Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu
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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (MOT) in
conjunction with the Bahamas Philatelic Bureau General Post Office unveiled
four commemorative stamps in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Ministry of
Tourism and in recognition of the importance of the tourism industry in The
Bahamas at a press conference in Pompey Square recently.
Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu,
announced that the four stamps, which also went on sale, will honour two hotels
in the Outer Islands and two giants in The Bahamas’ hotel industry.
They include the Peace N’ Plenty Resort
in Exuma, the Kings Inn, which later became the Princess Resort and Casino in
Grand Bahama, Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar Resort on Cable Beach.
“These developments in particular have
revolutionized the tourism product in The Bahamas even resulting in one island
changing its name from Hog Island to Paradise Island. Apt perhaps when one
thinks of the significant growth, transformation and sophistication of our
tourism industry today in The Bahamas,” Ms. Jibrilu said.
She added, “The Bahamas is unique in
being able to offer an unmatched plethora of diverse and lasting experiences
from Grand Bahama and Bimini in the north to Inagua and Mayaguana in the
south.”
The director general also announced that
in the first half of 2015, the Post Office has also agreed to issue another
tourism series that will focus on Bahamian films, filmmakers and producers,
which are historical resources and whose contributions are immeasurable to The
Bahamas.
She acknowledged the trailblazers of the
Ministry of Tourism with its notable past Ministers and Directors General.
“As the latest Director General of The
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, I am blessed to have inherited a solid structure
and a committed and dedicated cadre of officers who have clearly taken on the
commitment and ethos of the aforementioned industry leaders,” she said.
Ms. Jibrilu noted that Minister of
Tourism Obie Wilchcombe’s dedication and commitment to the industry clearly
follows in the footsteps of past leaders and the ministry is well advanced in
strengthening The Bahamas’ position as the industry leader in tourism.
“We are fortunate in The Bahamas in that
we have a pool of people who have been in the industry since its infancy and
continue to make a positive contribution to the sector notably Sir Baltron
Bethel who continues to remain very active.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I use this
opportunity to recognise the dynamic contribution made to this fundamental
industry by all of the staff at the Ministry of Tourism both domestic and
worldwide and our representatives and would like to encourage them all to
continue striving to ensure that The Bahamas remains at the forefront of this
sector.”
The Director General said, “We
congratulate the many resorts, ground operators, external partners, airline
partners and all stakeholders who have contributed to the growth and development
of The Bahamas touristic product.
“Most importantly, we recognise those
unsung heroes, namely all Bahamians who have made our visitors feel welcome and
whose indomitable spirit hallmarks our combined success.
“As we always say, our most valuable
resource continues to be the people of The Bahamas; they are rich and natural
beauty and character, helping us to accomplish great things in the sphere of
resort development and hospitality.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of
Transport and Aviation and The Bahamas Philatelic Bureau General Post Office,
Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Hope Strachan said
it is very important to recognise the important role that tourism plays in The
Bahamas.
“It is the most important component in the
economic sector for our country and it requires a dedicated and focused
attention everyday of every year. It requires dedicated staff and a dedicated
ministry and a dedicated minister in order for tourism to advance and to grow
and for us to continue to actually lead the international tourism arena
particularly in the Caribbean and the wider world.”
Minister Strachan explained that the
Post Office is a unique institution that allows The Bahamas to honour those
individuals and institutions in the country, who have contributed to the
development of the nation by issuing commemorative stamps throughout the course
of a year.