Director of Tourism Donovan White was at pains to reassure a Canada-based reporter that Jamaicans harboured no open hostility towards gay visitors during a press conference at Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay last week.
Michael Pihach, who was on his first trip to Jamaica, had asked White about measures the Government was taking to “curb the perception and reputation” that Jamaica was homophobic, which has caused many gays to shy away from vacationing on the island.
“It is my first time in Jamaica and it has been a very positive experience here. The people are so friendly and it is very uplifting and vibrant,” Pihach stated, adding that there was a perception that Jamaica was a violent place for gay, lesbian, and transgender people.
White said every visitor was welcome to vacation on the island, as the Government has no interest in seeking to meddle in people’s romantic lives, but was instead keen on ensuring that each visitor enjoyed their time on the island.
“I noted keenly you mentioned the word perception about four times, … but I will say this: We pride ourselves in welcoming everybody to Jamaica, and like you said when you started, you have been here for the first time and you have had a great experience,” White responded.