'MoBay's development ­ steady and rapid'

THE YEAR 2005 is noel donaldson indeed a significant milestone for many organisations in Montego Bay, reflective of new ventures, mergers and certainly numerous years of dedicated and quality service.

The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry is truly deserving of high praise for its commitment to the development of Montego Bay.

This year marks the 11th Anniversary of the staging of the Chamber's Expo, a calendar event that has grown in magnitude attracting hundreds of participants, both nationally and internationally.

'Montego Bay ­ the Gateway to the Caribbean', the theme chosen for this year's expo, is indicative of Montego Bay's strategic position, especially since our city has been declared the tourist capital of Jamaica. The opportunities that exist as a direct result of tourism are countless, and certainly we will acknowledge that the nature of tourism has deviated somewhat from vacationing to include health, business and myriad other aspects. These spin-offs account for the numerous gateways that have been opened in the Caribbean region and the ensuing partnerships that have been formed.

This year, Montego Bay celebrates 25 years of city status and though one may contend that there is still much to be done, we must give credence to the fact that Montego Bay's development has been steady and rapid, and that this is due in no small measure to the contribution of organisations such as the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

I, therefore, wish to congratulate the chamber on its relentless efforts in making this annual expo the number one trade show in the Caribbean, and trust that your hard work will continue to be marked by high levels of success.

Councillor Noel Donaldson
Mayor of Montego Bay