Positive Tourism News

Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN), a Jamaican entity, in partnership with Global Spiritual Forum (GSF) will host a free webinar on Spirituality and Peace: Lessons from the Caribbean for a Holistic Way of Life on September 30, 2020. GSF was founded by Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena, based in Canada. He is supported by three Administrators and 20 Moderators.

Diana McIntyre-Pike, Founder & President Countrystyle Community Tourism Network and President International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Caribbean was a featured speaker in the August 2020 GSF Forum. Since then, she has ignited wide acclaim and has returned to coordinate and present on the panel Spirituality and Peace – Lessons from the Caribbean for a Holistic Way of Life. McIntyre-Pike, international Community Tourism pioneer says “The foundation of my work with communities is spirituality and peace, its enduring influence fuels sustainable tourism development.”

Date of Webinar: September 30, 2020
To Register and Receive Meeting ID & Passcode: Click or copy the link in your Browser: https://forms.gle/upnSW6JHNq1Rby1k7
ACCESS TIMES: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon - Kingston, Jamaica; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - New York; 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm – London; 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm – Dubai and 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm – Sri Lanka.

Elizabeth Terry, Webinar Moderator and Presenter, welcomes spiritual enthusiasts with these words: “As we traverse this time of challenge and change, ‘staying inside’ has become a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the deepening of our spiritual connection to our Source, God, I Am Presence, or whatever name we choose to call our Divine Creator. We welcome the Global Spiritual Community to this Webinar where we will explore various Caribbean interpretations of how we may deepen our Spiritual Connection and gain resilience and strength to remain ever positive, aligned and focused on developing a world that works for everyone.”

The GSF Panelists are: Diana McIntyre-Pike, GSF Webinar Facilitator; Elizabeth Terry, Certified Trainer & Master Coach of NLP, Time Line Therapy and Hypnosis; Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers, President, PanaCarib Business Solutions Ltd. (Founder, Wellness Tourism Network) and Founder, Temple of Inner Peace (Spiritual Wellness Company) and Prince Matthew, Founder – It’s All Good Holistic Movement.

MANDEVILLE, Manchester, Jamaica, Sunday, July 19, 2020: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has warned that tourism entities that fail to comply with health and safety protocols designed to facilitate the phased reopening of the tourism sector, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will be shut down.

Speaking at the Golf View Hotel in Manchester, during a tour of the newly opened South Coast Resilient Corridor on the weekend, the Minister stressed that: “If you are not COVID compliant we are going to shut you down and whether you’re big or you’re small, because we cannot compromise on health security.”

The new corridor was introduced on July 15. Similar to the North Coast Resilient Corridor, which was introduced in June, this area will welcome visitors with robust health and safety protocols.

Minister Bartlett said: “The start of the South Coast phase of the reopening is very important to us,” noting that “this is a really popular region for Jamaicans and some international visitors, because this is country style tourism.”

St Ann’s Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica. July 16, 2020. Jamaica is poised to begin recovering some of its lost revenue from tourism as it enters its second stage of re-opening its borders to the international market. According to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett “The sector reopened to visitors on June 15, 2020 and since then, has welcomed over 35,000 visitors and resident Jamaicans. It is estimated that during the month of July, Jamaica will welcome a total of 41,000 passengers (visitors and resident Jamaicans). This will result in approximately US$80 Million in earnings.”

In an effort to assist the resurgence and resilience of Jamaica’s tourism industry, Marva Hewitt, CEO, Food Hygiene Bureau (FHB) and Occupational Health & Safety Specialist has convened a virtual ZOOM webinar entitled: “COVID-19 Risk Management & Workplace Protection,” July 29, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Meeting ID: 5542825022 | Password: 7TPteP

Recently returning from assignments in the UK, Ms Hewitt has told Minister Edmund Bartlett that she is duty bound to assist Jamaica at this time with the training and compliance within the industry. Speaking in the newly minted South Coast Tourism WhatsApp group of stakeholders which was founded by Wolde Kristos, CEO, Reliable Adventures Jamaica (RAJ Tour) and includes among others Diana McIntyre-Pike, President Countrystyle Community Tourism Network and Jason Henzel, Chairman, Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa, Hewitt said “Whilst a protocol checklist might prove of benefit to some or our hoteliers, the smaller ones (MSMTEs) may still need, as Sharon Parris-Chambers, said some degree of ‘hand holding’. I do have knowledge and experience of the COVID-19 Protocols and with my background in public health, food safety, occupational health and safety law, I have a good understanding and technical competency to ensure property compliance. I am ready to help in audit, inspections, drafting and implementation of the Protocols and ensure the systems are sustainable. I stand ready to work with you in this regard.”

