By Derrick A. Scott, Gleaner WriterATLANTA, GA:
DIRECTOR OF Tourism, Paul Pennicook, says that over the last two years Jamaica has seen a steady decline in the number of residents returning home.
Addressing a group of U.S.-based Jamaicans at a Jamaica Tourist Board townhall meeting held in Atlanta, Georgia last week, Mr. Pennicook said this was bad news for the country, noting that "there was an urgent need for Jamaicans to start returning home and coming and say hello to their relatives and friends." In a passionate plea, he urged Jamaicans to "come to Jamaica and enjoy the festivals, the attractions and some of the new roads that have recently been built."
EASE OF TRAVEL
Mr. Pennicook added that it was important for Jamaicans abroad to start coming back in their huge numbers, pointing out that "it is now easy to get Jamaica, as Air Jamaica offers so many flights from various locations."
Mr. Pennicook encouraged the audience to be a part of the growth in visitor arrivals, saying that one of the ways that overseas Jamaicans can participate is by attending the Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness homecoming celebration which is set for October 17 - 23, 2004.
Meanwhile, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) president Godfrey Dwyer said that while the number of Jamaicans returning home has declined the number of Jamaicans returning for visits and staying in the hotels have increased. Mr. Dwyer pointed out that visiting Jamaicans are now opting to stay at hotels, rather than staying at home with families. "The brand Jamaica is great and overall Jamaica is still the most beautiful country in the world," he said.
