A new era for tourism
Minister proposes formation of National Griot of Tourism in Jamaica
Published:Wednesday | October 30, 2024 | 12:06 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has proposed the establishment of a national griot of tourism, a network that would foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among tourism professionals. The initiative aims to unite experts in the industry to enhance the country’s tourism landscape and ensure the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.
Leading the new endeavour is former Jamaican hotelier Godfrey Dyer, who currently serves as the chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).
He is joined on the steering committee by Half Moon hotel’s Shernette Crichton, Moon Palace Jamaica’s Clifton Reader, and Margaritaville Caribbean’s Ian Dear.
The announcement was made during a dinner at the Half Moon hotel in Montego Bay in commemoration of the conferment of national honours to business leaders in the west over the last eight years.
Addressing the group of 40 guests, Bartlett – who himself received Jamaica’s fourth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica last Monday – spoke of the significant contribution the group has had on the tourism sector and the nation’s development.
He expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering commitment, stating, “Your service to your people was good enough for the nation to recognise.” The awardees, each an expert in his field, have played vital roles in shaping the tourism landscape, and have been instrumental in Jamaica’s being recognised as a key tourist destination.
In his address, he introduced the concept of “The Griot”, a term rooted in North African culture that refers to skilled storytellers and custodians of communal knowledge. Griots are revered for their ability to share stories and educate, preserving cultural heritage through oral traditions – an essential aspect of Jamaica’s tourism narrative.
The proposed National Griot of Tourism aims to create a cohesive network of tourism professionals who can share their insights and experiences.
“This initiative is designed to serve as a repository of expertise during times of crisis, providing guidance and support when challenges arise within the tourism sector,” he told the gathering.
He noted the importance of collaboration among seasoned professionals, stating that their collective wisdom will be crucial for recovery and innovation in the industry.
The National Griot of Tourism seeks to empower tourism professionals to actively engage in preserving cultural legacies, fostering community involvement, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. The mission statement for the group emphasises this goal: “ Empowering tourism professionals to preserve cultural legacy, foster community engagement, and promote cross-cultural understanding through storytelling, education, and innovative tourism practices.”
To facilitate ongoing learning and development, Bartlett has proposed quarterly luncheons and events, inviting industry experts to present and mentor emerging tourism leaders. This exchange of knowledge, he says is vital for adapting to industry changes and enhancing Jamaica’s cultural tourism offerings.
For the minister who was the behind the much-talked-about Resilience Corridor, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the formation of the National Griot of Tourism marks a pivotal moment.
He says that by harnessing the collective expertise of industry leaders, the initiative promises to enrich Jamaica’s cultural tourism narrative, ensuring that its stories, traditions, and legacies continue to thrive. “Through unity in knowledge and storytelling, we can navigate challenges and foster future growth in our beloved tourism industry.”