The FHB Webinar is staged in association with Wellness Tourism Network, represented by Sharon Parris-Chambers, founder Caribbean Health Tourism & Spa Conference. The Network recently staged a Zoom Digital Wellness Tourism Roundtable of industry stakeholders with special guest speaker Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett on June 14, 2020. The following panelists & topics have been confirmed:  Lisa Ackerley, Hospitality Hygiene Doctor (“Risk Management & Re-opening the UK Perspective”); Snr Prof. & Research Shashi Vemuri, PJTSU, Agricultural University, India (“Risk Assessment & Food Contamination”); Dr Escoban Gonzales, Head Laboratory Services, Caribbean Public Health Agency (“Hotel Perspective Risk assessment & Protective Gears”); Mr Clifton Reader, General Manager, Moon Palace, Ocho Rios (“A Resort Perspective on COVID19 Protocol Management”) and Sharon Parris-Chambers, Tourism Consultant, PanaCarib Business Solutions (“How to Improve Workplace Wellness”).

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 15, 2020: The Island’s South Coast is now open to tourists following the launch of a South Coast Resilient Corridor, which runs from Milk River to Negril. In an effort to drive the continued safe re-opening of the tourism sector, Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett yesterday announced that the new corridor will be introduced on July 15. Much like the North Coast Resilient Corridor, which was introduced in June, this area will welcome visitors with robust health and safety protocols.

While addressing Parliament yesterday, the Minister said: “This expansion, which takes effect on July 15, will enable more visitors to experience the tourism product, while enabling tourism businesses and workers to restart operations in a safe environment.”

He noted that the key protocols of this corridor include limiting access to only authorised properties to ensure that visitors will be travelling to COVID-compliant locations, as well as ensuring that public and private sector stakeholders are responsible for collaborating, to guarantee the extensive monitoring that is required.

“The protocols were designed based on benchmarks of nearly 20 markets in the Caribbean and globally as well as international health agencies.  They cover big and small hotels, guesthouses, attractions, beaches, transportation, shopping, social activities (restaurants and bars) and cruise ports,” said the Minister.

INTRODUCTION

Mr. Speaker, I rise on this my 31st occasion to address this honourable house in this critically important sectoral debate as I speak of the developments and challenges faced by one of our nation’s key industries, tourism. With COVID-19 upending the affairs of every single nation, east and west, I must extend hearty commendation and gratitude for the leadership of Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, as he effectively steers Jamaica through the choppiest seas in our nation’s modern history. We all pray that God will continue to strengthen him in these unique times whilst we work as a team to deliver success at the end of this crisis.

 Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank:

• Almighty God,
• My constituents of East Central St. James,
• Tourism sector stakeholders and the people of Jamaica,
• My dear wife of 46 years Carmen, my son and grandchildren

Mr. Speaker, to my constituents of East Central St. James, I say thank you for your support and patience in my continued leadership of your affairs. The negative economic and social effects of COVID-19 are there for all to see.  However, we take comfort in the range of projects resulting in improved roads, greater access to water, a deepening of community development and engagement activities, especially for our youth, housing developments, urban renewal, positive developments in agricultural projects, better sports development initiatives and stronger avenues for job creation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 10, 2020: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that over $J2 Billion in funding will be made available for Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs). The move, forms part of the government’s commitment to help these small tourism businesses retool and rebound amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding, which was championed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), will be from multilateral partners and financial institutions such as the Development Bank of Jamaica, World Bank, Jamaica Social Investment Fund, EXIM Bank and Jamaica National Group.

