Prime Minister Commends Montego Bay’s Contribution to Tourism

Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson has lauded the city of Montego Bay for making “considerable contribution” to the growth and development of the tourism industry in Jamaica, since it was granted city status some 25 years ago.
In his message read by Councillor Gerard Mitchell of the St. James Parish Council, at a civic ceremony held at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay yesterday (October 4), the Prime Minister said the city had been “the first point of entry for many visitors to Jamaica’s shores, who have been welcomed with the warmth, hospitality and unique Jamaican spirit which the people of Montego Bay so freely display’.
“The government has embarked on the expansion of the tourism sector with some 13,000 new hotel rooms to be constructed over the next three years. The expansion will bring new jobs to the country and the people of Montego Bay will benefit considerably from this venture,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
“I am encouraged by the efforts of the St. James Parish Council, working in collaboration with the various government and civic organizations to make Montego Bay a friendly city. Over the years you have played host to some world-renowned international guests, who have added to the world-wide acclaim that Montego Bay boasts. I urge Montegonians to cherish the heritage of this city and to continue to welcome visitors to our shores with friendliness and warm hospitality,” Prime Minister Patterson added.
Congratulatory message to the city of Montego Bay also came from Governor General Sir Howard Cooke, who noted in his message, which was read by Custos of St. James Clarence Nelson, that “from a small town that cater to the sugar and banana industries, we have witnessed the massive growth not only in the number of residents but also in the facilities which support the population”.
“The town could not have become such a great city without the guidance of the government and the Mayors . and all of us can be justly proud of the city’s progress,” he noted.
The civic ceremony was organized by the St. James Parish Council as a re-enactment of Proclamation Day 25 years ago and was carried out under the theme ‘Mobay at 25 . Reflection, Celebration, Expectation’.