SALUTATIONS

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. . .

I am delighted to have been invited by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) to give brief remarks at this important event that brings government and private sector stakeholders together to explore the promising opportunities for CARICOM-Brazil tourism and trade relations.

Salutations:

I am truly humbled to be participating in this milestone event in May Pen, one of Jamaica’s fastest developing towns and home of Humble Lions FC, a football club that has etched its mark in the historical records of the very popular sport locally and nationally.

I am sure it was not coincidental that you have chosen this day, February 6, to open your studio to the world. Today marks the birthday of the world’s greatest reggae artiste, the honourable Robert Nesta Marley, our own Bob Marley.

Background

The Honourable House will recall that following two accidents involving Personal Water Crafts (PWCs) on August 17th and 21st, 2013, where one child died and another person was severely injured, in Ocho Rios and Negril, respectively, that Cabinet approved implementation of short term measures for a six month duration effective October 15, 2013. 

These measures were:

Communication of the Chair

Message of the Chair of the 100th UNWTO Executive Council, Honourable Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Jamaica

Your Excellency, Mr. Secretary-General,

Dear Members of the Executive Council, Ambassadors

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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.