Negril hopes to reap benefits from carnival
ORGANISERS of Negril Carnival are hoping that this year’s event will help to boost the resort town’s thrust of being recognised as the ultimate Caribbean destination.
“The aim is to make it an annual event, so that we can bring in persons both from overseas and locally to boost business,” chairman of the Negril Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Carolyn Wright, told the Observer.
“Events are one of the things that draw people to an area and Negril Carnival (will) get the name out there and then it will also let people know about Jamaica as well,” she added.
Earlier this month the town’s tourism interests launched their own marketing programme, after complaining that the constant late starts to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s annual marketing programme had resulted in a loss of earnings.
The marketing thrust is expected to target the upper end of the African American market and a marketing committee, headed by Baldwin Powell, has already been appointed.
“Negril is generating a lot of money for this country and the town cannot afford to lose its place in the marketplace,” Powell told the Observer.
The three-day carnival, which is the brainchild of several business places in the Negril community, kicked off yesterday with a Soca Fete at Chances. This will be followed by a show at Risky Business tonight, featuring Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.
The carnival culminates with a road march on Sunday from Chances to Negril Square and back to Risky business.
Wright said the organisers were making a special effort this year to involve more persons from the community, especially as it seeks to sell the theme of protecting the environment.
“We want everybody to participate, as when it is going well, everybody should see increased business,” she said.
The carnival will be divided into four sections with emphasis on the swamp, reef, air and the beach.
Special booths for vendors will be established along the roadway, so that revellers can get food and drink, while enjoying the music.
During its inaugural staging last year, the carnival drew criticism from motorists who complained of the heavy traffic along Norman Manley Boulevard, which is the single lane leading to the square from Green Island. But Wright said traffic snarls should not be a feature of this year’s carnival, as the police would be out in full force and that road work, which has been under way along Norman Manley Boulevard was nearly complete.
“It should make it easier for the revellers and the business community, as the soft shoulders are in place and will be utilised,” she said.