Dear Editor,
I write in response to a cartoon carried in the Daily Observer edition of December 22, 2014.
Firstly, let me underscore that I appreciate the fact that I was depicted as a champion jockey displaying expert technique.
But, while it is an interesting cartoon, aspects of it may give the impression that I am concerned that the easing of the US embargo on Cuba will result in negative ramifications for our tourism sector. Hence, in order to avoid any possible misconceptions among your readers, I would like to use this medium to clarify my position.
I must underscore that I applaud the bold move by President Barack Obama of the United States to announce the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba, which were severed in 1961. I strongly believe that he has done the right thing and congratulate him for it.
As you may be aware, I have had a particularly strong relationship with Cuba, having studied there, and that Jamaica has been at the forefront in the fight to end the embargo and efforts to isolate Cuba.
Despite the concerns raised by some, I am convinced that there is no need to be worried about any major fallout in our tourism sector from this move, when it fully materialises. The fact of the matter is that Brand Jamaica is very strong and our destination is already very competitive in the global tourism arena. The reality is that we are already competing with Cuba for visitors from the source markets of Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. In addition, our sector is doing very well, and we boast local hoteliers who have built some of the strongest hotel brands in the world.
We must not dismiss the many positives which can emanate from the decision taken by the United States. In recent months, we in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment have been engaged in ongoing discussions with tourism interests in Cuba to undertake multi-destinational marketing initiatives. This would enable visitors from overseas markets to buy vacation packages to visit various destinations in the Caribbean, including Jamaica and Cuba. This type of partnership would certainly benefit all parties involved.
Again, let me underscore that any increased competition which Cuba will present in the North American market should not be feared, but rather embraced as we seek to forge an even stronger partnership, which will redound to the benefit of both our nations and the Caribbean as a whole.
In closing, I would like to wish you and your entire team a holy and happy Christmas and a very prosperous new year.
K Wykeham McNeill, MD, MP
Minister
Tourism and Entertainment
Jamaica has nothing to fear from Cuba
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I write in response to a cartoon carried in the Daily Observer edition of December 22, 2014.
Firstly, let me underscore that I appreciate the fact that I was depicted as a champion jockey displaying expert technique.
But, while it is an interesting cartoon, aspects of it may give the impression that I am concerned that the easing of the US embargo on Cuba will result in negative ramifications for our tourism sector. Hence, in order to avoid any possible misconceptions among your readers, I would like to use this medium to clarify my position.
I must underscore that I applaud the bold move by President Barack Obama of the United States to announce the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba, which were severed in 1961. I strongly believe that he has done the right thing and congratulate him for it.
As you may be aware, I have had a particularly strong relationship with Cuba, having studied there, and that Jamaica has been at the forefront in the fight to end the embargo and efforts to isolate Cuba.
Despite the concerns raised by some, I am convinced that there is no need to be worried about any major fallout in our tourism sector from this move, when it fully materialises. The fact of the matter is that Brand Jamaica is very strong and our destination is already very competitive in the global tourism arena. The reality is that we are already competing with Cuba for visitors from the source markets of Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. In addition, our sector is doing very well, and we boast local hoteliers who have built some of the strongest hotel brands in the world.
We must not dismiss the many positives which can emanate from the decision taken by the United States. In recent months, we in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment have been engaged in ongoing discussions with tourism interests in Cuba to undertake multi-destinational marketing initiatives. This would enable visitors from overseas markets to buy vacation packages to visit various destinations in the Caribbean, including Jamaica and Cuba. This type of partnership would certainly benefit all parties involved.
Again, let me underscore that any increased competition which Cuba will present in the North American market should not be feared, but rather embraced as we seek to forge an even stronger partnership, which will redound to the benefit of both our nations and the Caribbean as a whole.
In closing, I would like to wish you and your entire team a holy and happy Christmas and a very prosperous new year.
K Wykeham McNeill, MD, MP
Minister
Tourism and Entertainment
Jamaica has nothing to fear from Cuba
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