Sugar Ray Thomas
She is a daughter of St Ann who has spent over 30 years in the Tourism industry working in sales and marketing and with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Rosie Johnson has made significant contributions to the development of Jamaica’s tourist product, while impacting the lives of many.
Mrs Johnson’s work pulled her to top management level in the industry, when she became regional director in the Montego Bay offices of the JTB. But for most of her more than three decades in the industry she has been working as a marketer and sales representatives bringing people to Jamaica.
Rosie Johnson grew up in Lydford, near Golden Grove, St. Ann and as she explained to The Times in an interview, the community played a crucial role in her development. “The community fostered the child and that took place day to day. We all grew up together closely knit and bonded together. The church members especially ensured you had to keep in line.”
Mrs. Johnson attended Golden Grove Primary School and had teachers, such as Ena Brown and Veta Gordon, who contributed significantly to her development. She completed her secondary education at Ferncourt High School. Thereafter, she was employed with the Jamaica Library Service at the St. Ann Parish Library. Mrs. Johnson explained that this first working experience was crucial. ‘It was there I developed strong working ethics, principles and a good attitude towards work. It has served me well to this day,” she said.
Following the stint at St. Ann Parish Library, she attained a Business Administration certificate from the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) now the University of Technology (UTECH), in the late 1970s.
She then moved into private sector and worked briefly at Reynolds Jamaica Mines. By this time she had married Norman Johnson, property manager at Reynolds Jamaica Mines. He is now pastor of Good Tidings Gospel Chapel, a Christian Brethen Assembly of Jamaica.
FIRST SALES JOB
Rosie Johnson has had an amazing journey in tourism, with more than over 30 years in sales and marketing. She started off in sales while working at Martins Jamaica. “My first stint in tourism was at Martins Jamaica, which was a tour operating company in Pineapple, Ocho Rios. From there I went into the hotel industry… I worked with hotels like the Americana, Divi Hotel, Ramada Hotels, Renaissance Jamaica Grande, where I spent most of my working time until 2004 and after that I did a stint at Shaw Park Beach Hotel.”
After working at various hotels, Mrs. Johnson gained employment with Jamaica Tourist Board in Montego Bay as a regional director for six years. She returned to St. Ann and continues to work independently in sales and marketing and with the Shaw Park Beach Hotel.
Mrs. Johnson shared with the Times that tourism has had challenges and some persons will view the industry not in a serious light. “Tourism is a very exciting industry. Some persons will view the industry as not a serious industry. Despite this view and the perception of glamour associated with Tourism, it contributes significantly to Jamaica’s social and economic development through our heritage, music and vibrant people.”
Mrs. Johnson’s most challenging period in the tourism industry was the post 9/11 period, where the tourism market in America dried up due to the terrorist attacks. Despite many challenges, her achievements in the tourism industry include the work she did in the local and Caribbean market, which brought recognition to Jamaica’s local tourism. “There were times when Jamaica had its ups and downs in the tourism industry. Visitors stayed away and we had to work harder as a team to bring in strong investments to the sector. Renaissance Jamaica Grande for which I worked during that time became one of the best hotels.” The late Marc Redt, former managing director of Renaissance Jamaica Grande, also influenced her strong leadership abilities in the tourism industry. Mrs. Johnson noted that he was a very decisive leader and inspired her to excel.
For her outstanding contributions to the sector, she received an honorary Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management from Western Hospitality Institute in 2010.
Inspiration to others
“I always am gratified when I come across someone who has said I inspired them to achieve. I continue to be a role model to others, including many female professionals. I am also very willing to share my knowledge and assist anyone,” explained Rosie Johnson to the Times. This kind-hearted and warm-spirited woman prefers to work behind the scenes in helping individuals rather than making it publicly known.
Mrs. Johnson, who is an avid reader and enjoys socializing, has served on a number of tourism committees and is a member of the St. Ann Parish Library Board.
She is also a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of the Garden Parish and is an active member at her church for which her husband, Norman Johnson is the pastor. They had two children together, who are twins and have a grandson. Sadly however her son, Mario Johnson died violently in a carjacking incident. Mrs. Johnson has used spiritual guidance as a means of dealing with her loss. Her daughter is Marissa Johnson-Howell who is a social worker.
Rosie Johnson is very passionate about tourism and its benefits to the country’s social and economic development such as community and infrastructural development. She sees life as a journey and continues to live life everyday while continuing to give outstanding service to the tourism industry. “Life is a journey and there is always more you can do to achieve. I would encourage others to maintain their integrity, good ethics and positive attitudes. This will allow you to develop the drive to succeed.”
