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Nevis Mango Festival Goes Virtual

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The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) is pleased to announce  that this year’s annual Nevis Mango Festival 2020 will be held virtually in lieu of the traditional physical event on the island.  This is due to the travel restrictions and health protocols currently in place, based on the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

The eagerly anticipated Mango Festival showcases two of Nevis’ key selling points: its exceptional culinary tradition and its over 40 varieties of local mangoes.  The highlight of the festival is a creative culinary challenge where chefs must incorporate mangoes into three innovative courses.

Nevis Mango Festival 2020 Launches Virtual Event

The launch date of the Festival is Monday, June 22, via the following social media platforms: Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

The online festivities begin on Friday, July 3, with a Virtual Mango Tasting presentation on all social media platforms and on Nevis TV.  The video presentation will be done by the Ministry of Agriculture, featuring the different types of mangoes on the island.

On Saturday, July 4, at 10:00 AM, there will be a Live Mango Festival Cook-Off at Cleveland Gardens. This will be streamed on Nevis TV and the NTA social media platforms.  The participating Chefs are Berecia Stapleton and Wentworth Smithen. They will compete in two rounds, a prepared round and a mystery basket round, incorporating different varieties of mangoes for each course.

The grand finale on Sunday, July 5, will feature international celebrity UK Iron Chef Judy Joo. The Korean-American French-trained chef and frequent Food Network host and guest will host a Virtual Master Class displaying her incredible culinary skills.  She will create a luscious Mango Tiramisu – the ideal though admittedly non-traditional tropical dessert treat for the July Fourth weekend!

Tune in for this Mango Extravaganza showcase from Nevis – follow us on Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

Nevis Mango Festival 2020 Launches Virtual Event

About Nevis:

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F / mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

More news about Nevis.

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact:

Nana Delatour

Portfolio Marketing Group

E: nana.d@pmgroup.bz

#TasteofNevis Global Competition Brings Nevis into Homes

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It was William Shakespeare who wrote, “As full of spirit was the month of May…” The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) is embracing his words as they launch a video series competition, #TasteofNevis, a celebration of Nevisian culture. The contest focuses on transporting the viewer electronically to Nevis, bringing the island into the homes of those yearning to travel as they quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The #TasteofNevis competition reaches a global audience each week. After watching step-by-step tutorials given by expert Nevisians, viewers are encouraged to participate and create videos that showcase the culture of Nevis. For example, in the culinary arena, weekly prizes will be awarded to the best ‘re-creations’ of local fare and a grand prize will be awarded to the viewer who submits the recipe that is judged to be most creative.

The celebrated Nevis cocktail, the ‘Spicy Island Turtle’, a white rum and mango infused drink, will be the first re-creation. Weekly video tutorials will be available on all social media platforms: Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally) accounts. For a full list of ingredients please visit www.nevisisland.com website.

To submit an entry, participants must post a photo or video of the re-creation via Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally) or Twitter (@Nevisnaturally), making sure to tag @nevisnaturally and using the hashtag #TasteofNevis.

The Nevis Tourism Authority has been working diligently to ensure that the destination remains top of mind during this difficult time. As travel restrictions currently prohibit visitors from entering the country, the NTA has also launched the #SeeYouSoonNevis campaign, a video montage showcasing an array of breath-taking images across all social media platforms.

About Nevis

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F / mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact: Nana Delatour, Portfolio Marketing Group, E: nana.d@pmgroup.bz

Strong support for Jamaica Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme

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In anticipation of passing its final hurdle in the Senate, the Jamaica Ministry of Tourism has embarked on another round of awareness and sensitization sessions to get workers signed onto the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme.

The scheme has already received parliamentary approval and is expected to get the Senate’s seal of approval after inclusion of a number of recommendations from that body. It will then go to the Governor General for his assent after which regulations will be drafted for the plan to be rolled out in January 2020.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, joined by Chair of Pension Scheme Oversight Committee, Hon. Daisy Coke, sold the scheme to a representative gathering of various tourism stakeholders from the Ocho Rios area Wednesday, July 17, at the Anglican Church Hall.

Describing it as a defined contractual scheme, Mrs. Coke said for the first three years of its operation, employees will contribute 3 percent of their salary, matched by 3 percent from their employers. Thereafter, the rate will be increased to 5 percent. Self-employed persons will also be subjected to the 3 and 5 percent but will not have the benefit of a matching amount.

Minister Bartlett underscored the importance of getting more from the tourism industry by developing the capacity to be able to contribute better, more efficiently “and more fulfilling to ourselves because when we work we’re working just for the employer, we’re not working to boost productivity that will enhance the bottom line of some government; we’re working also for self-satisfaction.”

