Style Observer (SO): Describe Rick in a few sentences.

Rick Burrowes (RB): I am someone who has worked his way up every step of the way, from my first job as a dishwasher to putting myself through school and eventually achieving leadership positions. I have experienced both the challenges and the rewards that life has to offer. At my core, I am a family man who appreciates beauty and remains grateful for every blessing, no matter how small.

SO: What’s your favourite thing to do when visiting Kingston?

RB: Visiting my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, then heading out with them to Lime Cay or Maiden Cay for a day of music, rum, sand, and sea.

SO: What are you listening to as you cruise in from Montego Bay to Kingston?

RB: If I am driving alone and need to make good time, I’ll listen to Skeng, Tommy Lee, or some older Alkaline songs. If I am in a more relaxed mood, I enjoy Jr Gong, Koffee, or Chronixx. If my daughters are with me, we listen to Benson Boone, SZA, and Teddy Swims.

SO: Share some of the places you’d take a first-time visitor to Jamaica.

RB: Climbing Dunn’s River Falls is a classic, therapeutic experience. I would also take them on the night tour at the Rose Hall Great House; the legend of Annie Palmer never fails to entertain. Finally, a trip to the beaches and cliffs of Negril is a must.

SO: Were you able to fix some things in Jamaica, what would they be?

RB: I would focus on one major issue: Littering and waste disposal. It is disheartening to see trash on our streets and beaches or flying from a car window. Our country is far too beautiful for that, and we must improve how we handle waste, both as individuals and as a Government.

SO: What, if anything, needs to be done to improve our tourism product?

RB: I believe that we need to continue to work to keep more of the benefits in the hands of our people and country. Sharing the wealth, creating better training opportunities and advancement for Jamaicans will enable all to feel more a part of and invested in the end product. I have travelled the world and can categorically say that we provide an unmatched experience when we are on top of our game! Jamaican hospitality is for real!!!

SO: What is your definition of excellent service?

RB: Genuine care accompanied by a smile. Most mistakes or errors can be mitigated if the service is delivered with just these two elements.

SO: How fulfilling has your career in hospitality or any other industry been?

RB: My life and career have been shaped in hospitality. From the early days waiting tables to affording school, to working my way through positions at a major resort brand, to meeting untold numbers of amazing people and travelling the world, to my family life and experiences — all has been made possible by my career in hospitality.

SO: What project are you currently working on?

RB: Unfortunately, Hurricane Melissa caused us to put a few major projects on hold. Both privately and professionally, we have been working hard on restoration efforts.

SO: Which hotel brands locally or internationally impress you?

RB: The Sandals family of resorts continues to impress me; they are truly world-class.

SO: What are you drinking?

RB: Appleton 12 on the rocks.

SO: Who’s your favourite dancehall/reggae artiste?

RB: That is a difficult question. There are too many undeniably talented Jamaican artistes who have produced incredible music for me to pick just one.

SO: Share with us a few of your creature comforts.

RB: Blue Mountain coffee every morning, a grilled prime rib steak with crispy fries, Appleton 21 on the rocks, and swimming in the ocean.

SO: Which cologne are you currently splashing?

RB: Christian Dior Sauvage.

SO: Who’s your preferred fashion designer?

RB: I have always appreciated the fit of a Giorgio Armani suit.

SO: Share with us the title of the last book you read.

RB:
Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright. It is a fascinating, true story regarding white-collar crime.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

RB: Be kind, never stop pushing, appreciate the beauty in all things, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

.Rick Burrowes (Photos: Aceion Cunningham)Aceion CunninghamRick Burrowes, president, Rose Hall Developments Aceion CunninghamAppleton 12 on the rocks (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)Aceion CunninghamCurrently splashing? Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum, an aromatic fougere fragrance for men..Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright & Bradley Hope is Rick Burrowe’s latest read.

Rose Hall Great House (Photo: facebook.com/RoseHallJamaica) 

Currently splashing? Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum, an aromatic fougere fragrance for men.

Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright & Bradley Hope is Rick Burrowe’s latest read.

Rick Burrowes, president, Rose Hall Developments  

Appleton 12 on the rocks (Photo: Aceion Cunningham) 

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