Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Dr. Ethley London, chair of the interim board of the International Visitors Association, presents a plaque in a show of appreciation to Mr. Glenn Guimond, public affairs officer at the United States Embassy, at the launch of the International Visitor Association, held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, Ruthven Road last Wednesday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
LAST WEDNESDAY, Glenn Guimond, the public affairs officer of the United States Embassy, hosted a reception at the Knutsford Court Hotel to mark the launch of the International Visitors Association (IVA).
The IVA was borne out of the need for a space for former participants of the International Visitor Leadership (IVL) programme to "share with other former participants experiences and visions for the future of Jamaica", Guimond said. Through the IVL programme, a number of foreign nationals are brought to the U.S.A. to meet and confer with their professional counterparts, and to experience America first-hand. Many distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors have participated in the IVL programme since its inception more than five decades ago notably, Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke; a participant in 1981.
Mr. Guimond further pointed out that the IVA will act as a meaningful and vibrant forum - shaped and administered by Jamaicans for Jamaica.
"It will act as both a clearing house for experience, information and the current activities of its members and as an incubator for projects and collaborative action to serve your beautiful country" he says.
Guimond paid tribute to those who were present and declared them among the best in Jamaica just before Dr. Ethley London, executive director of the University Council of Jamaica, and the chairperson of the interim board spoke. Dr. London, a three-time participant in the IVL programme, and two Fulbright programmes, cheerfully professed "not even a fractured leg could keep me away." She also expressed her delight in acting as the head of the committee and likened it to a catalyst, which she asserted will "get the ball rolling."
The evening's entertainment was provided by the Maurice Gordon Group, who soothed the atmosphere with a selection of jazz and contemporary pieces, including their rendition of Nora Jones' Come Away With Me.
Among those out to lend their support to the IVA were: Barbara Gloudon, Ken Allen, Beverly Anderson, Delroy Chuck, Paula Llewelyn Brown, Sheryl Brown, Mervyn Morrison, and Tourism and Industry Minister Aloun Assamba D'Nombet.
