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| From left: Kawayne Henry, student at Glenmuir High School in Clarendon, Jason Hall, deputy director attractions, cruise and events at the Jamaica Tourist Board, and Kadieja Thaxter, student of the Black River Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth. Kawayne was judged third-place winner in the senior division in an essay competition entitled 'The Importance of Tourism to Jamaica'. Kadieja was placed third in the junior division. The presentations were made during the three-day Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference on Wednesday, at the Iberostar Beach and Spa Resort in Montego Bay. |
Ja a good candidate for hosting the Scottish Highland Games in 2012
Lord Jamie Sempill in Jamaica for Reconnaissance Trip
Jamaica could play host to a Scottish Highland Games in 2012. This week, Lord Jamie Sempill from Edinburgh in Scotland, who is a specialist in homecoming gatherings, is travelling across Jamaica to conduct a feasibility study on the potential success of hosting such an event, and how it would form part of the celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica's Independence.
Lord Jamie Sempill says: "The West India Committee in the UK (United Kingdom) have conducted a vast amount of research into the four-hundred-year relationship between Scotland and Jamaica. This historical relationship manifests itself in place names and surnames throughout Jamaica but also with the Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, head of the Scottish Clans, and has strong Scottish roots. The Queen will also celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, which will complement the Games next year.
"This is an opportunity for Jamaica to host the Scottish Highland Games. This would involve the whole community and at the same time attract many visitors of Scottish ancestry to the island. We also realise that it is an opportunity for Jamaicans to learn more about their heritage and to meet kinsmen from overseas."
It is expected that the three-day games will involve the three key aspects of a typical Highland Games, namely athletics, music and dance. There will also be the presence of the Scottish Clans, who carry the names of so many Jamaicans.
"Given the Jamaican people's outstanding reputation in athletics, music and dance, we see that there could be some quirky fusion between Scottish culture and Jamaican culture," said Director of Tourism John Lynch today. "Such an event also has a huge potential to drive visitor business to Jamaica and create worldwide publicity."
During the visit to Jamaica, Lord Sempill will be holding meetings with Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism John Lynch, amongst many other dignitaries in the business and tourist industries. He will also be visiting major sports facilities, including the Trelawny multi-purpose facility. |
