Caribbean News
Montego Bay Hosting a Showcase of 17 Talented Artists in Due West Exhibition
BY: SERENA GRANT
Montego Bay, April 22, 2025 – Members of the public can now view the works of 17 of western Jamaica’s talented artists, which are on display in the Due West Exhibition in Montego Bay, St. James.
The pieces, showcased at National Gallery West, include ceramics, paintings, photography, printmaking, and fibre arts, among others. They were created using a diverse range of materials.
The themes largely centre on the environment, relationships and portraiture (portraits).
The exhibition, which runs until August, was formally opened on April 13 with a reception at the gallery, just ahead of World Art Day,
observed on April 15.
Among the guests in attendance was Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who emphasised the significance of art as a means of self-expression, “especially when we are trying to promote our culture”.
“[Art] is an active means of getting our inner expression outside and to get the world to engage with what we see, how we live and our own experience; people express the Jamaican culture in different ways, especially through art,” he told JIS News.
Councillor Vernon also highlighted the significance of the exhibition being mounted at Gallery West.
“This is a location that we are trying to promote. We want to have persons come in… each day when we have the different… exhibitions happening. [When we have] tourists visiting our city centre, they can come and experience that as well,” he stated.
For his part, Chief Curator at the National Gallery of Jamaica, O’Neil Lawrence, told JIS News that the Due West exhibition was initially held in 2019 and then in 2020.
However, he said the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other challenges, disrupted plans for further exhibitions.
Mr. Lawrence emphasised the importance that the Gallery’s management placed on the exhibitions.
“It’s going to be our flagship [event], because we really believe in creating a platform for western Jamaica. There are a lot of artists who come out of western Jamaica. I think some of the leading artists coming out of Jamaica came from this region,” he pointed out.
Mr. Lawrence highlighted the late, highly acclaimed painter, Barrington Watson, as a notable figure, adding that artists from western Jamaica continue to gain prominence both locally and globally.
He urged artists to begin preparing their submissions for future Due West exhibitions. Eligible pieces must be created within the last three years, and artworks will be available for purchase directly from the artists after the exhibition concludes.
Assistant Curator at National Gallery West, Monique Gilpin, noted that the call for submissions for Due West 2025 was issued last November.
Some 40 submissions were received by the Gallery’s selection committee, of which 17 were shortlisted.
Ms. Gilpin advised that a People’s Choice Award is being incorporated this year, which will allow patrons to vote for their favourite display or artist, based on the pieces exhibited,
To vote, persons can either scan the QR codes on the labels of various artworks or use ballot boxes at the gallery.
“The artist with the most votes at the end of the exhibition… will receive a cash prize of $250,000. It is a part of our initiative to continue to support emerging and professional artists within the region as it is something that is necessary, as there are not that many platforms of this nature that support artists from western Jamaica,” Ms. Gilpin stated.
Artist, Brighton Brown, who is showcasing a printmaking piece in the exhibition, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and encouraged fellow artists in western Jamaica to strive to be a part of the next staging.
He also encouraged them to identify alternative media to showcase their work.
“You must be steadfast in looking out for opportunities… you don’t always have to rely on a gallery. You can also put on your own show. They can also showcase their work online, bringing their works to different places, showing people what they can do and trying to network with others, or look to the overseas markets as well,” Mr. Brown said.
For his part, Montego Bay businessman, Lloyd B. Smith, who was a patron at the opening reception, said the exhibition is “an excellent idea” “For too long, artists in the west have had to just pander their wares to the tourism industry, hoping to make a few bucks without getting the necessary recognition from the community at large. I think that this exposure is the right direction, because it elevates our talents to certain levels of excellence and distinction. I hope that this will be a regular affair so that the artists can get their work sufficiently exposed and, in the long run, benefit from the experience,” he underscored.
Mr. Smith noted that artists in western Jamaica continue to journey to Kingston in order to gain recognition, which he said is unfortunate.
“I think Due West is showing us that our artists in the west are talented. They have creativity, they have a right to be here and we have to give them the support on an ongoing basis so that their works will become part and parcel of the overall creative arts experience in the country and not just in Montego Bay,” he stated.
World Art Day was observed this year under the theme ‘A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community through Art’.
CAPTIONS:
Header: Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon (second left), converses with (from left) Chief Curator, National Gallery Jamaica, O’Neil Lawrence; artist, David Pinto, and Chairman, Montego Bay Arts Council, Josef Forstmayr. The occasion was the opening reception for the Due West exhibition at National Gallery West at the Montego Bay Culture Centre in St. James on April 13.
1st insert: Several patrons view artwork during the opening reception of the Due West exhibition at National Gallery West at the Montego Bay Culture Centre in St. James on April 13). The exhibition runs until August.
Serena Grant Photos
Whatsapp Image
Due West Exhibition Flyer
Contributed
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
Caribbean News
Pres Ali declares three days of national mourning following MV Barima tragedy July 21, 2026
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning following the tragic loss of lives in the M.V. Barima incident, as the nation continues to grieve alongside the families and communities affected.
The period of national mourning will be observed from Wednesday, July 22, through Friday, July 24, 2026, in honour of the victims of the
tragedy. During this time, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings and other appropriate locations across the country.
As part of the observances, Wednesday, July 22, has been designated a National Day of Prayer. A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, bringing together citizens in solidarity to honour the lives lost and offer support to grieving families.
The programme of remembrance will continue with a Night of Reflection and Prayer in Port Kaituma on Thursday, July 23, followed by another observance in Mabaruma on Friday, July 24.
The government is also encouraging religious organisations, civic groups and citizens throughout Guyana to organise candlelight vigils and moments of prayer during the three days as the nation collectively reflects on the tragedy and pays tribute to the victims. The declaration of national mourning underscores the government’s commitment to standing with the bereaved families and affected communities as Guyana mourns one of the country’s most heartbreaking maritime tragedies.
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