Staff of NIF-Owned Hotel Congratulated by Minister

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, has congratulated the new Melia Braco Hotel in Trelawny for winning the prestigious tourism award for being named ‘Best new hotel for the Caribbean 2016’ by World Travel Awards.

Addressing a grand celebration at the hotel on September 18, the Minister said that she is pleased and proud that such a prestigious award has been bestowed on a hotel that is owned by the Government and run exclusively by Jamaicans.

“I want to congratulate the team at Melia Braco Village for this very significant accomplishment of being the Caribbean’s leading new hotel for 2016.  The Ministry is indeed very proud to acknowledge this award for its flagship property,” Mrs. Robinson said.

She noted that as Minister with responsibility for the National Insurance Fund (NIF), which owns the property, it gives her great satisfaction to know that the Fund’s assets are properly managed and the investments are successfully positioned to generate income and growth.

“It shows once more that the Jamaican labour force can accomplish greatness,” Mrs. Robinson said.

The Minister said the staff has done a great job and urged the members to ensure that the property continues to be successful.

“Our Government is committed to creating jobs and opportunities for Jamaicans, and it is most gratifying to observe the progress achieved by a structure which combines both Government and private interests,” the Minister added.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the hotel, Dimitris Kosvogiannis, in accepting the award, dedicated it to his staff.

“You are all hard-working and galant winners,” he told them.

“The hotel’s recognition is testament of the significant impact of brand Jamaica on tourists and the tourism industry,” he said.

Melia Braco Hotel was the only Jamaican hotel competing against Amanera from the Dominican Republic; Hyatt Place in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Zemi Beach House Resort and Spa in Anguilla.