Fine food, decor and entertainment will highlight the   31st Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball, themed “The Romantic Caribbean.”  The Waldorf=Astoria in New York City will play host to this black-tie celebration on Friday, June 4, 2004.  The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Ball is held each year to raise proceeds for the CTO Foundation, which provides scholarships to Caribbean nationals pursuing tourism-related studies.“With an ambiance that is sure to excite and tantalize, this year’s Ball promises to be a most stirring event in the New York social calendar,” said Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas.

The Governments of the Caribbean Annual State Ball is now in its 31st year and is one of the glitziest social events held every year in New York. It was first held at the famous New York Plaza Hotel but soon outgrew this location because of its popularity. In the best years it attracted over 700 guests.

It has become part of the calendar of the world famous Waldorf = Astoria Hotel in New York, which has acknowledged that its famous Ballroom is never more beautifully decorated than when the Annual CTO Ball takes place.

Five chefs from the Caribbean, who are participating in the CTO Celebrity Chef programme, will assist the staff from the Waldorf=Astoria in preparing and “romanticizing” this year’s dinner menu. 

The lineup of entertainment includes the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band from The Islands of The Bahamas; Mussington Brothers from Anguilla; Sensation Band from the British Virgin Islands and Los Tropicanos from the Cayman Islands.

The winning couple from the CTO/Condé Nast Bridal Group live “DoItCaribbean Wedding in the Park” contest will be guests at the Ball.  The couple will be recognized during the evening’s festivities and will cut a ceremonial wedding cake that will be served with nutmeg ice cream as the evening’s dessert.

Individual ticket prices start at US$450 per person. CTO is offering special sponsorship packages for the following categories - Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. 

 
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