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett outlines the importance of the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme to a representative gathering of workers from various sectors of the industry, at an awareness and sensitization session, held at the Anglican Church Hall in Ocho Rios on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Seated to his right is Chair of the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme Oversight Committee, noted actuary, Hon Daisy Coke.

He said it was also important for workers to feel happy about what they do and having security of tenure, being remunerated appropriately and knowing that there was a social security arrangement with a social security net awaiting them after working very hard, would engender that happiness.

According to Mr, Bartlett, “the potential size of this Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme is going to be of a magnitude that Jamaica has never seen.” He said it was eight years in the making and was the first of its kind in the world.

With the ongoing expansion of the industry providing increased employment, Minister Bartlett stressed the importance of human capital development and training as the number one priority to improve the quality of what is being offered as the product and create an opinionated experience for visitors who will want to return and improve the 42 percent repeat business that the country now enjoys.

With the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program already in place through 33 high schools offering an associate degree in hotel management; the Tourism Product Development Company’s TEAM Jamaica sensitizing to what the industry is all about; HEART NTA measuring and building competence; and the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation offering on-the-job certification at various levels, he said the next step would be to have tertiary level training.

“The next level now for us is tertiary and post graduate qualification because our industry is one that is changing every day; it’s a new tourism that is emerging where technology is going to play a far more important role in the delivery of the experiences and services of the industry,” said Minister Bartlett, adding that “more and more hotels are going to become automated so that is going to have implications for the lower level employees in the sector. Our job therefore is to make sure that we are preparing the next workforce to be ITT competent and to be able to operate well within this post-industrial revolution.”

Starting October, a partnership will begin with the University of the West Indies to establish a graduate program in tourism that opens the door for persons to work through the system, write a thesis and obtain a Master of Science in Tourism. Minister Bartlett said utilizing data, “we are going to find new ways of doing the same things that we have done over the years but better ways that are more efficient, more cost effective and offer more value.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30

NIGC Announces Departure of Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri

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WASHINGTON, April 24, 2019 /FIR — The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) today announced the resignation of Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri as the Chairman of National Indian Gaming Commission, effective Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve Indian country and the general public in my capacity as Chairman, a role I have had the pleasure of fulfilling since 2013. During my time as Chairman, the Commission worked hard at every turn to stress strong partnerships and consistent communication with tribal gaming operations to achieve compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Commission works with tribes to ensure they have the tools necessary to effectively regulate their operations and meet IGRA’s requirements,” said NIGC Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri. “As I reflect on the initiatives of NIGC during my time at NIGC, we have been able to protect the integrity of Indian gaming, expand outreach, and develop new services that support gaming operations and its staff.”

Under the leadership of Chairman Chaudhuri, the Agency took great strides in ensuring the Indian Gaming industry remained well regulated and that Tribes were the beneficiaries of their gaming. The Agency’s approach to regulation under Chairman Chaudhuri’s leadership is best articulated in his initiatives laid out in the NIGC’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.

One of our initiatives – protecting against gamesmanship on the backs of tribes – emphasizes uncovering non-tribal entities’ manipulation of business, professional, and employment relationships with Indian gaming operations to further their own interests at the expense of the tribal gaming operation, the tribe, and tribal members.

Another initiative focuses on developing effective outreach for tribes with small and rural gaming operations. In 2015, NIGC hired a Rural Outreach Coordinator to help address this concern. NIGC has also implemented virtual training sessions at NIGC Regional Training Courses and promotes site-specific training by tribal request.

Under Chairman Chaudhuri’s leadership, the Commission also strove to stay ahead of the technology curve. The Commission understands that gaming technology continues to evolve, and so do threats to gaming integrity. Thus, in March 2015, NIGC created the Technology Division, which oversees the Agency’s information technology, records management, technology related training and assessments, including our Regulating Technology Course and IT Vulnerability Assessments.

Finally, our initiative to maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with our tribal regulatory partners has generated a collaborative workforce that effectively serves IGRA’s fundamental purposes of promoting tribal self-determination and economic development. As of 2019, the Agency now trains more regulators than ever before. And internally, just this last year, the NIGC ranked highest in gains in employee satisfaction among all federal agencies and departments of 100 employees or more. 

As the Chairman’s last day with the Agency approaches, he remains committed to a smooth transition. Beginning Thursday, May 16, 2019, Vice Chair Isom-Clause will take over day-to-day operation of the Agency.

