Jason White is the latest recipient of the Tourism Award. He emerged victorious in the category on November 30 at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus during the National Youth Awards. The event is an annual event organised by the Department of Youth Affairs.
Jason’s career in the hospitality industry exemplifies a profound commitment to excellence, driven by ambition and passion for the art of wine. In 2012, he began his professional journey as a bread waiter at the Grand Pineapple Resort where he quickly recognised his affinity for guest interaction. This enabled him to enhance the dining experience of visitors and transition seamlessly into various roles within the hotel sector.
His adaptability and eagerness to learn were highlighted during his rotation across multiple restaurant outlets, ultimately leading to his certification as a Guest Service Professional from Sandals Cooperate University. Seeking further professional development, Jason joined Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort, where his exceptional capabilities were acknowledged. This resulted in a permanent position as a Food & Beverage Server.
The Assistant Head of Food & Beverage at Jumby Bay Island, Patel Phillips, said, “Jason has not only helped to enhance our wine programme at Jumby Bay, but he is also an ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda. As you know working in the tourism industry, mainly hotels, we meet hundreds and hundreds of guests on a weekly basis and Jason is one of our employees who is always being mentioned in our guest review and comment cards. The guests come back year after year and they ask for Jason by name. They book him for private wine tasting, and the one thing every guest keeps saying about Jason is that he is so passionate and knowledgeable.”
Phillips added: “It is one thing to know what you are speaking about, and to be what some may call a wine nerd, but being able to translate that and people can see the passion oozing out of you, that is a completely different ball game. Jason is more than deserving of his award and we are so more than proud of him at Jumby Bay.”
Jason’s dedication to continuous improvement inspired him to delve into the intricacies of wine. Having received exceptional training from a former wine director of Jumby Bay, Jason was promoted to Sommelier in 2017. Over the years, Jason acquired a comprehensive understanding of food and beverage operations, which significantly increased his ability to deliver superior service and achieve high levels of guest satisfaction. He credits this achievement to the extensive training he received and diverse experiences within the sector.
Wine is not just a beverage for Jason. Understanding its historical, cultural, and economic value, Jason remains captivated by the field. He is committed to earning higher credentials in wine, with the ultimate goal of attaining the prestigious title of Master Sommelier. Jason’s aspirations extend beyond his current role as a sommelier.
The 28-year-old envisions a future as a Food & Beverage Manager and a private wine consultant. His professional narrative is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, growth, and interpersonal prowess, which reflect the depth and breadth of his expertise that transcends his current title.
