Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
Interim manager of the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, Franz Ferschke (second left), is being
welcomed by the ladies of the resort during a cocktail reception on Wednesday night, at the White Witch Restaurant. Pictured here from left are the flambouyant Verona Carter, Elizabeth Barker, Verona Rutty and Jacqueline Burrell. - Janet Silvera Photo
WESTEN BUREAU:
HUGS, KISSES, tears and joy highlighted the fun-filled farewell reception for Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall's Martin Nicholson on Wednesday night.
A large gathering of Montego Bay's citizens came out to say goodbye to the man who had spent the last three years in the tourism capital, while at the same time welcome the effervescent 'interim' general manager Franz Ferschke, who replaces Mr. Nicholson at the Five-Diamond resort.
Nicholson who spoke proudly of the resort during its fifth anniversary celebrations last month said then, "Triple (AAA) recognition in a country where people would have sworn on a stack of Bibles that no hotel could ever achieve such a level of service is a great feat."
He was scheduled to depart the island on Thursday with his wife Barbara, who fought back tears several times during the reception.
POSITION CHANGEOVER
However, the former general manager's shoes will ideally fit Franz Ferschke who is no stranger to the Ritz family. Mr. Ferschke, returning from his fourth attempt at retirement, just anchored the construction of the Ritz-Carlton South Beach in Florida, and just as he was becoming comfortable with a break he was asked by J.W. Marriott to oversee the running of the Jamaican resort.
Mr. Ferschke boast an illustrious career in the hotel industry, having held several top positions in the Marriott chain. He has served as vice-president for Marriott Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and the Caribbean.
And with so much excitement under his belt, the new general manager already has plans of quiet evenings at Montego Bay's renowned Jerk Centre 'Scotchie's', or the Friday evening soiree at Coyaba, combined with trips to the cultural centre of the Caribbean Kingston.
SEND-OFF PARTY
The send-off party saw Ritz-Carlton sparing no expense in presenting its best chefs who went all out in creating a palate-pleasing risotto. Kudos to chefs Eric Gilchrist and Oral McNarrin.
Those who turned out for the event included: Mrs. Michele Rollins, new hotel manager, Bernd Kuhlen, Elisabeth Simonitsch, looking simply gorgeous in blue and her 'goddess in waiting' daughter Madeline, Aroon and Indru Dadlani, Verona Carter in her element, Verona Rutty clad in red, and the fabulous public relations guru Jacqueline Burrell.
Also out to pay their respects were Basil Johnson, Superintendent of Police Warren Clarke, Winston and Denise Dear, Dermott Connelly, Mike Kandert, Jorge and Adella Sales, Curtis Grad, Palmyra's Ragni and Robert Trotta, Tricia Bridge, Scott Robbins; the beautiful Julie Samtani and her husband Kumar, Steve James, Peter and Eleanor Komposch, Senator Noel Sloley and wife Sharon, Joy and Maxim Clarke, Mark Hart, Joan Lee, Violet Whitfield and Peter Pearson.
The Ritz team headed by Human Resources Director Courtenay Leacock, included Todd Bowman, Elizabeth Barker, Nadia Fagan and Sharon Hines.