Speaking today at the press briefing where the announcement was made, Minister Bartlett said: “Our SMTEs have been severely displaced due to COVID-19 and have recorded economic fallout of an average of $J2.5 Million each. As part of our recovery efforts for the sector, they will play a significant role by stimulating economic activity and as such this funding of over $J2 Billion which is needed, will assist them greatly to rebuild.”

SMTEs will have access to a suite of loan facilities and grants ranging from a low as J$5 Million up to a maximum of $J30 Million.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 2, 2020:  Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Hiromasa Yamazaki (left) on Wednesday July 1, 2020, paid a farewell courtesy call on Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices.  During the meeting, Minister Bartlett thanked the Ambassador for his contribution in strengthening relations between Jamaica and Japan. He also presented him with a token of appreciation. Ambassador Yamazaki, who was appointed as Japan’s top diplomatic representative in Jamaica in 2017, is slated to conclude his tour of duty shortly.

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Negril, Jamaica (June 25, 2020). Representatives of the Wellness Tourism Network recently met with Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism to discuss greater inclusivity of the Wellness Tourism niche and its stakeholders on Sunday, June 14, 2020 on Zoom virtual platform. The Roundtable, moderated by Sharon Parris-Chambers, Tourism Consultant & Co-founder of the Caribbean Health Tourism & Spa Conference (2005 -2009), set a standard in the emerging industry. Representatives of the evening’s session: Sharon & Theo Chambers, Diana McIntyre-Pike, Wolde Kristos & Elizabeth Terry engaged participants in insightful and purposeful dialogue.

The Roundtable Agenda unfolded with Prayer, Welcome Overview and Message, Response by Minister Edmund Bartlett, Questions & Answers and Wrap Up/Next Steps. Diana McIntyre-Pike, President, Countrystyle Community Tourism and Villages as Businesses, outlined the five goals and objectives of the Network during the Welcome Message. These included:  To establish an on-going close working relationship between the Wellness Tourism Network and the Ministry of Tourism and its partner agencies; Inclusion of the Wellness Tourism Network experts as active participants in wellness tourism governance – e.g. Boards, councils, committees; Recognize local wellness tourism experts’ eligibility as paid consultants in respective areas of expertise; Ensure inclusion of the Wellness Tourism Network in the planning of key wellness tourism events and to further develop and expand Wellness Tourism in Jamaica & the Caribbean.

The Wellness Tourism Network stakeholders are wellness professionals (complementary and alternative medical practitioners), farmers, herbalists, wellness consultants, naturopaths, manufacturers and wholesalers, researchers and students, owners of resorts and spas, spa technicians, lifestyle transformation centres, owners of yoga and fitness centres.

Sharon Parris-Chambers presented an Update of the Wellness Industry, wherein she called on the Minister to lead the industry through greater integration to include: Local expertise & stakeholders to play a more active role, awareness and utilization of natural resources; diversification of the Sector, which should include Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM).

She further added “Re-imagining of Wellness Tourism should be inclusive of the following: 1) greater awareness of the Jamaica Spa & Wellness Brand 2) Attracting Thought Leaders & Visionaries to Jamaica as a catalyst for more rapid implementation of strategies which, have been coined to positively impact and shape the future of the Caribbean, as the region seeks to fully capitalize on the $4.2 trillion Global Wellness Economy 3) Brand Jamaica must remain unique and include Rastafari, African & Taino healing methods. 4) Developing a Cadre of trained professionals to deliver exceptional Jamaica Spa and Wellness products, services and experiences 5) Inclusion of Spiritual and Mental Health within the definition of Wellness would bring us closer to tapping into the Personal Development Industry estimated to grow to US$13.2 billion by 2022.”

Reuters news (Kingston) June 6 edition reported that Jamaican protestors outfitted in Black, Saturday June 6, 2020 in Kingston, protested despited the blistering sun. Gathering on Saturday, they supportd the global protests" against police abuses sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month." One of the protestors, Human rights activist Lloyd D'Aguilar, attended the protest at the U.S. Embassy. He was concerned about a lack of action on killings by security forces in Jamaica. "There are never any follow-up protests," he said. "The positive is that people are paying attention to the massive protests in the United States - this is where we need to go." the article stated.

