USVI Governor de Jongh speaks during a welcoming reception for participants in Caribbean Media Exchange conference. To the governor's right is Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Bevan Springer of Caribbean Media Exchange.
|
US Virgin Islands - On Thursday, Governor
John P. de Jongh, Jr. of the United States Virgin Islands hosted
participants in the Caribbean Media Exchange conference which was held
on St. Thomas this past weekend. "I welcome to the island of St. Thomas the
55 delegates in attendance representing a wide variety of journalists,
public relations broadcasting and film production professionals. Let me
also thank New York University for partnering with us to make this
conference a great success," de Jongh said in brief remarks at the
Government House reception.
The governor noted that
this conference serves many purposes of great benefit to the professions
represented in the delegation, and the people and governments of
Caribbean destinations like the Virgin Islands. "First of all, it
provides us with a chance to introduce all of you-professionals who are
deeply rooted in the affairs of this region-to the latest research in
sustainable tourism development. This research provides a contextual
backdrop from which we can discuss topics important to all of us over
the coming days: media relations, social media, crisis management,
airlift, emerging markets and many others," de Jongh said.
The complex
relationships between the media, government and private sector are
important to us all. "Each sector profoundly affects all the others, and
as we all work to maintain our professional obligations and serve our
specific interests, we find ourselves frequently crossing paths with
each other. Sometimes these diverse groups appear conflicted and at
odds, but in many ways that is the inherent brilliance of our system. We
all push against each other to stand higher and do a better job," he
added.
For the Virgin Islands
and so many of our neighbors, the tourists that come into our ports and
fill our towns, beaches and nightspots are more than just valued guests.
"They are the lifeblood of our economies and vital to the interests and
prosperity of our people. Those of us in government recognize this, and
we work hard to create an environment that caters to the needs of
tourists, knowing they chose our island to visit above many other
options," de Jongh noted, adding, "But the enthusiasm to provide a great
experience and win the loyalty of our guests must be tempered by the
need to preserve and protect these beautiful islands for our people and
for future visitors. That means we must work to develop sustainable
energy sources, implement sound environmental protection policies, and
avoid the kind of over development that may create short term revenue
but have a deleterious long term effect."
He said we all strive to
create and foster a tourism industry that positively impacts our
islands and enhances the health and wellbeing of the native peoples.
"This is a complex task inextricably linked to so many other challenging
issues like environmental regulation, education, culture and financial
health. This goal we all share will only be achieved through mutual
cooperation, and for 10 years the CMEx conference has provided a venue
for just that."
