Proud to be playing host

IT GIVES me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to the large number of Kiwanians visiting Jamaica from Canada, as well as 16 other Caribbean islands, for the Kiwanis Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District Convention.

We are proud to be playing host to this important gathering of humanitarians and even more proud that it is being held in our Second City – Montego Bay. The work that you do is truly invaluable. I sincerely commend you for the impact you have made in developing our communities and for the contribution you have ultimately made to nation-building.

As minister of tourism, I have made it my duty to ensure that we are constantly strengthening our tourism product by way of expanding the range of attractions we have and increasing the room stock. We have also been placing particular focus on appealing to niche markets to attract more visitors by appealing to their passion

points. We have placed special focus on targeting millennials and humanitarians like you through the areas of volunteerism, marathons and other events that bring people together and have a component of public good. The importance to any destination of hosting major events like Kiwanis Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District Convention is tremendous.

As we continue to diversify our tourism product, my ministry is also seeking to position Jamaica as a premier meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition destination. I was very pleased to learn that you have chosen the Montego Bay Convention Centre, which is now managed by the Ministry of Tourism, as your event venue. As you may know, it is the largest meeting facility in the English-speaking Caribbean and has been positioned as a key fulcrum around which knowledge-based tourism activities in the country will revolve.

I am sure the organisers have prepared a wonderful programme for you, but I encourage you to also take some time to enjoy Jamaica, visit our beautiful attractions, and get to know our warm and welcoming people.

Wherever you go, you will encounter a special brand of Jamaican hospitality. I have no doubt the island’s natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere will facilitate the exchange of ideas and the meeting of minds at your event.

EDMUND BARTLETT, CD, MP Minister of Tourism