Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Lynch

WESTERN BUREAU:

John Lynch has relinquished his post as executive vice-president of worldwide sales at Sandals' Resorts International's Unique Vacation to pursue continued interest at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), an internal memo to staff at Unique reveals.

Unique Vacations, Inc is the worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, The Royal Plantation Collection, and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. The announcement was made yesterday morning by Kevin Froemming, president of Unique Vacations, Inc.

The resignation of Lynch, who, after one year in the post, remains chairman at the JTB, takes effect today, two days after it was tendered.

"John is leaving to pursue continued interest for the betterment of Jamaica and the Caribbean region as a whole with the JTB," Froemming said in a memo to the employees.

Lynch had given 16 years of service to the group and his resignation comes at a time when the JTB is seeking a director of tourism to replace Basil Smith, who resigned the position after two years in office.

"It is possible that John Lynch could be named executive chairman of the JTB," a highly placed source touted. However, this may be far-fetched as the Tourist Board Act makes provision only for the posts of director of tourism and chairman.

Modification

It is not clear how the Government would go about making such a modification to the act and efforts to reach Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, who is attending the World Travel Market in London, proved futile.

Calls made to Lynch's phone also went unanswered.

In the meantime, a press release to the media from Sandals quotes Froemming lauding Lynch for playing a pivotal role in the chain's expansion from one single brand to four distinct resort brands.

"We are a stronger company today for the efforts of John Lynch," said Froemming. "His work to distinguish our brands and define new audiences has positioned Unique Vacations well. He is truly an influential and sought-after expert and it has been my privilege to have called him my colleague."

Lynch joined Unique Vacations, Inc, in 1992.

Speaking from World Travel Market in London, Sandals Resorts Chairman Gordon 'Butch' Stewart praised Lynch for his invaluable service throughout the years.

"John Lynch will be missed. His experience and knowledge of the marketplace and the Caribbean region have served our company admirably. We wish him all the best that the future can hold," said Stewart.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com