Twin Island Nation Awards Marianne Jean-Baptiste Honorary Tourism Award
Guests of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority were treated to a Celebration of Film and Television in honor of Ms. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Academy Award Nominee and star of NBC’s “Blindspot” last night at the Crosby Street Hotel. Born to an Antiguan mother, Ms. Jean-Baptiste has always embraced her Antiguan and Barbudan heritage and was named ‘Honorary Tourism Ambassador’ to the island nation.
The evening’s event was attended by approximately 100 of the top-tier media, trade, travel partners, investors and producers, and was part of a week-long extravaganza known as CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization’s) Week in New York City. The week brings the Caribbean together – Government officials, Tourism Boards, Hotel Association, and Press – to showcase all that the region has to offer visitors.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James explained the importance of honouring the actress, saying “Ms. Jean-Baptiste has proudly represented Antigua and Barbuda around the world. Through this, she has positively raised visibility of Antigua and Barbuda, helping to support our tourism industry. With tourism being the mainstay of our economy, we cannot express how grateful we are for all of her work in positively promoting our twin-island nation.” The award was presented to Ms. Jean-Baptiste by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Walton Aubrey Webson
In addition to NBC’s “Blindspot,” and her upcoming role in the new series, “Training Day,” Ms. Jean-Baptiste’s body of work includes such standout performances as her role in “Secrets and Lies,” a performance so wonderful that she was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Oscar.
The evening also included the worldwide premiere of PBS’s award-winning documentary “Music Voyager: Antigua and Barbuda,” which was filmed on the islands last year and highlights the story of Antigua and Barbuda through music and culture allowing viewers to experience the country through the eyes of the locals, their culture and their words.
The week began with a segment on FOX 5’s popular morning news program “Good Day New York,” promoting Carnival through steel pan music and costumes. At yesterday’s event, interviews were conducted with Tourism Consultant Ms. Shirlene Nibbs who shared the latest developments on the islands in tourism and why visitors need to visit Antigua and Barbuda this year. The interview will air in local TV markets including Connecticut and NBC affiliates.
In addition to hosting this successful evening Antigua and Barbuda has participated at the highest level events for CTO Week, including in the corporate service at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 30th, along with various meetings with Minsters, Directors and Commissioners of Tourism throughout the Caribbean to strategically work together to enhance the strength and impact of the region.
