AIR JAMAICA SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH COMMITMENT TO CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY
5/8/2007
Kingston, Jamaica - May 8, 2007 - In continuation of its philanthropic efforts, Air Jamaica has lent its support to another initiative, “Jamaica 360º Sun Festival” Black College Graduation Celebration, Empowerment Forum and Career Expo. As the official airline sponsor of this new and exciting program, 100 recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be flown to Jamaica as participants in the inaugural event. This project, which has been endorsed by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture Hon. Aloun N’dombet is the brainchild of Xavier Artis, CEO and Founder of Recycling Inspiration.
The program will see Recycling Inspiration partnering with HEART TRUST/NTA, Jamaica’s leading human resource and training organization to facilitate these graduates gain competency and certification in teaching hospitality, business, administration and entertainment in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.
Given the importance of tourism to Jamaica, this initiative designed to equip Jamaicans with the requisite skills to gain employment in the service and hospitality industry, is expected to provide tremendous opportunities for economic growth and development. It further demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership.
While in Jamaica, the graduates will be acknowledged for their dedication to school, community service, and are being prepared for their next chapter in life. Terrie M. Williams, noted public relations guru, author of The Personal Touch, philanthropist and “Honorary Captain” of Blue World Travel/Festival at Sea, will lead a panel of successful professionals, including actress Regina King, Negro League legend Sweet Lou Johnson, actor-comedian Eddie Griffin and hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh on May 16. Participants will share with the graduates their formulas for success as well as their personal challenges and how they overcame them. Essence magazine editorial director Susan L. Taylor will introduce the graduates to the business community by offering key tips and encourage them to mentor others throughout their professional careers. Music icon Stevie Wonder will also attend and lend his support to the graduates.
This first annual event will include a special comedy and music concert featuring Griffin and headlined by Fresh. The show will treat them to Griffin’s special brand of social entertainment – a mix of comedy and social commentary – at the Grand Lido Braco Resort in Trelawny, Jamaica. Graduates will be flown from Air Jamaica “Take us there” gateway cities across the United States including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Philadelphia.
“Air Jamaica is pleased to partner with Recycling Inspiration in facilitating “Jamaica 360º Sun Festival,” a bold new initiative aimed at empowering young people. This ties in with our philosophy of assisting growth and development, as well as being a responsible corporate citizen,” says Paul Pennicook, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing.
Contact:
Jenet DeJesus
Ruder Finn, Inc.
212-715-1694
dejesusj@ruderfinn.com