Hospitality as responsibility
published: Wednesday | December 3, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE BUSINESS of hospitality is not just a business, in fact, not even close. Hospitality is a responsibility, and everyone needs to get in on it. It is necessary for all of Jamaica to have a sense of hospitality in whatever they do. Not hospitable solely for the tourism industry and tourist, but hospitable for ourselves; so that we can start relating to each other in new and better ways, building relationships and building communities. This is the mission of community tourism.

Just as how we recognise that a tourist to our shore has an economic value, so must we also recognise that the man on the street, our fellow Jamaican is important and has an economic value. So then, we must dish out the same or even better treatment towards our fellow Jamaicans, so that they can feel a sense of home and be encouraged. Whatever we can do to be good to one another, we must do it, because if we lift each other's emotions, build up each other's vibes, and find a sense of unity, progress together will be inevitable.

I am etc.,

MARK BF PIKE

Xtraboy2001@hotmail.com

Countrystyle Community

Tourism Network

62 Ward Avenue

Mandeville, PO Box 60

Manchester