Positive Tourism News

The Tourism Enhancement (TEF) has invested approximately $10 million in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day initiative, which is spearheaded locally by Jamaica Environment Trust (JET). Speaking at JET’s flagship site at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track on September 15, TEF’s Executive Director Dr. Carey Wallace said, “Tourism relies on our coasts being clean and beautiful. Therefore, we believe this programme is good value for money. We put $8 million into the International Coastal Cleanup Day. After that, we put another $2 million for our Ministry and its agencies to participate. We have been sponsoring for the past 10 years, and have spent approximately $50 million during that period.”

International Coastal Cleanup Day is coordinated globally by the Ocean Conservancy (USA) and locally by JET. TEF has been a major sponsor of the island wide coastal cleanup initiative since 2008. It attracts millions of volunteers in more than 100 countries who clean up beaches and waterways to raise awareness about marine pollution. Last year, Jamaica had 9,675 volunteers at over 147 sites, which was the 12th largest ICC event in the world. This was also the largest ICC day turnout in the English-speaking Caribbean. “As far as our participation in this event from a global perspective, we are doing extremely well. It is very encouraging and heart-warming to see that as Jamaicans, we not only spend the time and energy to clean up our coastlines but we also demonstrate to the world that we are environmentally responsible. Last year it was 93 miles of coast that was cleaned up by the programme, “said Dr. Wallace. The clean-up activities took place days before today’s announcement by the Government of Jamaica to implement a ban on single use plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam effective January 1, 2019.

JET CEO, Suzanne Stanley, welcomed this decision and shared that she is excited about the future outcome. “We are very excited about the announcement for single use plastic. We are looking forward to those strategies being implemented by the government, which on the legislative side, can address some of the problems. But we as Jamaicans also have a responsibility to dispose of our garbage properly,” said Stanley. She went on to share that, “It is very important that we raise awareness amongst our communities, about proper disposal of waste. Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica has been doing this for the past few years and we are really encouraged by the support that we’ve confirmed from the Government of Jamaica [TEF] and the private sector, via Wisynco Group, to continue with the programme for another 3 years.” The Ministry of Tourism’s clean-up activities took place at 15 beaches across the island by 487 volunteers from Destination Assurance Councils, Tourism Action Clubs, as well as members of staff. International Coastal Cleanup is a fraction of the Ministry of Tourism’s partnership with JET through the Tourism Enhancement Fund, to protect the environment. In 2014, the Ministry expanded its commitment with a Clean Coasts Project. To date, TEF has given $146 million, including $25 million in 2018 in funding. The project includes environmental education for adults and children along with practical strategies for tackling poor solid waste management and marine debris in Jamaica.

-30- Photo Captions: LQP_0114 KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 17, 2018: Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) Executive Director, Dr. Carey Wallace (left), joins Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) CEO Suzanne Stanley (second left) and Ministry of Tourism volunteers Sheryll Lewis (second-right) and Lorraine Lewis in International Coastal Clean Up Day activities at JET’s flagship site at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track on September 15. International Coastal Cleanup Day is coordinated globally by the Ocean Conservancy (USA) and locally by JET. TEF has been a major sponsor of the island wide coastal clean-up initiative since 2008. LQP_0137 KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 17, 2018: Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) Executive Director Dr. Carey Wallace (second right) pauses for a photograph with Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) CEO Suzanne Stanley (centre); Executive Director for the Recycling Partners of Jamaica, Winnie Cummings (second left) and Ministry of Tourism volunteers Lorraine Lewis (left) and Sheryll Lewis before disposing of plastic bottles collected during International Coastal Clean Up Day activities at JET’s flagship site at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track on September 15. The occasion was International Coastal Cleanup Day, which is coordinated globally by the Ocean Conservancy (USA) and locally by JET. The TEF has been a major sponsor of the island wide coastal clean-up initiative since 2008. For further information contact:

Portland, Jamaica, W.I. November 8, 2018. The second staging of Mama Africa Arise & Unite took place on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the Di Atlantic Entertainment Center in Manchioneal Portland, where the focus was on community development, empowerment and unity.

