Gov't defends Damion Crawford's visit to London

TOURISM MINISTER Dr Wykeham McNeill has clarified questions surrounding the presence of his state minister Damion Crawford at the recent London Olympics.

McNeill, speaking at Monday's press briefing to explain Jamaica's gains during a inter-ministerial trip to the games, said Crawford went to the United Kingdom for three days, as guest of the Commonwealth Secretariat, a trip Crawford said was fully paid for by Carib-Export.

"He hosted the (CARIFORUM) seminar on the effect of the EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) on the creative industries. That was the element of what he was there (for)," said McNeill.

CARIFORUM is the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and serves as base for economic dialogue with the European Union. Carib-Export is the only regional trade and investment promotion agency in the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states.

McNeill pointed out that as state minister for entertainment, Crawford also linked up with entertainers who were in the city at the time.

"While we were in London, there were a series of other things taking place, serious things, dealing with Jamaica, dealing with the Caribbean, and we were using the Olympics as a period of time when we could get the interest of the world and put our information out there," he said.

Industry Minister Anthony Hylton also confirmed Crawford's presentation at the CARIFORUM event. Hylton, who gave the main address, said the forum addressed serious issues and said it was appropriate Jamaica had a ministerial presence at an event that held importance for the country.

"I certainly fully endorse his appearance and presentation," he said.