Wed | Nov 12, 2025

Iberostar reopens in high spirits, welcomes Tyrese Gibson on relief mission

Published:Wednesday | November 12, 2025 | 12:21 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
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Actor Tyrese Gibson (left) dances with the Iberostar team, which included entertainment manager at JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar, Deivy Noel (right), and the entertainment dance group in the background.
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Actor Tyrese Gibson (left) dances with the Iberostar team, which included entertainment manager at JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar, Deivy Noel (right), and the entertainment dance group in the background.
Canadians Kevin and Catherine Dove, repeat visitors of Iberostar, were among the first tourists to return to the resort after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Contributed
Canadians Kevin and Catherine Dove, repeat visitors of Iberostar, were among the first tourists to return to the resort after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
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WESTERN BUREAU:

Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa battered Jamaica’s tourism belt, the Iberostar Rose Hall complex in Montego Bay, St James, roared back to life on Monday, welcoming its first new guests with drumming, dancing, and the unmistakable warmth of Jamaican hospitality.

The reopening marked a major milestone for the property and its more than 1,000 employees, who spent the past fortnight restoring operations. Guests from the United States, Canada, Chile, and Brazil were greeted by staff waving flags, singing folk songs, and offering cool rum punch under a banner that read “Welcome Home”.

Adding to the excitement was the surprise arrival of R&B star and actor Tyrese Gibson, who checked in as part of a humanitarian team supporting relief efforts in storm-affected communities. Gibson – known for his roles in Fast & Furious and Transformers – joined local volunteers and international partners to deliver supplies and raise awareness about Jamaica’s recovery.

“His presence here is deeply meaningful,” one Iberostar staff member shared. “It reminds our team and guests that the world is watching and that Jamaica’s spirit of resilience has inspired people far beyond our shores.”

For Nersi Rodriguez, director of sales at Iberostar Rose Hall, the reopening symbolised hope not only for the resort but for Jamaica’s wider tourism industry.

“This is the first set of new guests we’ve received since Hurricane Melissa,” Rodriguez told The Gleaner. “We had guests who remained on property during and after the storm, but today marks the true restart of operations, fresh arrivals, open facilities, and renewed energy.”

PHASED APPROACH

The Rose Hall complex includes JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar, Iberostar Waves Rose Hall (formerly Beach), and Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites. While all three were scheduled to reopen, Rodriguez said the company opted for a phased approach due to current occupancy levels.

“We’ve reopened JOIA and Selection,” she said. “Waves, which is our largest property, will follow shortly. Guests booked there have all been upgraded to Selection so that they can enjoy the best possible experience while we build occupancy.”

All amenities – from the Star Camp children’s club and spa to the beach, pools, and restaurants – are now fully operational. Staff worked around the clock to repaint, landscape, restore utilities, and ensure that the property was pristine for reopening day.

“Our staff are heroes,” Rodriguez emphasised. “Some lost their roofs, others faced flooding, yet they showed up to help us reopen. That’s the heart of Jamaican hospitality. We take care of our guests even when our own homes are damaged.”

The reopening adds momentum to Montego Bay’s recovery as hotels gradually resume full operations and flights into Sangster International Airport return. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently noted that the industry’s response to Hurricane Melissa has demonstrated the “indomitable resilience” of Jamaica’s tourism workers and partners.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com