The music of Uprising Roots Band set the stage for the flow of positive vibrations during the event, which also celebrated the Earthday of Empress Ellisa Issachar.

The following participants are gratefully acknowledged for their support: Di Atlantic Entertainment Center, Paul Thompson (Mayor of Portland), Theo Chambers (Founder, Access Jamaica Network), Paulette Simmonds (Stteppin Out Loud TV), Abrahamic Covenant Family Ministry, Lt. General Imhotep Ashanti (Coordinator, NIC Jamaica, Pan African Federalist Movement -PAFM), 5th House Kreationz, Forever Africa, Kromanti Group, Maurice Lee (Maroon - Moore Town), Gloria Simms (Mama G – Gaamand Chieftainess, Maroon - Charles Town), Hon. Bobo Jason Thompson (PAFM), Garth Barnett (Marcus Garvey People’s Political Party), Mama Fire, Constantine Bogle (Bogle Foundation), Ras Nik Graphics, and Sharon Parris-Chambers (Caribnewsroom & Living Life as a Sacred Practice).

Mama Africa Arise & Unite Main Event, slated for October 28, 2018, is the culmination of the series of community development drives. It promises to be a memorable affair with select entertainers to thrill, speakers to motivate, workshops to capture the imagination and ignite within, a passion for self-reliance, community development and African unity.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) joins Spanish ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Josep Maria Bosch Bessa and his colleague, Deputy Head of Mission, Victoria García Ojeda for a photograph, during a courtesy call to the Minister’s New Kingston office on August 14, 2018. During the discussions, the Minister extended an invitation to the Spanish Ambassador and his team to attend the Tourism Resilience Summit, being hosted by Jamaica on September 13. The event, which will take place at the University of the West Indies, Mona, will address events that disrupt tourism, such as climate change, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism and cybercrime. The Minister also used the opportunity to update the Ambassador on progress being made to establish the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which will have its official launch next January.

August 8, 2018, Portland, Jamaica, W.I. Following on the heels of the successful launch on July 15, 2018 at the breathtaking Di Atlantic Entertainment Center, located in the beautiful parish of Manchioneal Portland, Mama Africa Arise & Unite is set to bring a life-changing aura and message to patrons once again. On August 26, 2018 the community is invited to gather in their numbers at the same venue for a day of celebration, culture, entertainment and fun.  The event represents the first Parish Cultural Debut, Community Building Development project that will benefit women and youth both in Jamaica.

Mama Africa Arise & Unite was founded by Ellisa Issachar, Managing Director of D.A.E.C, Spokesperson and musician from the Abrahamic Covenant Family Ministry. She is joined by Mojiba Ase', founder of Forever Africa, Spoken Word Artist, General Manager of Mama Africa Arise & Unite, daughter of the Legendary Count Ossie a RasTafarian Cultural and Musical Icon.

Over the years, the Abrahamic Covenant Family Ministry founded by Bishop Denroy Morgan, has stood firm for African unification in Jamaica and is pleased to be aligned with Mama Africa Arise & Unite to support its spiritual values and commitment to the Community. The theme, Who Am I? Will be leading the main workshop and promises to open up the minds and hearts of participants and humanity in general.

Our growing Sponsorship Team consists of: Abrahamic Covenant Family Ministry, Di'Atlantic Entertainment Center, Forever Africa, Stteppin Out Loud T.V., Access Jamaica, Living Life as a Sacred Practice, RNG - Ras Nik Graphics, Pan African Federalist Movement N.I.C. Jamaica, Kromantic Group and Carib Newsroom.

August 6, 2018. The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) International Year of Community Tourism and Peace, initiated in collaboration with Countrystyle Villages as Businesses, will end with a celebration at the IIPT International Community Tourism Conference at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Visitors’ Lodge in Kingston, Jamaica from November 12 – 15, 2018.

The Conference is in collaboration with Countrystyle Villages as Businesses, the UWI Open Campus, the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods, Making Connections Work Ltd UK/Diaspora Connect 2022, the YES Foundation, the National Best Communities Foundation and the UWI Tourism

Society. It will feature community tourism case studies from Jamaica, the Caribbean region and Africa and honour outstanding community tourism entities and persons at a Community Tourism Awards luncheon. The theme of the conference is “Building communities as businesses.”

