Tourism sector loses outstanding servant, Teddy Tucker - Jamaican Inn launches scholarship in his name

Jamaica’s tourism sector has lost one of its outstanding servants with the recent passing of Herbert ‘Teddy’ Tucker, who served the industry for over 60 years.

Tucker, whose last position was bartender at the renowned Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, died on March 2 after working with the hotel for 62 years.

The late stalwart was one of the most celebrated in the region, so much so, that a Beach Bar at the resort was named in his honour and now the hotel has launched a scholarship in his honour.

Valued at US$10,000, the ­scholarship will be shared ­between four students annually, each ­receiving US$2,500, said the hotel in a media release.

“Teddy has been the rock and foundation at the Inn for the past 62 years,” stated the release, adding that in tandem with The Jamaica Inn Foundation, a non-profit fund had been started. The fund is dedicated to helping Jamaican families provide the necessary skills, training and education for their children who wish to pursue a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.

“For every guest donation, the JI (Jamaica Inn) Foundation pledges to match the same to reach our goal. Guests are welcome to send donations to our foundation GoFundMe.”

Tucker started working at Jamaica Inn, December 20, 1958, as a bar porter and remained in the hotel’s employ up to the time of his passing, aged 77.

He was promoted to waiter in 1963 then transferred to the Beach Bar as a bartender in 1965, a position he held from there on. He received the ultimate tribute from Jamaica Inn on February 14, 2016, when the Beach Bar was renamed Teddy’s Bar.

Peter Morrow, a member of the family who owns the hotel, and who was there to witness the celebration along with dozens of repeat guests, remarked at the time, “Teddy is simply the best!”

He was lauded for his loyalty to the hotel, and the resort’s general manager, Kyle Mais, did not hesitate to describe him as a true professional.

The members of his hotel family speaking glowingly of him said learning German was one of Tucker’s greatest joys and while speaking learning another language his interest was satisfying his guests.

SPREADING SMILES

The Jamaica Inn team has accepted that he will long be remembered for mixing the best Planters Punch and putting a smile on guests’ faces.

Tucker’s accolades did not stop at the resort, in December 2018, he was among a group of industry greats recognised by the Ministry of Tourism with a Golden Tourism Award.

He remained grounded, although he had met some famous people during his lifetime; they included the likes of playwright, T.S. Elliot, Princess Margaret, actresses Kate Moss and Joan Collins, Sir Winston Churchill, Sir John Mills and model Cheryl Teigs.

“The Jamaica Inn Family wishes to express heartfelt sympathies to the Tucker family and friends. Teddy was not just a colleague, he was a brother, friend, uncle and father figure to many. He was family, our family. We will always remember him through the lives he has touched all over the world so positively.”