NEW YORK – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is leading a team of tourism officials participating in the special Caribbean Week activities in New York, June 6 to 12.
During the weeklong programme of events, Mr. Bartlett and Director of Tourism, John Lynch, will update New Yorkers on Jamaica’s latest tourism developments.
Jamaica kicked off the celebrations with the arrival of the Jamaica Lightning Bolt clipper yacht in New York on June 3, and a strong presence Monday morning on the CBS morning show, “The Early Show”, where music lovers enjoyed The New Kingston Band’s performance.
“Jamaica is honoured to celebrate Caribbean Heritage, with our Diaspora throughout the New York area,” Mr. Lynch said.
“Our presence will also serve to reassure everyone that Jamaica is open for business, and is still a leader among Caribbean destinations. The safety of our visitors is paramount and our hotels and attractions continue to cater to their needs. As we head into the summer season, we look forward to hosting our guests and having them experience Jamaica’s unique and vibrant culture and impressive tourism offerings,” he added.
Visitors will learn why Jamaica is the ideal destination for groups of all sizes – small and large – to host their meetings. JTB representatives will be on hand to provide information on the new Montego Bay Convention Centre, which will expand Jamaica’s capacity to accommodate groups of up to a maximum of 5,000, as of next January.
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), in association with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), 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 function at The Helmsley Hotel on Friday (June 11). The JTB will present both the Marcia Vickery-Wallace and Marcella Martinez awards to honorees who have shared the Caribbean experience with the world.
PUMA, in conjunction with VP Records and Power 105.1 FM, will be hosting Reggae Gold 2010 Puma City on Saturday (June 12) at the South Street Seaport, featuring the “sights, sounds and tastes” of Jamaica. Patrons will be treated to a special performance from VP’s recording artiste, Gyptian. Guests will also have a chance to enter to win a 4-day/3-night all-inclusive trip for two to the Sunset Beach Resort, Spa and Waterpark in Montego Bay, provided by Air Jamaica.
June was officially declared as “Caribbean-American Heritage Month” in 2006 by United States’ President, George W. Bush, to celebrate and honour Caribbean culture, as well as pay tribute to the significant contributions Caribbean-Americans have made to the U.S. Since then, the month has been renamed Caribbean Heritage Month by the Institute of Caribbean Studies, which prepared the Bill which was sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