Keynote Speaker will be the Hon. Audley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, who will share his support for the community development programme offered by Countrystyle Villages as Businesses and the Academy of Community Tourism in partnership with the UWI Open Campus. The programme’s guidance and training in hospitality, entrepreneurship and other skills enable villages and individuals to benefit from the diverse opportunities generated trhrough community tourism. Some of the special guests/presenters will include Mrs. Diana McIntyre–Pike, President/Founder of the Countrystyle Villages as Businesses, President of the IIPT Caribbean and Coordinator of the IIPT International Community Tourism Network; Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Open Campus, Dr. Luz Longsworth; Dr. Louis D’Amore, Founder/President of the IIPT; Alison Kenning Massa, Vice-President Countrystyle Villages as Businesses; Dr. Marcia Brandon, CEO Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods; Dr. Carolyn Hayle, UWI Mona; Melanie Taylor, President UWI Tourism Society; Gillian Rowlands, Vice President IIPT Caribbean; Valerie Dixon, Vice President Countrystyle Villages as Businesses; Mark Pike, General Manager, ATL Automotive Car Rentals; Jacqueline daCosta, Chairman National Best Communities Foundation; Paulette Jones, Project Director, Diaspora Connect 2022; Rev. Solomon Mruka, President/Coordinator, Africa Community Tourism Network; Barbados Community Tourism Network delegation; Lopinot, Trinidad and Tobago, delegation; Arlene McKenzie, Rastafari Indigenous Village St. James; Alexander Pike, General Manager R Hotel; James Samuels,Chairman, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Marketing Committee Kingston and the Tourism Product Development Co Linkages Hub; Valerie Veira, Executive Director, Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC); Theo Chambers, Founder & CEO Access Jamaica.com & Caribbean VIP Discount Club; Sharon Parris-Chambers Public Relations Consultant/Publisher Caribnewsroom.com; and Dr. Kadamawe K’Nife, Lecturer UWI and Patron, Community Tourism Trust Fund (COMTRUST).

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; July 27, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica will host a resilience summit with key global stakeholders and thought leaders on September 13 at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The date was selected to commemorate hurricanes Irma and Maria, two of the most devastating weather systems to have affected the region.

“This summit forms part of my ministry’s efforts to build resilience within the region and globally. Resilience building has become even more crucial in a world that is hyper connected and as such more susceptible to climate change, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism and cybercrime,” Minister Bartlett said.

The resilience summit, to be held under the theme ‘Tourism Resilience through Global Synergies’, will seek to assess existing and emerging disruptions related to tourism management globally;  examine the risk of these disruptions to the global tourism product; and identify a synergetic strategic and operational framework for mutual partnerships between and among major governmental, non-governmental and business entities to address as well as develop mitigation strategies for these global disruptions.

Speaking today at the press conference in Montego Bay to announce the summit, Minister Bartlett added that this is “A precursor to the official launch of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in January next year and this centre will be the global hub to assist destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that affect tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally.”

PORT MARIA, St Mary, Jamaica, Thursday, July 26, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has underscored that “our culture and heritage are the bedrock upon which Jamaica’s tourism has been built” and must be preserved.

Describing it, he said “it is rich, vibrant, multi-cultural and born out of a dynamic and tumultuous history that has influenced our music, our food, our visual and performing arts, even our native tongue.”

It was in that context that Minister Bartlett welcomed Rio Nuevo Village in St Mary expanding its attractions to include rafting and kayaking. “This landmark north coast attraction is evidence of Jamaica’s rich culture,” said Mr. Bartlett, adding that 30 acres was a historic site once home to one of the biggest Taino settlements in the parish. As a multi-dimensional attraction it offers a museum with one of the most comprehensive collections of Taino artefacts in Jamaica.

Rio Nuevo was also the site on which the British and Spanish armies fought in a battle that resulted in Jamaica becoming an English colony.

