On May 21, Jamaica will join several other countries around the world, which have Poet Laureates appointed by their governments. On that day, distinguished academic, University of the West Indies (UWI) Professor Emeritus, Mervyn Morris, who has been selected for the prestigious position, will receive the official Badge of Office, thereby formalising his appointment. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon....

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr Wykeham McNeill has hailed the Mannings School Westmoreland Curry Festival as an excellent example of economic linkages between tourism and agriculture. Speaking with JIS News at the 14th staging of the festival at the school grounds in Savanna-la-mar on Sunday, April 27, Minister McNeill said the curry festival is the perfect example of...

The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment is spearheading a new craft strategy, placing more emphasis on authentic Jamaican creations, to ensure that greater benefits are derived from the $4 billion art and craft industry. State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Damion Crawford, tells JIS News in an interview that the strategy is to enhance and increase the profitability of the...

For the quarter ending December 31, 2014, tourism grew at a rate of 6 per cent, even though a number of rooms were out of service. Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, made the announcement as he opened the 2014/15 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, April 17. He also informed that the tourism sector will see a lot of new rooms...

Distinguished academic, Professor Emeritus, Mervyn Morris, of the University of the West Indies (UWI), has been appointed to serve as Jamaica’s first official Poet Laureate, over the next three years. The Poet Laureate is a national honour that recognizes a distinguished Jamaican poet for his or her significant contribution to the literary community. Professor Morris’ role will entail playing a...

Jamaicans are being invited to take advantage of special discount packages being offered by some of the island’s hotels, attractions and other tourism stakeholders, as part of Experience Jamaica 2014. The programme is a marketing thrust which was introduced in 2009 by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to inspire Jamaicans to vacation at home. The offerings also extend to Jamaicans...

The Government will be spending $14.9 million on the Caribbean Hotel Energy and Action Project in the 2014/15 fiscal year. Details of the project are included in the Estimates of Expenditure, to be considered by the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament from April 8 to 10. The project seeks to improve the competitiveness of the Caribbean hotel industry; move towards...