Sunset Beach reunion a bright moment in the shadows of industry struggles
Published:Wednesday | January 8, 2025 | 12:09 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Inspired by their experiences of meeting former colleagues only at funerals, Mernett Foster-Stone and Janet McFarlane envisioned a space where memories could be shared in celebration, not sorrow.
In the midst of industry turmoil and worker protests last month, the two former Sunset Beach Resort and Spa employees organised what has become a story of unity and nostalgia. They staged a reunion in the car park of the Montego Freeport-based resort, which remains closed six years after changing hands temporarily.
The event brought together more than 200 former workers to celebrate the bonds forged at the resort and to rekindle the spirit of what once made Sunset Beach a second home for many.
“Sunset was more than a workplace; it was a family,” McFarlane shared. “Mr and Mrs Kerr (Ian and Cathy) made us feel valued, not just as workers but as individuals. That kind of leadership is rare.”
Foster-Stone echoed those sentiments, reflecting on the enduring connections forged at the resort.
“Even now, we come together at funerals or to support each other through tough times, but we realised we needed something more – a way to preserve that bond and give back to our community,” she told The Gleaner.
It was a pivotal moment to launch a charitable organisation aimed at supporting tourism workers. Their vision includes assisting with school fees, providing aid during hardships, and even funding funeral expenses for those in need.
The Kerr family, owners of Sunset Beach, played an integral role in fostering this sense of community. Mr Kerr, a figure of humility and generosity, remains deeply admire by his former staff.
“I’ve always believed that treating people with kindness and respect builds something lasting,” he told The Gleaner, when reflecting on the reunion. “Sunset wasn’t just about the guests; it was about the people who worked tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences.”
Mrs Kerr, equally beloved, was described by McFarlane as “a sweet soul” who treated every employee with genuine care. This sense of belonging, cultivated by the Kerrs, has resonated far beyond the walls of the resort.
The women state that the reunion comes at a critical juncture for Jamaica’s tourism industry, where strikes and protests have brought attention to workers’ rights and conditions. Against this backdrop, their decision to unite and form a support network stands as a powerful statement of resilience and hope.
SOLIDARITY IS ESSENTIAL
“It’s inspiring,” their former general manager, Evatt Bloomfield, shared. “At a time when the industry feels fractured, they’re showing that solidarity isn’t just possible it’s essential. Seeing them come together now, in the face of challenges, is deeply moving.”
For Robin Shepard, a long-time guest from South Point, Ohio, Sunset Beach is far more than a vacation spot, it’s a family.
“We came here in 2011, just looking for a place to spend Christmas,” Robin recalled. “From the moment we walked in the door, we felt like family. Everyone was so welcoming; we weren’t strangers for a second.”
Robin and her husband returned year after year, staying for weeks at a time, until COVID-19 disrupted travel. Since then, they’ve leased a nearby apartment to spend winters in Montego Bay, maintaining close ties with former staff through a dedicated Facebook group.
“I’ve been so happy to be here tonight with all my family and friends,” Robin shared. “Seeing everyone come together for this reunion is amazing. This place has always been more than just a resort; it is home.”
Deneasha Cochrane-Shaw, who spent 18 years at Sunset, and who is now employed the Hilton Rose Hall, said the majority of the crew await the reopening of the resort.
“Our guests from overseas keep contacting me ... [asking] ‘When are we going to reopen?’ And trust me, everybody who I’ve spoken with – wherever they’re working – it’s not the same as Sunset.”
She added that there was love and joy at Sunset.
“Trust me, everybody who I’ve spoken to, ... they are willing to walk away from their job, return to Sunset Beach. Many of us said we will come and work a few free days just to get the hotel up and running again,” Cochrane-Shaw said.
The reunion’s organisers, Foster-Stone and McFarlane, worked tirelessly to create the moment of togetherness.
“We started a WhatsApp group, and it just grew,” McFalane explained. “Now there are over 220 members – all former Sunset staff – and this reunion is just the beginning.”
For Foster-Stone, who now supervises at Breathless Resort, and McFarlane, who runs an Airbnb business, the reunion also symbolised the enduring legacy of the Kerr family, owners of Sunset Resort and Spa.