Three Groups Created to Ease Retrieval and Dissemination of Accurate Tourism Related Information

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – September 10, 2004 – 9:45 p.m. – To facilitate easy access to accurate information, and access to the local and international media, both pre- and post-hurricane, Minister Aloun N’Dombet-Assamba, has instructed the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to immediately establish three communications entities designed to ease the communications process, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism announced today.

“It is everyone’s priority right now to ensure the safety and welfare of our people, our visitors still on the island, and our property,” stated Minister Assamba. “It is absolutely essential that we speak with one informed and accurate voice and that we all speak the same message. Our collective and successful recovery is dependent on cooperation between and among all of us.”

Effective immediately is the establishment of the Communication Command Centre/Press Centre. Situated at the Kingston Hilton Hotel, this command post is open to local and international press for updates on all tourism related information. In addition, it is the site for the public relations department of the Jamaica Tourist Board. This command post will revert to head offices of the Jamaica Tourist Board as soon as conditions allow. Carrole Guntley, Director General and David Shields, Deputy Director of Tourism – Marketing, will manage the office.

International Marketplace Communications is based in Miami, Florida under the direction of Paul Pennicook, Director of Tourism who has been traveling and will be the main point of contact for the international marketplace.

The third group, Resort Communications, is comprised of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) area chairmen and local JTB representatives from each of the Resort regions – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Negril, South Coast and Kingston.

All industry representatives including those from the Jamaica Association of Villas and Apartments (JAVA), Association of Jamaica Attractions Limited (AJAL), Jamaica Association of Tour Operators (JATO), and Jamaica Cooperative Automobile Limousine Tours (JCAL) are encouraged to report their status at least twice a day (before 11:00 a.m. and before 4:00 p.m.) so that appropriate and reliable updates can be provided to the local and international media. At that point, all materials will be properly disseminated through the Communication Command Centre.

Updates will follow.