in the power of local hotel and tourism associations to be change agents for the industry and their countries, she served as President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, while also contributing to the regional development of the industry, serving on the Board and Executive Committee for CHTA and later being elected by her peers to serve as the organization’s president.

As CHTA President from 2018 to 2020, the hotelier navigated unprecedented challenges posed by a series of major hurricanes, followed by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her presidency, she played a pivotal role in shaping tourism policy and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General, commented, “Patricia’s exceptional leadership was instrumental in steering the association through this period of uncertainty and recovery. Her deep-rooted support for the development of Caribbean people has been exemplified throughout her career, as she’s discovered and developed countless local talent, mentoring and guiding them, with many moving on to positions of senior management and leadership in the industry.”

Under Affonso-Dass’ strategic guidance, Ocean Hotels Group has become a center of hospitality excellence in Barbados. Her hands-on approach and visionary leadership have led to the successful management of properties such as O2 Beach Club & Spa, Sea Breeze Beach House, and The Rockley. Each property offers guests an unparalleled experience rooted in Bajan authenticity.

Renée Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), remarked, “Patricia’s commitment to service and excellence is unmatched. Her leadership has not only elevated Ocean Hotels Group but has also positively impacted the wider Caribbean tourism landscape.”

Beyond her professional endeavors, Affonso-Dass has tirelessly advocated for the industry, serving in various capacities within the BHTA. As President, she played a pivotal role in shaping tourism policy and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

The Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by CHTA, recognizes excellence in Caribbean hotel operations. It celebrates superior achievement in resort operations, food & beverage, marketing and sales, resort maintenance, staff training and motivation, innovative management, environmental practices, community affairs, and involvement with national and regional lodging industry associations.

CAPTION:  Patricia Affonso-Dass (center) with Barbados Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill and Renée Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, in Montego Bay today.

May 22, 2024

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to scaling up programming on Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction and early recovery in partner countries and territories served by its Multi Country Office in Jamaica, says Resident Representative, Kishan Khoday.

Addressing UNDP’s Disaster Risk Resilience Knowledge Exchange last week ahead of the 2024 Hurricane Season, Mr. Khoday said his organization’s offer remains strongly focused on strengthening capacities to better manage risk and achieve just and resilience development pathways.

“Today we stand in solidarity with our country partners, local officials and communities across the Caribbean, to implement the new outcomes expected from the 4^th Global SIDS Conference taking place here in the Caribbean. This includes enhanced policies and institutions that can manage increasing levels of complexity and put in place risk-informed development policies and plans. UNDP today stands as the UN’s largest implementer of grant assistance for climate action globally and we seek to support partners in the region address growing levels of climate vulnerability”, Mr. Khoday explained.

In outlining his nation’s resilience plans, The Bahamas’ Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon Leon Lundy, pointed to a range of infrastructural, policy and outreach interventions, including the ongoing construction of a climate resilient community shelter on Abaco financed by the government of India and implemented in partnership with the UNDP. “The shelter symbolizes our commitment to providing safe havens for our citizens during hurricanes and other disasters,” he stated. He also noted that his government will be strengthening its emergency management arrangements and disaster risk governance, prioritizing the development of a strong regulatory environment for climate, resilient infrastructure.

Jamaica’s ODPEM Acting Director-General Richard Thompson underscored the importance of social capital and community capacity building in disaster emergency response including Community Emergency Response Teams. He said training and capacity development are consistently implemented. “There’s shelter management training right throughout the year to ensure that we are building that capacity at the local level,” he stated.

And in continuation of the dialogue on governance arrangements for resilience, Chairman of The Bahamas’ Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA), Alex Storr highlighted the importance of a sound regulatory environment. He said his government’s recent establishment of the DRMA through a merger of the Disaster Reconstruction Authority, National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management had created an agile and flexible state-owned enterprise.

Presentations were also shared by Aarone Sargent, Managing Director (Acting) Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA), The Bahamas; Brian Been, Policy, Planning and Programme Manager in the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs, Turks and Caicos Islands Government; Anila Qehaja, UNDP Information Management Specialist; and Hartley Eugene Thompson II, UNDP Engineer/Architect.

The Disaster Risk Resilience Knowledge Exchange is part two of UNDP’s Resilient Series, conceptualized to share lessons and best practices for a climate resilient future.  It also fulfils the requirement for south-south exchanges under the UNDP-implemented Abaco hurricane shelter project financed by India and is a key development solution under UNDP’s Multi-Country Programme (2022-2026) under which UNDP supports local initiatives for resilient and sustainable development in The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Islands.

#MontegoBay, May 31, 2024 – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is reminding Jamaicans of the importance of preparing for what is expected to be an active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States has forecast an above-average season, with projections of 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes of category three or higher.

Mr. Holness pointed out that this is among the highest forecasts issued by NOAA, while addressing the National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRMC) meeting, held at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St. Ann, on Wednesday, May 29.

The Prime Minister, who is also Chairman of the NDRMC, said this is an appropriate time to assess the exposure of homes, infrastructure, services, productive activities, and workplaces as the hurricane season approaches.

“So, I take this opportunity to encourage all Jamaicans that as we enter the hurricane season to, first of all, do your household preparation. Put aside food stock and water as much as you can and make provisions for the protection of your important documents or valuables,” Mr. Holness explained.

“Look at your home and see what is likely to be destroyed in a hurricane, such as roof, windows, doors and even trees that are in proximity to your home. Start making preparations to cut some of those branches that might become  projectiles,” he added.

Community cooperation is another key point in preparedness, the Prime Minister underscored. He urged citizens to speak with neighbours and family members, especially those who may be alone or unable to help themselves, to develop contingency plans.

He pointed out that emergency shelters play a crucial role in disaster response and called on entities managing these shelters to ensure they are ready and operational.

Mr. Holness emphasised that individuals must prepare personal items if they need to evacuate to a shelter.

“Jamaica must live with our reality of being one of the most exposed countries in the world to multiple hazards, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, storm surges and landslides. In fact, models have predicted the increased impact of catastrophic natural events arising from heightened surface temperatures and global sea-level rise,” Mr. Holness outlined.

However, he noted that through efficient land-use planning, urban renewal, and building code regulation, the Government is creating safer and more resilient spaces.

Mr. Holness assured that these measures are safeguarding the nation’s development gains from being “washed away in any disaster”.

He highlighted the nation’s financial capability, organisational strength, and the will and motivation to recover stronger and better from disasters.

The NDRMC gave a review and update of Jamaica’s disaster preparedness and response plans via presentations from various government agencies, departments, and stakeholders to guarantee a unified and efficient response to disasters.

The meeting also assessed current risks and vulnerabilities, and also focused on formulating and outlining policies and strategies to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience.

Among the entities in attendance were the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Earthquake Unit, Mines and Geology Division, Ministry of Health and Wellness, among others.

Contact: Okoye Henry

Release: JIS