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Dear Journalist:
Just outside Washington D.C. is an office of seven ladies who have
had such an impact on the country of Jamaica, (famous for jerk seasoning
and Caribbean sunshine) that when Linda’s name is said on this
island, people listen, move and generally get things done in a hurry.
Linda Smith is President and CEO of Villas by Linda Smith, a company
representing more than 55 private fully-staffed villas in Jamaica.
Villas by Linda Smith began more than
20 years ago after Linda purchased an old beachfront house in Jamaica
(Tranquillity) and commenced a nine-month
renovation, at the conclusion of which she began to offer it for
rentals. The following year, Linda built her second villa (Serenity)
on an adjacent waterfront acre. Soon friends began consulting her
for advice on their homes’ décor and design, staff and
service. Shortly thereafter, Linda began her business, which has
grown like topsy ever since.
But Linda Smith has done much more for Jamaica than manage luxurious
villas – she has provided a Third World country with more than
300 jobs enabling people to send their children to school, put much-needed
roofs over their heads and feed their families, who at one time
may have had little hope for anything better. In Jamaica, families
stick close together and if one member of the family is employed,
chances are that income trickles down to many relatives – aunts,
uncles, grandparents and especially children’s education and
health care.
Prior to leaving for Jamaica on her twice yearly extended stays
to renovate villas and train staffs, Linda packs bags filled with
shoes toys, clothes, watches, backpacks and anything she thinks
staff members may need. She even sourced and carried down a 1978
Ford Truck Motor so the husband of one of her cooks could continue
his delivery business. Her loyalty to Jamaican Staff and their families
runs deep and the feeling is mutual.
More than 6,500 guests, mostly from the United States, visit Linda’s
villas each year. They return home with indelible memories and affection
for their Jamaican staff. Guests and staff become like family for
their one or two-week visit. Typically, guests return to their specific
villa year after year.
Villas by Linda Smith grosses more than $3.6 million in sales per
year – and sales are dramatically on the rise every year. But
what is most remarkable about this business and about Linda Smith
are the ways she has helped so many people in this Third World country
achieve a better quality of life.
Please let me know whether you might be interested in a story regarding
Linda or about the wonderful Jamaicans who make these villas so
popular to visit. We will be happy to arrange a trip so you can
experience villa life for yourself. Please visit our website for
more information at www.jamaicavillas.com.
Warm regards,
Tammy Petersen
Director of Public Relations
Villas by Linda Smith
Read more about Linda!
Established in 1985, Villas by Linda Smith represents 50 private
villas on Jamaica's lush north coast, dubbed "the Jamaican
Riviera." Linda is known for her private staffed villas featuring
gourmet meals.
For further information, contact Villas
by Linda Smith at (301)
229-4300
# # #
PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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