Love affair with hospitality

Nagra Plunkett, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:

Forty-one-year-old Elleanor Coke-Reivers has had a 23-year love affair with the local hospitality industry that has catapulted her from a tour guide to her current position as general manager at Margaritaville Montego Bay.

"It's a platform for new things and growth. I am working for a very innovative company," Coke-Reivers said of her new position, which also gives her responsibility for Marguerite's and Blue Beat Ultra Lounge.

The daughter of Santa Cruz in St Elizabeth made her foray into tourism in 1989 after completing her secondary education at St Elizabeth Technical High School. Her first job was with Tourwise, from where she moved to Sandals Resorts in 1991.

"After that, I joined Coral Cliff from 2004 through to 2007, and after that, I was a project manager for Island Black Pearl. I returned to Coral Cliff in 2010, and a year later, in December 2011, I crossed the street to Margaritaville."

Coke-Reivers started with Margaritaville as assistant general manager and was confirmed as general manager last month. She is the third female and second Jamaican to hold the post at the company, which is considered one of the region's most popular entertainment hot spots.

"I plan to maintain and grow Margaritaville's relationship with the community. I am also looking forward to the new and exciting plans that will come on stream in the new year, and expanding our clientele," the Hocking College graduate shared.

"I'm more of a behind-the-scenes person, but I work hard."

She added: "I'm a two-year person, meaning that I do self-assessments and even if I am with the same company, I have to find something more challenging to do."

Despite her busy schedule, Coke-Reivers manages to balance her work and marriage of 10 years to Gary, as well as make time for reading and travelling.

"I enjoy family time. I am a God-fearing person, so I pray a lot and leave everything in His hands."