July 25, 2018. Portland, Jamaica, W.I. Di' Atlantic Entertainment Center on July 15, 2018 in Manchioneal, Portland was ablaze with powerful energies, an actual wood fire, a symbol, on the stage throughout the official launch of Mama Africa Arise & Unite. Surrounded by the sea's serene presence, the mission took flight, amidst a spirited, informative and successful staging, the words, "Unity is Strength and One Perfect Love! were extolled.

The gathering exuded a feeling of love and oneness as the theme alludes.  The event was hosted by the vibrant, refreshing energies of Ellisa Issachar, Founder and Mojiba Ase, General Manager, who both expressed gratitude and contentment for the manifestation of Mama Africa Arise & Unite.

Presentations were delivered by the following distinguished guest speakers: Mrs. Valerie Dixon (Lady President-UNIA), Maurice Lee (Maroon- Moore Town), Jackie Roots (Ethiopian Orthodox House), Colonel Marcia Douglas (Maroon), Gloria Simms (Mama G - Gaamand Chieftainess, Maroon- Charles Town),
Hon. Prophet  Bobo Jason Thompson (Pan African Federalist Movement -PAFM) Mr. X- O.U.R.S (Ours United Resource Services) and Garth Barnett (Marcus Garvey People's Political Party).

Mama Africa Arise & Unite workshop series continues August 26, 2018 at the
Di’ Atlantic Entertainment Center in Manchioneal, Portland with the next staging entitled “Who Am I?  Rides and book give-aways will be provided for the youths. Live performances, open mic and booth rental are available at an affordable rate.

The management team will implement the plan of action within the indigenous communities in accordance with the aims and objectives: To empower and educate dis-advantaged communities with a special focus on youth and women. To experience African cultural expressions, performing arts, through various Indigenous groups and artistès and facilitate a Community and School Building Development Project for all schools in the parish of St. Thomas and Portland.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thursday, July 19, 2018: In recognition of the tremendous success of the Jamaica Tourism Centre of Innovation (JCTI) and the significant role of Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett in its establishment, he has been invited by the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) to give the keynote address at its 54th Annual General meeting.

Minister Bartlett who is the first Caribbean minister to be invited to speak at the SLHTA’s annual general meeting, left the island yesterday for St Lucia and will speak tomorrow, July 20. He returns to Jamaica on Sunday July 22.

In extending the invitation to Minister Bartlett, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) noted that along with member hotels, they have placed significant importance on increased training and educational opportunities for hospitality staff to keep them fired up and motivated. 

The AGM will be held under the theme: “People, Passion, Purpose and Linkages; The Pathway to a Resilient Future” which the SLHTA says, speaks to the new and exciting developments and issues being currently debated in the global tourismindustry.

Jul 4, 2018. Portland, Jamaica, W.I. Ellisa Issachar, founder of Mama Africa Arise & Unite, Spokesperson and musician from the Abrahamic Covenant Family Ministry and Mojiba Ase, founder of Forever Africa, Spoken Word Artist, daughter of the Legendary Count Ossie will host Mama Africa Arise & Unite launch. July 15th marks the premier staging of Mama Africa Arise & Unite in 2018, with a series of similar events to follow, culminating in the main event October 28, 2018.  The exquisite Sankofa-DJ Iset will provide the music selection.

The Abrahamic Covenant Family Ministry was founded by Ambassador Bishop Ras Denroy Morgan and former manager/producer of Morgan Heritage, The Dreds, LMS, Black Eagles; he is also the current manager and producer of The New Black Eagles, Laza Morgan and Asaph Drummers.

Di Atlantic Entertainment Center is a family-oriented complex where the splendid sea breeze, glorious scenery and breath-taking mountain views intertwines. Located in the beautiful parish of Manchioneal, Portland, Jamaica. The vision is to empower and educate dis-advantage communities with a special focus on youth and women. The mission is to experience African Cultural Expressions through Indigenous groups, artistes and School Building Development Project for all schools in the parish of St. Thomas and Portland. The Long-term objective is to unite Africans so as to Rise in Liberation, Self-Reliance, Peace, Truth and Love.

