NEW YORK – Jamaica will spice up the Big Apple during the upcoming Caribbean Week in New York, June 6-12, 2010. The weeklong event falls during Caribbean Heritage Month, and Jamaica is kicking off its celebrations with the arrival of the Jamaica Lightning Bolt clipper yacht in New York on June 3, followed by participation in a series of events supporting Caribbean Week. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism John Lynch will lead the island’s tourism officials expected to participate in many of these special activities.
“Jamaica is proud to celebrate Caribbean Heritage with our Diaspora throughout the New York area,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We are excited to begin the celebration with the arrival of Jamaica Lightning Bolt which has for the last year been a competitive force in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. We also look forward to participating in the annual Caribbean Week events to share Jamaica’s unique culture, impressive tourism offerings and abundance of airline seats available to New Yorkers this summer.”
Arrival of Jamaica Lightning Bolt Clipper Yacht, Wednesday, June 3 – The Jamaica Lightning Bolt clipper, named after the country’s – and world’s – fastest man, is scheduled to arrive in New York City on June 3. The yacht is currently in second place in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which kicked off in September 2009 and is scheduled to finish in July 2010.
Jamaica on the CBS Early Show, Monday, June 7 – Music lovers and fans of Jamaica are invited to stop by the CBS Plaza to support the destination and The New Kingston Band as they perform on the CBS Early Show.
Allied Awards Luncheon, Friday, June 11 – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in association with the Caribbean Tourism Organization will present two distinguished tourist industry individuals with awards of excellence for their efforts to market the Caribbean as a top region for travel. The presentations will be made during the Caribbean Tourism Organization/ Caribbean Hotel Association Allied Luncheon and Awards Presentation to be held at The Helmsley Hotel. The JTB will present both the “Marcia Vickery-Wallace” and “Marcella Martinez” awards to honor significant achievements in sharing the Caribbean experience with the world.
Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday, June 12 – Jamaica will be one of the featured Caribbean destinations during this vibrant celebration, taking place at the North Plaza at Lincoln Center. Patrons at this free event will enjoy a wealth of destination exhibits, Caribbean performers, artisans and chef demonstrations and tastings. Visitors can also attend a wedding that will take place at the Fair, at which Jamaica will present the lucky bride and groom with a wedding gift commemorating their special day. Jamaica will also encourage persons to visit the destination’s booth to learn more about its accommodation, attraction, culinary and cultural offerings for travelers.