Protesters in solidarity with the African Diaspora opposed to the racial and violent death of George Floyd in the USA are staging protests around the world. In Jamaica, Barbados and other Caribbean islands. One of the Western Jamaica community leaders A. McKenzie recommends "peaceful protests with a purpose and safety as we are in a pandemic, gather some people around you, or just you. Write up a placard and stand and take a picture, The placard can be in support or just say. "Where there is no justice there will be no peace" or something similar. Take a picture, you must be out of your house, then post the picture on Facebook.com, Instagram or Whatsapp. This will be in lieu of movement outside of Kingston as lockdown and curfews still exists. Lets do it Sunday, June 7, 2020 and bombard social media with our pictures of solidarity.

Source: A. McKenzie & Caribnewsroom

June 5, 2020.  Everywhere around the world, World Environment Day is being observed against the backdrop of growing unrest and demands of social justice for people of African descent. This year’s theme ‘It’s Time for Nature’ is especially resonant for us of the Maroon Women Chamber of Cooperation.  As survivors of generations of colonial violence and repression, we continue to struggle for self-determination as people of African descent and the freedom to live in communion with the natural environment that has been our source of survival for centuries.

In a recent online meeting that brought together women from across the region and Diaspora, we agreed to approach CARICOM on a number of issues. As our leaders engage in discussions on COVID-19 recovery, we ask that our Maroon communities have a seat at the table in the conversation. Whether the challenge is COVID-19 or Climate Change, we believe that our voices need to be heard and considered in the development of a sustainable development plan for this region. We believe that we are deserving of respect and visibility in national and regional discussions on a way forward for the Caribbean.

We believe that we should have the endorsement of individual and regional governments and agencies to support the development and propagation of modes of survival and community resilience that have come out of our Maroon legacy. We call on the governments of the Caribbean to look to our communities for the answers to some of the pressing issues we are facing, even as these communities struggle to survive because we cannot fully practice the modes of resilience we inherited from our foremothers and fathers.

As we move into the hurricane season, some of our communities are on the brink of collapse because of the economic impact of COVID-19. We call for urgent action to ensure resilience and survival.  We call on our governments to rethink their COVID-19 relief efforts to include and support people driven initiatives. Land rights, spiritual autonomy, racial discrimination and access to state resources to mitigate the effects of climate change are all social justice issues. They cannot and should not be separated from each other. We call on our governments to acknowledge these connections and act before it is too late.

June 3, 2020. Negril, Jamaica, W.I. Partners of Wellness Wednesdays & Access Jamaica WhatsApp Social Media Network in association with Carib Academy, online eLearning platform, invite you to a scheduled Zoom Wellness Tourism Roundtable meeting with Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Tourism Minister on June 10, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. (Jamaica Time) 8:00 p.m. EDT (US and Canada) via ZOOM platform.

The Wellness Tourism Roundtable is convened by Sharon Parris-Chambers, Wellness Tourism Consultant & Co-founder of Caribbean Health Tourism & Spa Conference (2005-2009) and partners:  Theo Chambers, (Marketing Consultant & Co-founder of Caribbean Health Tourism & Spa Conference); Claudia Gardner (Journalist & Bee farmer); Diana McIntyre-Pike (founder Countrystyle Community Tourism & Villages as Businesses & Tourism Consultant/Trainer); Elizabeth Terry (NLP Master Trainer); Wolde Kristos (Tourism Consultant).

If you are a stakeholder in the Wellness Tourism industry, this is an opportunity to voice your opinion on the way forward in a Post COVID19 ‘New Normal’ world. How can your Wellness Interventions make a difference and help transform Jamaica’s Wellness Industry?
Space is limited; if you want a seat at the Roundtable, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 876-275-3169 for an invitation.

The group welcomes the participation of traditional healers & practitioners, manufacturers, herbalists, hoteliers – resorts - villas, spa directors, spa technicians, lifestyle transformation centers, community wellness and rural spas to name a few.

NASSAU, Bahamas, June 2, 2020 – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners, announced today a collaborative plan for re-opening the country’s borders and tourism sector, as well as the resumption of international commercial travel starting July 1. A press conference provided details of the “Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan” to be used as an approved, comprehensive guide of health and safety protocol to be followed consistently across the country.