Contact:

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 23, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says his Ministry remains committed to building the capacity of local service providers in the tourism industry, through the provision of training and certification opportunities which he hopes will encourage upward mobility.

The Minister made this announcement during recent meetings with members of the craft and ground transportation subsectors at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. During the meetings, he advised both groups that the tourism sector is rapidly changing worldwide and they would need to be aware of the changes, and equip themselves with the tools needed to adapt in a successful way.

“I can assure you that my Ministry will provide assistance needed to be competitive in the increasing globalised world. We have provided a loan facility through the EXIM bank at competitive rates which you have access to as business owners, and we will also be assisting you directly to market your products and services,” said the Minister.

He noted that marketing assistance would also be given through the soon to be launched, fully-integrated Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) website, which will showcase Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises across the island.  The site will be powered by Google and have a data-rich social media-integrated digital platform. It will also revolve on a single axis that provides real-time access and content to tour operators and travel agents, globally.

 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 22, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says a Tourism Innovation Council will be developed, under the newly restructured Tourism Enhancement Fund, to drive ground-breaking ideas within the industry and to encourage more Jamaicans to become entrepreneurs.

Speaking at a TEF Board of Directors meeting earlier today, the Minister noted that “the board that will drive innovation is now going to change. Instead of there being a board of governance for the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation, I will now have an Innovation Council that will work alongside the Tourism Linkages Council, who I believe are also the drivers of experiential tourism in the island.”

He noted that his Ministry has begun looking at prospects to join the council, who have vast experience in business start-ups and innovation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Monday May 14, 2018: Tourism continues to experience unprecedented growth as the industry plays a lead role in the government’s growth agenda. With three years into a five-year expansion plan set by Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett, projections are being exceeded.

Following a record-breaking season in 2017, Minister Bartlett reported to Parliament in his 2018 sectoral presentation recently, that tourism numbers for the first quarter of this year had hit new highs with January to March arrivals of 1,298,674, representing an increase of 6.6 percent over the corresponding period last year.

The 625,002 stopovers and 673, 672 cruise passengers meant the island had over 80,000 more visitors for the period. Gross estimated foreign exchange earnings for the quarter stood at US$825.3million, an increase of 8.5 percent.

“The rapidly expanding tourism sector has maintained its position as one of the main contributors to job creation, investments and foreign revenues in the economy over the last several decades,” said Minister Bartlett in his report, with data indicating that the total economic impact of the sector surpassed most other segments of the economy.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 13, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett leaves the island today to participate in the 9th Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) and the PATA Annual Summit in South Korea.

While there, the Minister is expected to participate in a series of panel discussions on the state of the tourism industry globally. He will also use the opportunity to garner support for the Global Resilience and Crisis Management Centre and Observatory, which will be housed at the University of West Indies, Mona.

The Minister’s first engagement in South Korea is the 9th Asian Leadership Conference (ALC), where he will speak about: Tourism and Sustainable Development and Globalization and Cooperation in Asia Pacific, at two of the sessions on May 16. The invitation was extended by Sang-Hoon Bang, President and CEO of theChosunilbo, the largest newspaper in South Korea and hosts of the ALC.

In the letter of invitation, Mr Bang noted that the Minister was invited because of the significant contributions he has made to the global tourism industry as the world’s leading Tourism Minister.

PHOTO CAPTION: KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 05, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith (left) were recently visited by High Commissioner-designate to the Republic of South Africa, Her Excellency Angella Comfort at the New Kingston offices of the Ministry of Tourism on May 04, 2018.  The group discussed strengthening relations between the two nations and the elements that would need to be put in place to attain this goal.  Mrs. Comfort will assume duties in Pretoria in mid-May 2018.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; April 18, 2018:  Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett made his presentation at the G20-T20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Buenos Aries, Argentina, yesterday April 17, 2018. The members accepted the Minister’s bid to promote Small and Medium Sized Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) as key drivers of economic growth. They also warmly received Jamaica’s proposal for the Global Tourism Resilience Centre, which is to be housed at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The Group of 20 (G-20) is a group of finance ministers and central bank governors from 19 of the world's largest economies and the European Union. The Minister is joined by his Senior Advisor/Consultant Dr. Lloyd Waller and is expected to return to the island on April 26, 2018.

