Prince's visit a 'royal' opportunity
Published:Saturday | March 10, 2012 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
The visit to Jamaica of Prince Harry, grandson of The Queen, has generated much discussion, both favourable and unfavourable.
The most unreasonable arguments, however, seem to point to the arrogance of some of our regular people and even some journalists who have tried to justify why Jamaica should not have spent J$3 million on the visit.
Sentiments aside, we need to focus on the commercial value of such a visit by a member of one of the world's beloved and respected royal families.
The approach should be an acute understanding of cost management analysed along several critical dimensions, chief of which is the extensive media coverage.
One only has to look at the vast followership/pull from print media (newspapers, news magazines), broadcast news (radio and television), and the Internet (online newspapers, news blogs, etc.).
Clearly, Jamaica cannot afford to pay for this level of worldwide marketing/publicity which far outstrips the paltry sum of J$3 million. The expected long-term benefits are immeasurable.
My hope is that the various state agencies, such as the Jamaica Tourist Board, and private indivi-duals will try to capitalise on the opportunity to showcase Jamaica not only as a place to live and work, raise families, do business and enjoy our sun, sea and sand but is also safe in every sense of the word. I have no doubt that security is the largest item in the Budget.
P.V. LOWE