Speeches

• Delivering on the commitment to generate growth and foster prosperity is the key objective of the Government. One of our main goals is to ensure the sustainable development of our nation and an improved standard of living for every Jamaican.
• The tourism industry will be instrumental in achieving these targets. It is a sector that has the potential to:
  • Stimulate

• Reggae Sumfest is major event on the international music calendar.
• That this event is in its 24^th year is proof that it is one of the world’s premier music festivals.
• The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) estimates 6,000 visitors come to the island for the festival each year.
• It has significantly enhanced Jamaica’s international profile as more and more reggae

• While Pan American was the first commercial airline to arrive in Jamaica in 1930, British Airways has offered the longest continual service. The first British Airways flight arrived in Jamaica in September 1946 under the banner of the British Overseas Airways Corporation.

•  The flight was made using Lancastrian G-AGWL Star Guide with an average flying speed of 220 mph (354 km/h) –

SALUTATIONS:

• Master of Ceremonies...
• Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Jennifer Griffith and other Ministry officials
• Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, John Lynch 
• Director of Tourism, Mr. Paul Pennicook
• President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig,
• Delegates and tourism partners all
• Members of the media
• Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening…

INTRODUCTION

Good morning ladies and gentlemen,

I am indeed honoured that I have been invited to convey greetings here today at the opening of the University Diabetes Outreach Programme’s 22^nd Annual International Diabetes Conference. I welcome you all to what I know will be an educational and informative programme with this rich combination of academics, researchers, diabetes associations, healthcare practitioners