NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Thirty years ago when American couple Bill and Marlys Winter broke their strides to speak to a group of construction workers — while walking along the seven-mile Negril beach — little did they know it would be the genesis of a relationship that would span generations.

In fact, it was that very day that the Winters made a reservation at the then under-construction Foote Prints Hotel, where they would be among the first guests when the facility began operation in January 1985 by owners Dane ‘Blushie’ Foote and his wife Audrey.

Since their first stay at Foote Prints, the American couple, who operate a ready-mix concrete business in Minnesota, USA, have been guests at the same hotel every year — sometimes for up to three weeks — over the past three decades.

“The hotel was under construction and Mr Foote and other workers were on the roof, and we asked him when it was going to open and he said next year (1985), and we said ‘well we are going to make our reservation’. That was 30 years ago!”Bill told the Jamaica Observer West last week.

Since then, the relationship between the Foote and Winter families has blossomed.

“They have become a part of our family. This is their home away from home. They know all our children and grandchildren, and likewise we know all their children and grandchildren. So we have become a closely knit family. Very, very good,” Audrey Foote noted.

Her husband expressed similar sentiments, reflecting that he and his wife have been guests of the Winters in the USA.

“It heavy man! Very heavy. My good friend. He threatened me! He said he’s not coming back if we don’t visit him. And I didn’t want to lose their friendship, so we had to go. This man say put up your wallet for one week straight. Heavy man! Friend,” the flamboyant ‘Blushie’ Foote expressed.

Bill Winter also spoke glowingly of the camaraderie between his family and Jamaicans, especially the Footes.

“It has been wonderful. First of all, we love the Footes. They are very, very special friends. In 30 years we have never had an issue with the Jamaican people. We have always felt safe and we feel that a lot of American people are missing out on a wonderful country,” Bill asserted.

He and his wife were speaking with the Observer West at the Foote Print Hotel last week, shortly after they flew in the island and were warmly greeted at the Sangster International Airport by the Footes, who transported them to Negril.

Marlys reflected on the former years when the ride from Montego Bay to Negril was not as comfortable as it is now, noting that back then, the roads were narrow and riddled with potholes.

The couple further noted that, over the three decades, progress has been made in the power supply as well as the sewage and water systems.

Vividly etched in their memory were the early days when they had to store water in a container to flush the toilets.

“Very often during the early years when we stayed here, the power would go out and we made sure we brought candles. There were times when we had no water but we just kept coming back and now; it’s some of our fondest memories,” said Marlys.

“I cannot imagine not coming here to see them (Footes). They are wonderful hosts and hostesses. And not coming back and missing the sunset in Negril would be a very bad time for us — if it should happen. We love the beach, it’s the best beach we have ever been on, and I don’t know any reason that we wouldn’t come back.”

Meanwhile, the facility which opened with 16 rooms in 1984, has now grown to 32.

Ingrid Foote Daye, is elated to be employed to her parents’ business establishment for the three decades since it has been established.

“This has been an exciting journey. I cannot believe that the 30 years has blown by so fast. I consider myself very, very privileged to be a part of this important industry to our nation. I enjoy working with my parents and the staff that we have here. We have a wonderful crew and we have entertained visitors from all over the world. Tremendous milestone,” she emphasised.