Gallery Joe James has been a landmark in the Rio Bueno area located on the border between the parishes of St Ann and Trelawny for some 53 years.That is how long Joyce Burke James and her late husband,the artist Joe James,have been associated with tourism in Jamaica.Along with her husband Joyce Burke started Gallery Joe James in 1966 to showcase indigenous Jamaican art.They later expanded the business to include a restaurant and in the 1990's they built a small hotel comprising 20 rooms.
They undertook the expansion not only because they saw an opportunity to do so but because they had a desire to create employment for members of the community and to fully serve the tourism sector.Through these endeavors they have catered to thousand of visitors to Jamaica.
Joyce Burke James has also served her local community in the area of education as Board member of a basic school.Her excellent relationship with neighbouring hotels is also commendable as in the past,she has provided supplies for many.
