Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Tourism Director hails marathon as part of Kingston City Run
#Kingston, October 25, 2018 – Jamaica – Tourism Director, Donovan White, has lauded the organisers of the annual Kingston City Run for expanding the slate of activities for the seventh staging in 2019 to include a marathon, noting that this has the potential to attract visitors to the capital city.
The three-day run, organised by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s (JHTA) Kingston Chapter, is slated for March 15 to 17.
Speaking during the recent launch at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Mr. White said Kingston is “well deserving” of becoming part of the global trend that sees people travelling to “experience what it’s like to run in a marathon. I think that’s the experience that makes the transition of [the] Kingston City Run to [include a] marathon, a really bold move by the organisers,” he noted.
Mr. White described the event’s introduction as a “fantastic development” for the country and wider Caribbean, “because I believe Jamaica has a leadership role to play in the business of driving this region of the world forward”. He argued that running continues to emerge as “a way of life for a lot of people in a lot of places… people [who] we would like to show [more of] Jamaica [to]”.
Noting the success of the annual Reggae Marathon in Negril, which, he said, has gained a “really good positon” globally over the years since its inception, Mr. White contended that Kingston is equally deserving of being a “part of the experience of, not just running, but meeting new people, making friends, and creating a lifetime of memories”.
He added that Jamaica, particularly the capital city, “needs to have something like this that becomes part of [the] flagship of our tourism product for the destination of Kingston”.
“What it means is that runners… from all over the world [will] get an opportunity to spend two or three days in Kingston and, maybe, get an opportunity to see that Kingston is just as beautiful… or even more beautiful than some other places [globally] that they have been to run,” he said.
The City Run/Marathon, staged since 2013, aims to raise funds to support projects for Kingston’s homeless, vulnerable youth through partner charity organisations, and heighten awareness of the capital city as a tourist destination.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Open Arms Drop-In Centre; Marie Atkins Night Shelter; Food For the Poor; Alpha Institute (Alpha Boys’ Home); and Missionaries of the Poor.
In addition to the marathon, it includes a half marathon, 10k race, 5k run/walk, and a kids run, the latter of which will involve youngsters from inner-city communities as part of the organisers’ focus on inclusive participation.
The weekend of events also includes a welcome party for race participants and other stakeholders on Friday, March 15; a lifestyle and fitness expo on Saturday, March 16; with five and 10k races and marathons set for March 17. The activities will culminate with an awards ceremony and finish line reggae festival on March 17.
For her part, Kingston City Run founder and Organising Committee Co-Chair, Nicola Madden-Greig, noted that a number of great cities around the world host marathons, adding that “we think [Kingston is] a great city, and we should definitely have a great marathon”.
“We want to put Kingston on the map and really celebrate all that is wonderful about our capital city. Kingston is where it all happens. We are the heartbeat of Jamaica, and we definitely will be celebrating all of this, come March 2019… so we are very excited,” she said.
Mrs. Madden-Greig advised that all races will start and end at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.
Participants will traverse scenic routes that take them past notable and historic landmarks such as Devon House, King’s House, Bob Marley Museum, and Hope Gardens.
Mrs. Madden-Greig indicated that the courses were measured by the International Association of Athletics Federation/Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (IAAF/AIMS) International Measurement Administrator for the Americas and ‘A’ class measurer, Bernie Conway, and have been ratified in keeping with IAAF global standards.
The Co-Chair informed that the organising committee has forged a strategic partnership with Active.com, one of the largest race registration and marathon promoters globally, which will be responsible for all Kingston City Run/Kingston Marathon registrations and marketing.
“We will also be working with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), and will be facilitating a series of launches through JTB’s partnership in various locations… including New York, Florida, Toronto, and London. We already participated in Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) in September and that was where we really pushed out to our international tour operators and travel agents,” she said.
Additionally, Mrs. Madden-Greig said the Committee has partnered with Dynamic Lifestyles Chief Executive Officer, avid road-race runner and wife of the Tourism Director, Patrice White, who will officially serve as the event’s Ambassador.
“Patrice is going to [in her role as] an international ambassador push the word out locally and internationally. We are very excited and pleased to have Patrice on board,” she said, while indicating that further details on the event will be announced in January 2019.
Mrs. Madden-Greig encouraged stakeholders to “work with us [as] this is long-term vision for our city.” She particularly urged them to support participants in the kiddies run.
“Last year, we were able to have just over 500 children on the road. These were sponsored kids’ teams. So you can sponsor a team of, like, 59 children and you can brand them… put them in nice little shirts. You fully sponsor their 
registration… we pick them up for you… [and] we feed them… give them a nice breakfast… [so] inner-city kids get to enjoy this event,” she said.
The Co-Chair indicated that “this is something that we are trying to inculcate, in terms of building a culture of running… [by] allowing them to enjoy an event, celebrating the city in which they live”.
“It is going to be a ramped up effort to really secure our place in the marathon space and in the space of distance running races worldwide. We really want you [our stakeholders, especially sponsors] to dig deep and invest in this. Don’t think of it as a sponsorship, but as an investment in your city and how we can really grow this,” Mrs. Madden-Greig added.
Main sponsors of the event, which had just under 5,000 participants last year, are the JHTA, JTB, Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), RJR/Gleaner Communications Group, and Marksman Limited.
Release: JIS
Contact: Douglas McIntosh
Photo Caption: Tourism Director, Donovan White (left), shares a light moment with Founder and Organising Committee Co-Chair, Kingston City Run/Kingston Marathon, Nicola Madden-Greig (centre); and the event’s Ambassador, Patrice White, during the recent launch at The Jamaica Pegasus, New Kingston. The annual event is slated for March 15 to 17, 2019.
