New tourism appointment for Parris-Chambers

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:Negril-based tourism professional Sharon Parris-Chambers has been appointed to serve as Caribbean destination coordinator and media specialist for the upcoming African Diaspora World Tourism Awards and Travel Expo, which will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 25 and 28.

"Parris-Chambers is the ideal person for this position not only because of her expertise in media and Caribbean tourism, but also because of her warm spirit and love for people," said Kitty Pope, organiser of the African Diaspora World Tourism Awards & Travel Expo.

During the four days, several Caribbean leaders in tourism will be inducted into the African Diaspora World Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

The distinguished list of awardees for the Hall of Fame include reggae legend Bob Marley; Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie; Director General of Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism, Carrole Guntley; Chairman/Director of Jamaica's Tourist Board, John Lynch; Director General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Hugh Riley; Trinidad's Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Dr Lincoln Douglas; Bermuda's former prime minister, Dr Ewart Brown; St Kitt's Minister of Tourism, Richard Skerritt; and St Lucia's Senator Allen Chastanet.

Who's Who

Those who will be recognised in the Who's Who category include Parris-Chambers, her husband Theo Chambers, and former Bahamas minister of tourism, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace.

"Caribbean leaders in tourism have contributed a lot to preserving the culture and heritage of African people in the Caribbean; however, it is when people fall in love with and embrace their culture and heritage that we see the real impact of sustainable tourism," said Parris-Chambers.

"Our culture is a lure for global tourism, and I am glad to be part of an event that is bringing the countries and leaders of the diaspora together to celebrate their common and unique cultural heritage," added Parris-Chambers.

The three-day event will include a travel expo, a Visit Africa luncheon,' a Visit the Caribbean dinner, a Hall of Fame Luncheon, and an Africana Extravaganza. The Travel Expo for the first time will showcase destinations, with emphasis on black heritage sites and trails.

Parris-Chambers and her husband established Positive Tourism Network Limited, which was recently rebranded PanaCarib Business Solutions.

During the upcoming event in Atlanta, Parris-Chambers will be launching her new initiative, One-Love Call to Action and Pledge Campaign in collaboration with Donisha Prendergast, Bob Marley's granddaughter.

"I am delighted to bring the One-Love Call to Action and Pledge Campaign to Atlanta as a way of sharing Jamaica's birthright to live one love."

This year's event is dedicated to Marcus Garvey, and his son Dr Julius Garvey, will be a presenter.