The JTB did Jamaica proud

THE EDITOR, Sir:

In response to Tyrone Reid's article 'Show us the money!', published in The Sunday Gleaner on August 26, 2012:

As a director of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) for many years, I wish to assure you and Jamaica that the expenditure for 'Jamaica House' in the O2 venue in London during the recent Olympic Games was the most effective, as well as the most scrutinised, expenditure ever undertaken by the JTB.

The board of directors approved this expenditure with the clear knowledge of the country's precarious financial situation. I am certain that proper accounting will be forthcoming when all has been tallied.

It is also common knowledge that other sponsorships from various private sources were stressed because of the celebration of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence. In short, if the JTB and Tourism Enhancement Fund would not have supported this venture, Brand Jamaica would have failed to provide the world with the best opportunity to highlight our dominance in sports, culture and culinary achievements.

It is quite miraculous, actually, that Jamaica projected itself on the world stage at such a reasonable cost.

Congratulations must go to our amazing athletes, the members of the various ministries and, most certainly, the leadership of the JTB. They all did us proud!

One love.

JOSEF FORSTMAYR

josef@roundhill.com