Dave Reid Photo
May 2, 2024 – Bēchë, the premier swimwear of the Turks and Caicos, known for its innovative designs, commitment to quality, philanthropy and cultural storytelling, is thrilled to announce its official partnership with the prestigious return of Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting fashion and beauty, with the event scheduled to take place in Providenciales on July 26th and 27th 2024.
As the exclusive swimwear partner for this esteemed pageant, bēchë will be outfitting all contestants with its latest collection curated specifically for each lady. This collection is designed to empower women and celebrate their individuality. This partnership aligns with bēchë’s mission to inspire confidence and elegance through exceptional swimwear that caters to all body types, while telling a story about our nation.
Event Highlights and Swimwear Showcase
Bēchë’s “Miss Universe Turks” designs will be featured during the promotional photoshoots leading up to the event, during the bikini
competition and official photoshoots of the reigning queen. Attendees will witness firsthand the fusion of fashion and poise as the contestants grace the stage in bēchë’s standout pieces, each crafted to highlight the beauty and culture of the Turks and Caicos and our women.
Exclusive Offers and Engagement
In celebration of this partnership, bēchë will offer exclusive promotions and giveaways leading up to and during the event. Pageant attendees and fans worldwide will have the opportunity to engage with both brands through interactive social media campaigns and live-streamed segments of the pageant. The curated collection will be available to the general public for pre-order on the night of the pageant.
A Commitment to Community and Fashion
“Partnering with the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant is an honor and a testament to our dedication to high-quality, accessible fashion,” said Cyprianna Jackson, Designer and Founder of bēchë. “This event not only highlights the talent and beauty of its participants but also shines a spotlight on the global appeal of inclusive fashion. We are excited to bring our designs to such a dynamic stage and look forward to an ongoing relationship with the pageant.”
The Miss Universe Turks and Caicos organization shares bēchë’s enthusiasm, with National Director Gabriela Clesca stating, “We are truly honored and thrilled to announce the return of the Miss Universe competition to Turks and Caicos after 10 years, alongside our esteemed swimwear partner, bēchë. Together, we’re positioning ourselves to showcase the extraordinary talent and beauty of this island, offering a global stage to showcase the captivating essence of TCI.”
~ Caribbean students graduate with Diploma in Hospitality Leadership ~
May 2, 2024, Montego Bay, Jamaica – In keeping with Sandals Resorts’ mandate to train and develop 400 managers in the next three years, The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) has added another sixteen managers to its growing list of graduates in the Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme.
Melissa Migliavacca, valedictorian
The leadership initiative, a partnership with the SCU, Florida International University(FIU) and Accelerating Leaders hosted its second graduation ceremony, at Sandals Barbados which was attended by members of the SCU team, Sandals and Beaches Executives, representatives of FIU and Accelerating Leaders and well-wishers of the graduates.
In his greeting, Dr. Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism expressed his joy in celebrating with the team members. He shared, “all of you embody the spirit of service, innovation and community that is embedded into the DNA of Sandals Resorts International. You’ve demonstrated that true leadership is about more than just guiding others. It’s about inspiring them, lifting them up, and striving for excellence in every endeavour. As you move forward from today, remember that the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired are tools not just for personal success, but for making a difference in the world. The hospitality industry, with its endless challenges and opportunities, awaits your contribution. You are the future of this industry, and we have every confidence that you will lead with integrity, creativity, and compassion.”
Managing Director for Sandals Resorts International, Stephen Blackburne, in his keynote address expressed how impressed he was with the graduates for taking a very calculated approach to their future with the organization. He said, “waiting to be asked is a passive approach. Instead continue to be intentional and proactive in shaping your future and making a meaningful impact wherever you go. I urge you to embrace this moment with pride and excitement. You are not just graduates, you are ambassadors of excellence, emissaries of change and architects of the future.”
Je’mel Francis, club sandals supervisor for Sandals Grande Antigua
Students for cohort B were recruited from Sandals Resorts across St. Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Barbados and Grenada. Cohorts C and D will commence in April and May respectively, and the SCU anticipates that by the end of 2024, five cohorts will earn their diplomas.
To close out the evening on an inspiring note, Sandals Grenada’s Spa Manager, and valedictorian for Cohort B Melissa Migliavacca, took the time in her address to motivate her colleagues as they look towards the future. She said passionately, “it took discipline, dedication and focus as well as effective time management for us to follow through. There were times that we stumbled upon obstacles but giving up was not an option. Lisa Nichols says, that in this life we can choose to be a victim or a victor, the choice is always ours. I’m so glad we’re all standing victorious today because we made the choice to be brave and sign up for this programme and we saw it through to the end.” She concluded by encouraging her colleagues to pay it forward when they return to their operations by helping train team members and cultivating a standard of excellence.
The Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme is a six-month long interactive course leveraging workshops, discussion groups, case studies and industry best-practices. Entry and mid-level managers are challenged to apply new knowledge, gain advanced skills and create positive behaviours as they prepare for the future and continuous achievement of excellence in the industry.
~END~
Captions:
Header – Proud graduates of Cohort B of the Diploma in Hospitality Leadership come together for their group shot ahead of their graduation ceremony. The cohort consisted of managers from Sandals Resorts to include Grenada, Barbados, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and St. Lucia.
1st insert – Melissa Migliavacca, valedictorian, gave a riveting address on behalf of her colleagues. She encouraged them to return to their resorts and impart what they have learnt to empower their various teams.
2nd insert – Je’mel Francis, club sandals supervisor for Sandals Grande Antigua, paused for a photo with Stephen Blackburne, managing director, SRI as he collected his diploma certificate. The Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme is offered by SCU in partnership with Accelerating Leaders and the Florida International University.
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