The Editor, Sir:

The death of a great Jamaican, John Pringle, is deeply regretted. His contribution to tourism development must be acknowledged and well-remembered. However, even at this time when fulsome eulogising can be justified, we must be careful not to distort the facts and thereby discredit the work of others who have passed.

When the present Minister of Tourism states that Mr. Pringle was responsible for laying the foundation of what is now a global fascination with Jamaica, she does less than justice to the true pioneers.

We should recall the era of the Casa Blanca in Montego Bay, the Myrtle Bank Hotel, established 1910 in Kingston, and the Titchfield Hotel in Port Antonio; Abe Issa's Tower Isle Hotel (now Couples), which in 1949 signalled Jamaica's modern resort operations.

Enterprising developments

That started the enterprising developments, leading to the proliferation of hotels in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. It also resulted in the setting up of the Jamaica Tourist Board that replaced the Tourist Trade Development Board of 1922.

Mr. Issa became an internationally acclaimed hotelier and was the first chairman of the JTB, serving until 1963, when he was succeeded by Mr. Pringle.

This board, under Issa's leadership, established a network of offices in North America, a public relations department in Jamaica; and it engaged the services of international advertising agencies.

The period is regarded as Jamaica's golden years of tourism. Enough said!

Mr. John Pringle's input to Jamaica's tourism development is legendary. His record of service is particularly notable since the time he was appointed director of tourism in 1960. He himself once recalled: "Abe was a pioneer of tremendous vision. He taught me so much about the tourist industry." Enough said!

I am, etc.,

KEN JONES

alllerdyce@hotmail.com