SALUTATIONS:

• Mr. Andrey Dryakin, Head of the Russian Consular Section, Jamaica,
• Mr. John Lynch, Director of Tourism
• Ms. Elizabeth Scotton, Chief Commercial Officer, MBJ Airports Limited
• Mr. Eduardo Canelas, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited
• Tourism Partners, members of the media…Distinguished Guests good afternoon.

Today is truly a historic day for Jamaica’s tourism as we welcome the inaugural Transearo Airlines flight from Moscow, Domodedovo to Montego Bay’s, Sangster International Airport.

Salutations:
• Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Andrew Holness
• The Hon. Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth and Culture
• The Hon. Natalie Neita-Headley, Minister without Portfolio, with responsibility for Sport
• Tony Rebel, and his hardworking production team
• Members of the media
• Distinguished guests…good evening

Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to have been invited to address this special gathering as we officially launch the 2013 staging of Rebel Salute, which is by far one of the most highly anticipated reggae shows locally.

My fellow Jamaicans…..It is that time of the year again, the commencement of  Tourism Awareness Week, when, as a nation we are encouraged to reflect on the importance of our tourism sector and how it has shaped our economy and served as a catalyst for economic growth. As we celebrate Tourism Awareness Week, I want to encourage all Jamaicans, both here at home and abroad, to join us in playing your part in supporting tourism.

Salutations….

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Tourism Awareness Week, which started on December 9th and runs through to today, December 15th , is being observed under the theme: “Tourism For All, All For Tourism.” This simply means that while we seek to ensure that every Jamaican can benefit from tourism, similarly every Jamaican has a role to play in supporting this vital sector which is the life-blood of our economy.

As Minister of Tourism and Entertainment I consider it a distinct privilege to be able to address you during this important period – Diplomatic Week. Many of you I have already had the pleasure of meeting - we’ve had fruitful bilateral talks, and interacted in various social settings. Others of you are new to the island; and to you I say welcome to Jamaica. I look forward to meeting with you for a merging of minds as we seek new and innovative ways for our nations to work together to the benefit of our citizenry and countries overall.

SALUTATIONS:

Members of the media, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen…good afternoon.

I am delighted to have been invited to address this special National Ecumenical Service today, as we observe Reggae Month 2013. As we celebrate February as Reggae month with the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association-JaRIA, the theme ‘Reggae 50…A New Dawn’ undoubtedly heralds thoughts of restoration and regeneration. 

I am very pleased to be participating in the commissioning of this new Hyperbaric Chamber, which plays a vital role in the treatment of scuba diving accidents on behalf of the emergency health services. The chamber is a substantial investment in our drive towards promoting dive tourism, while assisting the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory in executing its role and meeting its objectives. 

SALUTATIONS….

Members of the media, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen…good evening.

I am delighted to have been invited to the launch of the “Reggae Bloodlines” photo exhibition as well as being asked to declare the exhibition officially open.

As Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, I delight in occasions such as these when our Ministry can enhance the work of another – in this case the Ministry of National Security - to the mutual benefit of all parties. This initiative underscores the fact that the work of the various Ministries is interconnected and in many areas intersecting. Therefore in areas of commonality it is good when we can collaborate.

Salutations:

Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.  

It has been a short six months since our last meeting at JAPEX 2012. Much has happened during this period both locally and internationally.  So I am delighted to once again meet with you to provide you with an update on destination Jamaica.