March 23, 2014
U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke
“I believe that President Obama has heard our call to review his administration’s policy on deportation. President Obama had said that we must have a ‘humane’ policy on immigration, and I sincerely hope he will take action to address the existing policy of inhumanity. As the representative of a community that includes people from every part of the world, I know families that have lost a father or mother as a result of deportation. I know men and women who have lived in fear for themselves and their children. The continued deportation of Americans who lack legal status has undermined the foundations of communities around this nation.” – Yvette D. Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman (CMC)
“Caribbean people have been able to overcome the adverse social conditions they inherited and, in modern times, to develop a competitive industry which has permitted them to enjoy a standard of living which remains the envy of large developing countries.” – Jean Holder, Author “Caribbean Tourism”/ Chairman, LIAT – The Caribbean Airline
“In exploring the evolution of tourism as a crucial industry for many Caribbean economies, Jean (Holder) has lifted the lid on the lingering resentment to the industry that originates in slavery and its pernicious order that compelled black people to life-long servitude to white owners. It is an important discussion to open. Not to cause festering wounds to erupt, but to heal them so that, as a civilization, Caribbean people can move on. Tourism is about service, not servitude. There is dignity, honour and respect in service respectfully given, in a context of hospitality and welcome, for fair recompense. It is the very antithesis of the humiliation, dehumanisation, and coercion that were the hallmarks of servitude.” – Sir Ronald Sanders, Former Caribbean Diplomat
“The Caribbean Tourism Organization, the diaspora in UK, colleague Caribbean governments, British peers and MPs among others must also be applauded for their sustained efforts to reform the Air Passenger Duty (APD).” – Richard Sealy, Minister of Tourism, Barbados
“With a promise of a dismal outcome looming overhead, we in turn challenged ourselves to be successful even when it seemed most impossible. Through creativity, due diligence and a commitment to excellence, I am happy to say we had a successful 2013.” – Randall Wilkie, General Manager, Sandy Lane (Barbados Advocate)
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” – Margaret Atwood,
Canadian writer
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, British writer