The Caribbean region’s diverse spiritual heritage will be celebrated when the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) hosts a special interfaith service to officially launch Caribbean Week, June 1-6, 2003 in New York.
The event, which is open to the public, takes place on Sunday, June 1 at 3:00 pm at St. George’s Episcopal Church, located at 209 East 16th Street in New York City. Admission is by ticket only. Free tickets are available by calling CTO’s New York office.
“While each Caribbean country celebrates life in its own unique way, spirituality and faith can deliver an unparalleled sense of unity within this diversity,” said Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas. “What better way to start Caribbean Week 2003 than by gathering member countries, Caribbean friends and colleagues to share, give thanks and rejoice in a true Caribbean manner.”
As part of the festivities, the Royal Barbados Police Force Band will play the celebratory music and the Caribbean Dance Troupe of Hartford will deliver a colourful presentation of the region’s flags.
Key CTO officials, including Jean Holder, secretary general; the Honorable Obie Wilchcombe, chairman of CTO and Minister of Tourism of the Bahamas; Karen Ford-Warner, deputy secretary general of CTO and Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas, will speak at the gathering.
The interfaith service, which will reflect the spiritual life of the Caribbean, will encompass several forms of religion practiced throughout the region.  A reception for the congregation will follow immediately after the service.
Caribbean Week

Traditionally, Caribbean Week has been a week-long series of meetings attended by all categories of CTO’s
membership including Ministers and Directors of Tourism, Chapter Presidents and Allied Members representing airlines, hoteliers, tour wholesalers, travel agents and other interested parties, who discuss issues affecting the development, promotion and sustainability of Caribbean tourism.
This year, CTO has decided to add a program of consumer-focused events during Caribbean Week 2003, in an effort to generate interest amongst the general public.
In addition to the interfaith celebration, CTO is planning an elaborate Caribbean Food Fair and Cultural Exposition which will bring together several Caribbean chefs who will showcase signature dishes on June 2 from 11:00 am - sundown in Bowling Green Park.
One of the most highly anticipated events of Caribbean Week is the Governments of the Caribbean State Ball. This glitzy black-tie occasion, which serves as a culmination of Caribbean Week, features the best of Caribbean entertainment and food. The Ball will take place at the Waldorf=Astoria on Friday, June 6, 2003.
Also, the CTO Caribbean Marketplace for Journalists has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 4 at the Roosevelt Hotel and will bring together representatives of CTO Governments, hoteliers and journalists in a trade show business setting followed by a festive cocktail party.
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