New Yorkers dreaming of a Caribbean vacation will be exposed to one full week of the region’s pleasurable lifestyle during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week 2005, from May 29 to June 4.
The weeklong series of consumer focused events and business meetings will offer thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to the city, a feel of life in the tropics.
“Caribbean Week 2005 brings a true taste of our region’s vivacious flavors, rhythms and cultures to the city that never sleeps. We’re anticipating a fantastic series of events, most of which are easily accessible and complimentary to the public,” said Hugh Riley, CTO’s Director of Marketing for the Americas.
The week begins with the traditional interfaith celebration on Sunday, May 29, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the St. George’s Episcopal Church, 209 East 16th Street, Manhattan. Patrons will be treated to the presentation of the flags of the Caribbean, a gospel concert and themed messages from leaders of different faiths.
One of the most attractive consumer-oriented events will be the daylong festival of Caribbean food, fun, flair and romance on Tuesday, May 31, at the South Street Seaport, Pier 16, and Manhattan. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. patrons will experience different aspects of the region by visiting individual country booths to sample unique culinary delights prepared by celebrity chefs.
Other highlights along the fabled waterfront will include a concert and stage show of Caribbean rhythms, a contemporary fashion show and a ‘Do It Caribbean’ wedding in conjunction with the Fairchild Bridal Group.
From the South Street Seaport, Caribbean tourism ministers and industry planners will head to schedule Town Hall Meetings in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Participating countries will articulate the latest developments in this crucial sector of their economies.
The star-studded evening of entertainment at the world famous Apollo Theatre, Harlem, on Thursday, June 2, at 8:00 p.m., will be headlined by one of Jamaica’s top reggae recording artiste.
The 12th Annual Caribbean Marketing Workshop and Awards Luncheon is set for Friday, June 3, at 8:00 a.m., at the New York Hilton Hotel (53rd Street/6th Avenue), Manhattan. Here a panel of tourism practitioners will share their varied expertise on subjects of particular importance to the success of Caribbean tourism.
The week will culminate with the highly anticipated Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball later that day (Friday) at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Manhattan.
Prime Minister of Jamaica, P. J. Patterson will be presented with the CTO’s Distinguished Service Award. The agency’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Professor Carlos A. Diago of Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, the award for excellence will be presented to newspaper publisher, Dr. Karl Rodney, Chief Executive Officer of the New York Carib News.
