Janet Silvera

One conquered Hollywood and Broadway, becoming an Emmy Award-winning actress and humanitarian. The other helped transform a Jamaican hotel company into one of the Caribbean's most internationally recognised hospitality brands.

Three tyres were already hanging over the edge of a gully. A fourth, caught against a concrete kerb, was all that stood between Police Constable Horace Bryan, a terrified 75-year-old woman and the raging floodwaters threatening to sweep them into the Caribbean Sea.

WESTERN BUREAU: Three tyres were already hanging over the edge of a gully. A fourth, caught against a concrete kerb, was all that stood between Police Constable Horace Bryan, a terrified 75-year-old woman and the raging floodwaters threatening to sweep them into the Caribbean Sea. Bryan prayed. He sang Christian songs until he could remember no more. And when he saw a fire truck turn back, unable to reach them through the treacherous waters, he feared he might never see his family again.

Jamaica's hotel operators are exploring the possibility of collectively restructuring their property insurance arrangements amid mounting dissatisfaction over delayed and reduced settlements of Hurricane Melissa claims.

WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica’s hotel operators are exploring the possibility of collectively restructuring their property insurance arrangements amid mounting dissatisfaction over delayed and reduced settlements of Hurricane Melissa claims. Industry sources familiar with the discussions say members of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) are considering whether pooling their insurance requirements could secure more favourable terms, strengthen their bargaining power and improve claims settlement procedures.

WESTERN BUREAU: Western Jamaica’s business community is being urged to position itself for what could become the largest infrastructure spending programme in the country’s history, with NCB Capital Markets Chief Executive Officer Angus Young describing the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs.

WESTERN BUREAU: Sixteen independent Negril resorts have joined forces under Intimate Resorts of Negril in a global marketing drive aimed at strengthening their competitiveness, with support from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Spearheaded by veteran tourism marketer John Nalewicki, the revived organisation is seeking to give smaller, independently operated properties greater visibility in an increasingly competitive international marketplace dominated by large hotel brands.

From the icy landscapes of Iceland to the sun-drenched shores of Ocho Rios, a Jamaican woman is preparing to bring two worlds together in a spectacular celebration of fashion, culture and tourism.

A year after Hurricane Melissa damaged 54 United Church congregations, destroying eight of their sanctuaries, the denomination is stressing that rebuilding church buildings is its last priority.

WESTERN BUREAU: National Commercial Bank (NCB) is seeking to reset its relationship with western Jamaica’s business community, with Chief Executive Officer Sheree Martin warning that complacency can undermine even the most successful institutions. Speaking at a meeting of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry at NCB’s Fairview Financial Centre in St James, Martin said the bank was undertaking a deliberate cultural transformation, dubbed “NCB 2.0”, aimed at improving its operations and strengthening customer relationships.