TOURISM WORKING FOR JAMAICA

OPENING REMARKS

Mr. Speaker,

I consider it a great honour to have been asked by the Most Honourable Prime Minister to open the Sectoral Debate for the 2015/2016 financial year.

It is a real privilege to serve as an elected representative of the people and I thank God for blessing me with the health and strength to perform in this role. 

I would like to thank the

Mr Speaker it is my pleasure to start the debate on the Timeshare Vacations Bill.

As you know Jamaica is keen on developing a more sophisticated tourism product, one that also embraces the timeshare/vacation ownership market.  

Research has shown that Vacation Ownership is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global hospitality industry, and that there is a huge and significant potential for further growth and development of the Timeshare product in the Caribbean and especially in Jamaica.

Theme: Progressing on the Path of Progress

Salutations

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to make this, my third contribution to the Sectoral Debate. I thank the Honourable Prime Minister for her confidence in my ability to carry out the duties as State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment. I accept this responsibility with humility and a resolve to do my utmost to help realize the awesome potential of these two sectors.

Theme: Tourism: Delivering on its Promise of Opportunities and Growth

Salutations

Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to be elected as a representative of the people. I therefore begin by thanking God for blessing me with the health and strength to fulfil the role.

It is an additional privilege to serve in the capacity of Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, I thank the Most Honourable Prime Minister for placing her confidence in me as Minister.

In the creative language of writers, today can truly be regarded as a red letter day in Jamaica’s cultural history, the significance of which will not be lost on those who understand and appreciate the immense value of the written and spoken word.

It is wonderful to be here today for the official installation of eminent academic and renowned poet, Professor Mervyn Morris as Poet Laureate of Jamaica. The first person to hold this distinguished title in over 60 years.

I must confess that even though I am from the west, I am fascinated by the special charm of Portland. Portlanders can justifiably boast of having one of the most beautiful parishes in an island declared to be the fairest isle eyes have ever seen.

Being here today is therefore an occasion that I’ve been looking forward to, both on a personal level and as Minister of Tourism and Entertainment.

Fellow tourism partners, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen…good morning.

I want to extend my commendations and congratulations to the principals of the Hospiten Group, Dr. Pedro L. Cobiella, Chairman and Mr. Pedro Cobiella Beauvais, Managing Director, on what I regard as a true show of commitment and confidence in a groundbreaking venture.  Your staying the course to realize today’s launch, speaks volumes of the confidence you have in this project as well as to the attractiveness of destination Jamaica for investment, on so many levels.

SALUTATIONS:

• Dr Jeffrey Meeks - President of the Jamaica Dental Association
• Professor Horace Fletcher - Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI Mona
• Dr Ruth Parkin, Clinical Professor in Periodontology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning . . .

Theme: Entertainment – Enroute to Progress

SALUTATIONS

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise to make my contribution to this year’s Sectoral Debate. I am grateful to the Most Honourable Prime Minister for her continued strong leadership and the confidence reposed in me as I have carried out my duties as State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment over the reporting period.

Theme: A Sector for the People: Making Tourism for Us All

Salutations

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely pleased to rise to make my contribution to the Sectoral Debate, and I would like to thank the Most Honourable Prime Minister for affording me the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Minister of Tourism and Entertainment.

Congratulations to the Speaker, Clerk and the committed staff of the House for the good job you have been doing.