“I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to work at NIGC. I would like to thank my fellow Commissioners, the hard working NIGC staff, and Indian country for the support, guidance, and encouragement provided to me during my time at NIGC. Even though I will deeply miss my colleagues and time serving as the Chairman, I am looking forward to starting a new phase of my career,” said Chairman Chaudhuri.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming.  The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission including (1) To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes; (2) To stay ahead of the Technology Curve; (3) Rural outreach; and (4) To maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners.  NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of 506 gaming establishments operated by 246 tribes across 29 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the growing $32.4 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact: Mavis Harris 

                         (202) 632-7003

SOURCE National Indian Gaming Commission

Related Links

http://www.nigc.gov

Nevis Mango & Food Festival set for July 4-7, 2019

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Now in its fifth year, the Nevis Mango & Food Festival, which will take place July 4-7, 2019, is quickly becoming a serious contender for top spots in Caribbean food festivals and this year is shaping up to be another success.

Nevis mangoes, of which there are 44 varieties, are truly special and prized for their texture and flavor. They inspire culinary creativity among celebrity and local chefs who carefully select their favorites and turn them into everything from soups and salsas, to marinades, sauces, cocktails and fabulous desserts. Locals, however, happily eat them fresh off the trees!

As in previous years the 2019 festival will prominently feature the culinary talents of UK Iron Chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and frequent Food Network chef, Judy Joo. “Chef Joo fell in love with Nevis upon her first visit and we are thrilled and honored that she has embraced the island and the festival each year,” says Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) CEO Greg Phillip. “Not only is Judy inventive and innovative in her approach to cooking with mangoes, but her stewardship of the event has been an encouragement to our local Nevisian chefs who take part in the festival and competitions. We look forward to another spectacular year.”

The four-day mango extravaganza starts with special “Mango Fest” menus at a number of local restaurants and also at many of the resorts. Guests from all over the island are happy to reserve their spots for lunches and dinners that feature this special ingredient. And, the chefs from Nevis resorts and restaurants will be joined this year with other chefs who will all compete in a mango cook-off on Sunday, July 7, at Oualie Beach for the final celebration and festival. With live music and food abounding, this is the day not to be missed.

Mark your calendars now for the 2019 Nevis Mango & Food Festival and visit  nevismangofest.com for more information.

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CEO Pilar Laguana is fantastic news for Guam Tourism

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Pilar Laguana, an international tourism veteran, is now in charge of the Guam Visitors Bureau. She thinks out of the box, she has a global mindset, and she is a prominent figure in the global travel and tourism industry.

The new president and CEO, Pilar Laguana, was appointed on February 15, 2018 to lead the most important industry in the U.S. territory – Guam. She took over from former GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight

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The GVB Board of Directors unanimously voted Pilar Laguana as the new head of the agency. Board members also confirmed her nomination for Bobby Alvarez to serve as her Vice President.

The board could have not made a better decision.

Previously Ms. Pilar Laguaña has been the Marketing Manager of Guam Visitors Bureau since May 1987. She managed to position Guam as a major global travel and tourism destination.

Pilar always reached out to global markets. Her recent effort to include LGBT travelers to visit Guam was the first for Guam and well received.

Her tourism career began in 1977 as the first candidate under the GVB Management Promotions Internship Program.

Over the years, Ms. Laguaña advanced through the ranks of Promotions Specialist for various markets until she was promoted to Deputy General Manager in 1982. Five years later, she opted to continue her career as the bureau’s marketing manager.

In her role as manager, Ms. Laguaña is responsible for the establishment, overall planning, development, implementation, coordination and supervision of all the bureau’s worldwide marketing and promotional activities.

As a team player with skilled organizational, managerial, analytical and supervisory skills, Ms. Laguaña played a key role in opening up the Korea market in the early 1980s and consistent growth of international markets including Japan, Taiwan, North America/Canada, Hong Kong, Philippines, Micronesia, Australia, Europe, and China.

Ms. Laguaña is an active member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which awarded her the prestigious PATA Award of Merit in 2009.

She is currently serving a second term as chairman of the National Tour Association’s (NTA) Leadership Team China Task Force. She also holds the longest tenure in the PATA Micronesia Chapter, in which she serves as the organization’s Marketing Committee Co-Chair.

She is a 2011 charter member of the Hawaii Pacific Export Council (also referred to as the District Export).

Ms. Laguaña has earned the Outstanding Young Woman of America award three times, and has been awarded several other honors including being named the Institute of Japanese Studies Awardee, receiving a Guam Legislation Resolution in recognition of her involvement in the research and production of the Jack DeMell Music & Legends of Guam, and being named a Governor of Guam Honorary Ambassador-at-Large.

Her past experience within the tourism industry includes work within the Travel Industry Association (TIA), terms on the editorial board of the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association (GHRA) and the GHRA Public Relations & Marketing Committee.

Ms. Laguaña acquired her high school and college education in Hawaii and also pursued her professional Japanese language and cultural training from The Tokyo School of Japanese Language – Institute for Research in Linguistic Culture, (Tokyo, Japan).