The Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International called on the young people of the Caribbean to tap into their creative genius, never to settle for mediocrity, and to keep betting on the future of Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Delivering remarks after being conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 2022 graduation ceremony of The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus over the weekend, Adam Stewart encouraged the graduating to be the generation that competes on the world stage and outperforms any society in the world.

“We are a fascinating people. We are a people rich in culture. The way we walk, the way we talk, the respect that we demand, the pride that we have. Ladies and gentlemen, do not settle. Do not bet against this country and this region,” he said, noting that “a solution for Jamaica and a solution for the Caribbean is not overseas. It is right here in your backyard.”

Stewart said the Caribbean ought to encourage and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. “What we are looking for is that individual who shows up every single day giving 110 percent. What we are looking for in this region is the future and everything that we can become,” he commented, imploring graduates to not get caught up in idle banter.

Tourism vs Culture?

If the question should be asked globally, “What comes to mind when you hear the term, ‘Caribbean’?”, the responses would most likely include ‘sun’, ‘sea, ‘beach’, white sand’, ‘fun’, ‘party’ and ‘food’. No doubt, these would have been accurate since Caribbean culture is known globally and has been incorporated into several cultures around the world.

Since this is known and acknowledged by the governmental bodies in the Caribbean, this makes tourism is a large and vital part of the Caribbean economy. At times, however, both tourism and culture seem to be distanced from each other, with each appearing to take precedence at various convenient times. How should we view tourism and culture for the betterment of our economy and lives? To provide possible answers to this question, one must look at both terms and what each may imply.

Tourism, as defined by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon that entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.

This is prevalent in the Caribbean as the personal purpose of recreation brings over 30 million individuals to the region annually. It is a suitable spot for those who want to experience a white sandy beach due to the harsh conditions of the temperate climates in which they reside. Not only are the beaches a popular option but there are several other elements that make a great vacation including magnificent hotels, thrilling adventure-themed endeavors, and unique culture.