From procedures pertaining to entering and departing The Bahamas via airports and seaports, to a Clean & Pristine certification program implemented across hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities and touchpoints, the plan outlines extensive health and safety protocols that will be enforced throughout The Bahamas to mitigate risks for all visitors and residents alike.

“Our top priority has and will always be our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director General Joy Jibrilu. “We must remember that we are living in a new normal in the wake of COVID-19 and a lot is going to change across the tourism sector. We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travelers with the tropical experience our islands are known for.”

A Phased Approach

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 02, 2020 (JIS NEWS): The Ministry of Tourism has provided 10,000 masks for frontline industry workers as part of safeguards against the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), when the sector reopens.

 The masks, one element of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used in the fight against COVID-19, were handed over to industry representatives by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

The presentation was made during a virtual ceremony at the Ministry’s offices in New Kingston on Friday (May 29).

 “We are recommending that all the workers of the tourism industry should wear their mask. The Prime Minister [the Most Hon. Andrew Holness] has already made that a condition for all of us, and the medical fraternity has supported that; so we want to assist in ensuring full compliance,” Minister Bartlett said.

Photo Caption: Mighty Diamonds: Lf to Rt. Capo (Joseph Williamson), Tabby Diamond (Donald Shaw) and Judge Diamond (Lloyd Furgeson) Celebeate 50th Anniversary at IRITS Cultural Wellness & Culinary Festival, Montego Bay, January 26, 2020
Photo Credit: RIV Archives

Montego Bay, Jamaica (February 14, 2020).
The creation of IRITS Cultural Wellness and Culinary Festival by the Outreach and Education team from the Rastafari Indigenous Village (RIV) took place two and a half years ago. Founded and managed by Arlene McKenzie and Firstman (Edward Wray), the festival takes place within the Portobello community on the last Sunday afternoon of each month. It has been growing steadily ever since.

RIV hit a high note with the recent appearance and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mighty Diamonds on January 26, 2020, which evolved out of a partnership with Masani Productions from Rastafest Canada. Mighty Diamonds are harmony trio Jamaican recording artistes performing in the genre of roots reggae with a strong Rastafarian influence. The group was formed in 1969 and are best known for their debut album Right Time (1976) with hit songs I Need a Roof and Them Never Love Poor Marcus, which were performed. The mega hit Pass the Kouchie drew loud accolades from the crowd.. The veteran reggae group received a stirring tribute by Barry G, veteran broadcaster to the delight of an appreciative audience who enjoyed the stroll down memory lane.

Emerging from a group of Village friends and family gatherings, IRITS evolved into what it is today, a veritable cultural showcase of Jamaica’s brightest and sought-after entertainers. IRITS speaks to spiritual balance, peace, harmony with one’s inner being. It is a strictly well-mind, well-body, well-spirit event, which incorporates the literary arts, spiritual development, Nyabinghi drumming & reasoning, musical & poetic expressions, arts & crafts, always staying on the cutting edge.

MADRID, Spain; January 24, 2020: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica and the Republic of Panama have signed a multi-destination arrangement, as part of efforts to strengthen tourism relations between both countries.

The agreement was signed today during FITUR, the largest International Tourism Trade Fair for inbound and outbound Ibero-American markets, currently underway in Spain.

Jamaica has previously signed similar agreements with Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, to advance regional integration by fostering and harmonising legislation on air connectivity, visa facilitation, product development, marketing and human capital development.

‘The signing of the agreement today with Panama brings us to five countries in the North-Western Caribbean that have now developed an arrangement for convergence of their marketing and airlift arrangements.

Golden Tongue Awards 2020 - Poetry Competition/Challenge - Calling All Aspiring Poets

Poetry in Motion 2020 is pleased to announce the highly anticipated annual PiM - Golden Tongue Awards 2020 - Poetry Challenge/Competition which opens today, Wednesday January 15th, and closes on Friday, January 31st, 2020. Kindly care and share with all aspiring poets and submit entry forms with poems as early as possible.

 Poetree For Charity With Clean Intelligent Fun For The Entire Family & Community

 Poetry in Motion, affectionately called PiM, is the most celebrated, longest running and most successful annual Poetry Festival in the colourful literary history of Jamaica and the Caribbean and is highly recognized internationally in the world of Poetry. Please see attached and below.

