By Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Godfrey Dyer, applauded Half Moon Montego Bay as a beacon in the island's hospitality and tourism industry at the hotel's 50th Anniversary Church Service on Sunday.

On the commencement of the hotel's 50th Anniversary week of celebrations at the St. James Parish Church, Mr. Dyer said in the past 50 years, Half Moon has gradually defined and perfected its own unique brand of hotel accommodation, allowing Jamaica the opportunity to bask in the reflected glory of its many awards.

The church service, which lasted two hours, had in attendance Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Government, Sport and Community Development, Custos of St. James the Hon. Clarence Nelson, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce President Winston Dear and a host of local dignitaries. The Rt. Reverend Canon Justin Nemhard officiated.

At the service, tourism workers were praised for their strength of disposition in taking tourism to the pinnacle.

"Our celebration today is of 50 years of collaboration between the capital of our foreign investors and the strength of character of the community in which we live," said Richard Whittled, Managing Director of Half Moon.

SUCCESS

"The success of this collaboration can be measured in many ways, but nothing stands out more than the impact this community has had on the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have passed through our resort."

Throughout the week Half Moon has planned a series of activities.

Yesterday, several staff who performed exceptionally were honoured at an official ceremony at the hotel's conference centre. On Thursday, September 30, The Gleaner will publish the last in an eight-page three-part feature and on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2, rhythm and blues singer Roberta Flack and Reggae Ambassadors Third World will perform at two 'by invitation only' concerts closing the week of celebration.