Wellington bids adieu -Negril Education Environment Trust chairman announces retirement as he turns 70

Dalton Laing, Gleaner Writer

NEGRIL, Westmoreland: Chairman of Negril Education Environment Trust (NEET) and owner of Travellers Beach Resort in Negril, Winston Wellington, announced his retirement from the hospitality industry during his 70th birthday celebration last week.

In making the disclosure, the businessman handed the keys for his hotel to his three sons Winthrop, Winfield and Wingate, who he brought up as a single parent in New York.

"God has blessed me with three scores and 10 years. My friends say when you reach that stage, you are in the departure lounge, but I say if that is so I will be in first class."

Wellington, who was in his usual upbeat mood, declared that he is retiring from his hotel responsibilities, but not from NEET. According to him, his retirement will give him more time for his charity efforts.

NEET is a non-profit organisation based at Travellers Beach Resort, which was founded in 2003 when Wellington saw it necessary to address the crime problem in Jamaica using education.

Strengthening social fabric

The organisation is committed to strengthening the social fabric of Jamaica through programmes that expand educational access for children and adults, partnerships that address the public environment, health and events and activities that celebrate the heritage of Jamaica.

NEET achieves its mission through the provision of three programmes: an islandwide book and computer distribution, computer literacy and the medical mission.

A team of doctors from the United States, known as Help Jamaica Medical Mission that visits Jamaica at least once each year and provide free health care, also flew in for the birthday celebration. The group's next medical mission will be in September.

The evening's entertainment was delivered by the Progressive Band, Children of the Drums, Robert Sergeant, Vanessa Watson and Lashana Stephenson.