Montego Bay, Jamaica (January 25, 2020). Barry G, the Boogieman's next appearances will begin Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Rasta Indigenous Village, Montego Bay, St. James 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. He will toast the Mighty Diamonds who are celebrating 50 years in the Reggae idustry. Join the Boogieman as he receives yet another award for his contribution of 45 years in the entertainment industry from the Rasta Indigenous Village.

MC Barry G kicks of The ‘Children of the Icons” concert tour this Saturday, February 1 in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, launching the concert series at 7:00 p.m. Admission Free. Aaaoowww!

Contact:

Sharon Parris-Chambers
Publicist
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
876-275-3169

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; November 12, 2019. Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, says internationally acclaimed Bishop TD Jakes is looking at staging his flagship leadership conference in Jamaica next year. The announcement was made at a special brunch, organized by Jamaica Vacations at Royalton Resort, for Bishop Jakes who docked in Trelawny with over 1800 guests as part of his Faith and Family Caribbean Cruise.Thomas Dexter Jakes, more popularly known as TD Jakes, is a pastor, author and film maker. As pastor of the Potter's House, Bishop TD Jakes' conferences draw over 30,000 people."As Jamaica continues to diversify its product offerings to suit the passion points of our visitors, developing faith based tourism is high on our priority list. Many people travel for religious reasons.I am therefore honoured that Bishop TD Jakes has indicated his interest to host his mega conference in Jamaica which will attract thousands locally and overseas," said Minister Bartlett.It is estimated by the World Tourism Organization, that 300 to 330 million people travel for religious purposes every year.Bishop TD Jakes' church services and evangelistic sermons are broadcast on The Potters Touch, which airs on lightsource.com, the Trinity Broadcast Network, Black Entertainment Television, the Daystar Television Network and the Word Network."We are excited about the possibilities of having some events in Jamaica that i think would be of interest not only to Jamaicans.We are interested in leadership development, where business and faith can collaborate to create a more wholesome atmosphere," said Bishop TD Jakes.Minister Bartlett added that, "Jamaica will be the ideal location for this mega conference given the island's Christian and religious culture.” PHOTO CAPTION MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; November 12, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (L), in discussion with Bishop TD Jakes ahead of the special lunch organized by Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC) at Royalton Resort in Trelawny today, in honour of the internationally acclaimed Pastor. Minister Bartlett announced at the lunch that Bishop TD Jakes is looking at hosting his mega Leadership Conference in Jamaica next year. For more information, contact:Corporate CommunicationsMinistry of Tourism64 Knutsford BoulevardKingston 5Tel: (876) 920-4926-30Fax: (876) 906 1729

This announcement follows discussions with Minister of Tourism for Panama, His Excellency Ivan Alfaro, and Minister Bartlett at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London yesterday.

“Multi destination tourism is a strategy to increase the product offerings of the respective destinations but more so to enable better air connectivity between markets particularly, for long haul destinations. With this multi destination arrangement, Panama will become a hub for long haul flights and Emirates and Air China are among the two targeted carriers,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Jamaica Tourist Board and the Panamanian Tourism Authority will meet to conclude details of the arrangement by January 2020 for signing during FITUR in Spain.

Myriads of Baby Boomers numbering into the hundreds of thousands are seeking the Fountain of Youth and have contributed to the development of wellness products and services around the world. They are joined by Millennials who want to experience more health and wellness in their daily lives and while on vacation.

Recapture Life, Health & Happiness with Qigong is a workshop that teaches the preventative and curative practice of therapeutic movement to help you take charge of your life. The Workshop is presented by Glenville Ashby Ph.D. for the first time in Jamaica. You won’t want to miss this opportunity!

This practice is used in leading university hospitals worldwide as a complementary healing modality. Learn how these techniques can change your life, manage lifestyle and Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affecting many Jamaicans. Examples of NCDs are: strokes, most heart diseases, most cancers, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and others.

You deserve to be happy, look younger, pain free and live the life you envision. Register today – Space is Limited. Call 876-275-3169 for information and AFYA for booking 876-434-7433.