Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaica’s newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, is expressing great optimism about the future success of the Ministry which he now leads.
This as Minister McNeill and his colleague Minister of State, the Hon. Damion Crawford, met with the management and staff of the Ministry and its agencies earlier today. Dr. McNeill and Mr. Crawford met with staff members of the Ministry, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo.), Jamaica Vacations Ltd. (JAMVAC), Devon House, Milk River Hotel and Spa and Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa.
Dr. McNeill stressed that “there are exciting days ahead for this Ministry and I look forward to the support of all members of staff as we strive to make both sectors successful.” He added that “with the addition of the entertainment portfolio the Ministry will be expanded, however this is very good as the synergy between tourism and entertainment are strong and potentially lucrative.”
Minister McNeill explained that “entertainment is not new to this Ministry as we had it before including when I served as the State Minister for Tourism, Entertainment and Culture in the previous People’s National Party administration.” He emphasized that “presently entertainment is spread between several ministries, with elements being handled through JAMPRO which is in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce. As the lead Ministry we intend to spearhead the development of a policy through the Inter- Ministerial Committee to ensure that the sector will thrive.”
Dr. McNeill, who has also served as Shadow Minister for the portfolio, expressed that “in light of the celebration of our 50th anniversary of independence Jamaica will be on the front-page, so it is a great time to bring these synergies together to maximize the exposure, build brand Jamaica and ensure the success of our Ministry.”
As staff members expressed eagerness to work with both Ministers, State Minister Damion Crawford said “I look forward to working with the staff of the Ministry and its agencies and to applying my academic background to their practical skills. I see where the Ministry will continue to be the catalyst for economic development. I am very excited to be given this opportunity by the Prime Minister and I look forward to working and moving these sectors forward.”
Newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill (standing) addresses staff members of the Ministry and its agencies at the Tourism Centre in New Kingston on Monday, January 9, 2012. Listening keenly are (from left) Mrs. Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, State Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Damion Crawford (second left) Ms. Carrole Guntley, Director General and Mr. Wesley Vanriel, Snr. Director Strategic Planning (right).