ENDS

 

Source: Written by Juergen Steinmetz, April 16, 2018

“Whatever our business in life may be, let us always remember that our core business is, and will always be, to make this world a better place.” Peace is definitely an ingredient when making this world a better place. These words coming from a citizen of the Kingdom of Jordan, it means there is a natural connection between peace and tourism.

Dr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General from 2009 through 2017 was the head of the UN Specialized Agency in charge of Tourism, known as the World Tourism Organization.

The former UNWTO Secretary-General has been a man of peace, building a bridge of friendships and integrity for our largest industry in the world, the Travel and Tourism Industry.

Fulfilling one of its first objectives, the newly-founded Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) , has created a WTA Glossary of Industry Terms that will become the basis for common understanding, plus further define and establish standards for the growing global wellness tourism industry. The Glossary currently consists of the following eight term: Wellness Destination, Wellness Tourism, Wellness Travel, Wellness Traveler, Wellness Resort, Wellness Retreat, Wellness Vacation and Wellness Visitor, and new terms will be added as the industry continues to evolve.

“The definitions have taken considerable time and thoughtful debate among the WTA Board of Directors,” says Chairman, Andrew Gibson. “We feel the terms will provide clarification and benefits not only to our members, but to anyone with an interest in the wellness tourism industry.”

One of the more noteworthy terms of the new WTA Glossary is Wellness Resorts, which will replace, for the purposes of the WTA, the Destination Spa category. “The Destination Spa category had its day as a ‘one-size fits all’ qualifier,” says Thomas Klein, Canyon Ranch, President and Chief Operating Officer, ”but it never truly defined integrative spas with offerings far beyond standard treatments.” For instance, at Canyon Ranch, Klein says the term Wellness Resort “is much more aligned with our philosophy because wellness is not an amenity, an afterthought or trend — it’s our focus.” He says, “A true Wellness Resort is more than just a place to relax and shed a few pounds, it is a place to make transformative life changes that last well beyond the vacation.” The term will also cover WTA members such as Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Thailand.

The use of the term “Destination” has been re-purposed to Wellness Destination, to identify a geographic region with a strategic approach to develop and market their wellness-related assets.

PHOTO CAPTION: (From left) JetBlue Airways' Jack Massey and Dylan Kleopfer, Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director David Mapp, Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty and JetBlue's Eric Tanner in New York this week.

NEW YORK (April 14, 2018) - U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty continues to make audiences across the U.S. mainland and the globe aware that the Territory is open for business.

Addressing a broad range of consumers and industry stakeholders over the past week in Atlanta, Chicago and New York, Commissioner Nicholson-Doty thanked partners for their support of the U.S. Virgin Islands during the ongoing recovery process and suggested that the best way to continue helping the U.S. Virgin Islands is to visit the Territory.

Last weekend, the Commissioner addressed close to 200 delegates attending the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Region III Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and thanked the media for keeping St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas in the spotlight since last September's storms.

BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth, Monday, April 3, 2018: Horticulture is to have a place in the Tourism Linkages Network with a view to have Jamaicans benefiting from the nearly US$3 million currently being spent to import flowers.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett disclosed yesterday that he had discussed with Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Council (TLC), Adam Stewart, the need to have the horticultural societies represented at the next meeting of the Council “because we must include in the Linkages, the floral attributes and the floral cultural assets of Jamaica for sale in the hotels across the country.”

He said the nearly US$3 million spent on importing flowers from Costa Rica and other countries last year should be going into the pockets of farmers and horticulturists across Jamaica.

Minister Bartlett was giving the keynote address at the official opening of the 56th staging of the St Elizabeth Horticultural Society’s annual flower show at Independence Park. He told the gathering that, “We must take a new look at providing this particular product for the industry, in terms of quality and availability; how we create the arrangement and more importantly, a new look at the culture itself of production of these important assets.”