GREETINGS FROM MINISTER OF TOURISM HON. EDMUND BARTLETT AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF The 25TH ANNIVERSARY REGGAE SUMFEST USAIN BOLT’S TRACKS & RECORDS THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Salutations…
 

Colleague Minister, members of the music fraternity, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen…Good Evening.

·        There is no doubt that Jamaica has captivated the world with our vibrant and original music. Have you noticed that wherever you go in the world, just say the name ‘Bob Marley’ or say the word ‘Reggae’ and there is instant recognition. The cultural and language barriers disappear and there is instant camaraderie. Such is the strength of our music.

·        Our authentic rhythms, from Ska and Rock Steady to Reggae, which often reflect the social, political and economic realities of people across the globe, have been a powerful influence on world music.    For sure, our extraordinary music talent has cemented Jamaica’s position as a ‘cultural super-power’.

·        I am therefore delighted to have been invited to bring greetings at this landmark launch of Reggae Sumfest.

·        That, after 25 years, this premier music event continues to be an annual staple for reggae connoisseurs the world over is testament that Reggae Sumfest is truly the greatest reggae show on earth.

·        Our great music continues to set Jamaica apart from rival destinations and Reggae Sumfest’s resounding success has helped to significantly enhance our international profile as each year more and more reggae music fans converge on Montego Bay to enjoy great music in a remarkable destination.

·        Ladies and gentlemen, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) estimates 6,000 visitors come to the island for the festival each year.

·        We are all aware that reggae and dancehall are more than just music; these genres reflect the heart and soul of our rich cultural heritage. This is why this indigenous music is such an integral part of our tourism product.

·        My Ministry is committed to fostering the continued development of the entertainment industry and the full integration this sector into our tourism product. We know that much more can be done to fully capitalize on the true potential of this sector.

·        It is this commitment that has fueled our support for local entertainment events and our decision to sponsor Reggae Sumfest through our marketing agency, JTB.

·        We fully recognize the positive impact that festivals and events of this nature have on our tourism sector by enhancing our cultural and musical offerings as a destination and helping to attract more visitors to our shores.

·        As we put in place the framework to further diversify our tourism product and give the visitors more things to do when they come to our island – tap into their passion points, we are placing special focus on developing entertainment tourism as part of our growth strategy.

·        Our goal of welcoming 5 million visitors annually is on target but as good as our current offerings may be we have to be constantly innovating and focusing on growing our earnings per visitor and retaining more of those earnings in Jamaica.

·        It goes without saying that entertainment and sports are areas in which we are world beaters. Therefore, we are taking the necessary steps to capitalize on the tremendous potential Jamaica has in these areas to significantly boost our arrivals and tourism earnings. With this in mind I have mandated the Ministry’s Sports and Entertainment Network, which is chaired by entertainment producer and promoter Kamal Bankay, to lead this important initiative.

·        Similarly, we are working closely with my colleague Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and her team to better leverage Jamaica’s advantages in the areas of entertainment and sports to enhance our tourism product and attract more visitors.

·        Reggae music and Jamaica are intrinsically linked.  I believe that tourism and entertainment are two industries that must work hand in hand towards the sustainable growth and development of our nation.  

·        Reggae Sumfest provides this perfect synergy between music and tourism and I commend Joe Bogdanovich, Robert Russell, Johnny Gourzong and the rest of the Sumfest team for their great work in organizing this unparalleled music event year after year.

·        Once again, congratulations on your 25^th anniversary and I wish you a successful staging of Reggae Sumfest.

Thank you.