The baton goes to RIU
Published:Sunday | April 13, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:Celebrating the opening of their newest resort, RIU Resorts hosted the organisers of the Queen's Baton relay at their RIU Palace Jamaica, in Montego Bay, on Monday night.
Hosted in collaboration with Director of Tourism John Lynch and the Jamaica Tourist Board, they used the opportunity to showcase what General Manager Frank Sondern described as "a small jewel in the midst of a chain that boasts more than 100 hotels in 16 countries".
The RIU Palace is all of four months old, having opened its doors in December 2013. "We are proud to collaborate with this magnificent event that is also a great example of cultural exchange and cultural respect," stated Sondern as he addressed a group of dignitaries, including Custos of St James, Ewen Corrodus, and his wife, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, and Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, Julia Sutherland.
Between speeches, the taste buds were privy to stuffed lychee with marinated tuna and apple chutney, crispy toast with goat cheese, dried tomatoes and tapenade, a cow foot salad of no mean order, shrimp sushi canape, a delicious and mouth-watering salmon sushi and watermelon cubes with spicy tuna ceviche, while the eyes feasted on the unchallenged talent of the RIU dancers. Jamaica has had a rich association with the Commonwealth Games and again this year, the country plans to be well represented there.
A miniature Jamaica House in Glasgow, Scotland, was among a number of activities announced by the tourism director, John Lynch.