And…

Heapings of gratitude were plated Wednesday last at The Strings restaurant inside the S Hotel Kingston as hotelier Chris Issa, his wife Kimberly and team members showed their appreciation to Sintra Bronte-Tinkew, whose image captured in 1972 by advertising agent Doyle, Dane & Bernbach, has been hailed by travel industry heavyweights as the all-time most powerful travel poster. Indeed, specially invited guest Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett in his remarks spoke to how the image ushered in a new way of representing Destination Jamaica. “Five hundred thousand visitors was the immediate impact of Sintra’s wet T-shirt moment with the word Jamaica emblazoned across it,” he shared to loud applause. “The Jamaica Tourist Board feels very strongly about your impact on tourism,” he added.

Kirk Clarke, hotel manager, speaking on behalf of his S Hotel team, heaped even more praise on the woman of the hour whom Issa had met last year as she enjoyed breakfast at his hotel. In Jamaica to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the making of the iconic poster Bronte-Tinkew agreed to the making of the statue and to return for its unveiling.

Kudos to sculptor Scheed Cole and team who, using recycled materials from plastic bags to cardboard, executed yet another memorable moment in the nation’s history. And to the innovator and promotor of all things Jamaican, Chris Issa, who thankfully, remains passionate about elevating the narrative around all things Jamaican.

Bronte-Tinkew herself was humbled and honoured at the recognition and expressed deep gratitude to both Issa and the Government and people of Jamaica.

The sculpture will be on show come Tuesday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre venue of the 2024 Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association Marketplace at the S Hotel booth.