News briefs…….
Increased airlift from Europe high on tourism ministry’s agenda
The tourism ministry is looking to boost airlift from Europe as the sector seeks to increase the number of visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) and the rest of the region.
Industry and Tourism Minister Aloun N’dombet Assamba recently told JIS News that tour operators had indicated that they could sell Jamaica, once there were seats available to the destination.
“The future looks bright for us. The major challenge is the airlifts out of Europe, and British Airways not flying into Montego Bay has created some difficulties. But we have Air Jamaica flying out of London and Manchester and we have Condor from Germany, Lauda Air from Italy and Martin Air from Holland. We are in talks to see how we can increase the airlift, as some tour operators have told us that if we can give them the seats, they can sell Jamaica, which is very positive for us,” she said.
The minister said operators who specialise in the Dominican Republic and Cuba are seeking a new destination in the Caribbean and have indicated that Jamaica was ideal for them.
UWI to discuss values and attitudes at symposium
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, will be making its contribution to the discussion on values and attitudes, in keeping with the recent launch of the programme’s 2003 phase, when it hosts a symposium at the Mona School of Business this week. The symposium, entitled ‘Transforming Values and Attitudes: Policy Challenges for Jamaican Society’, will run for two days from March 20 to 21.
Staged by the Research and Policy Group at the Mona School of Business (MSB) the objective of the symposium is to engage in discussion on pressing public policy research issues.
Late educators honoured at Montego Bay Community College
The Lorna Nembhard Auditorium and the Ivy Townsend Library at the Montego Bay Community College, in memory of two late principals who had served the institution with distinction, were officially declared opened by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke last Wednesday.
Glowing tributes were heaped on the late stalwart educators who went beyond the call of duty to bring lifelong learning and continuing education to the people of St James and its environs.
Addressing a large gathering of persons from across western Jamaica, the governor general said the people of Montego Bay were to be commended for their spirit of unity, which came into play years ago when attempts were made to close the institution.
“The people of Montego Bay have demonstrated before, and I know they will do it again, that when circumstances demand it, we are one people,” he noted.