Simpson Miller, Ho Lung and Pickersgill THE GOVERNMENT and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), last night distanced themselves from the controversial "mass nude wedding" planned for Hedonism III, Runaway Bay, St. Ann, on Valentine's Day, February 14.
Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Tourism and Sport, said neither the Ministry nor its agencies were involved in the event billed as the "world's largest nude wedding".
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"This type of activity is not in keeping with our marketing strategy for Jamaica. It is not part of our policy to use public funds to pursue the particular niche market to which this event is targeted," she said.
The JTB said in a press release it was not in support of such an event by a local hotel group. It said such a portrayal of the country was "contrary to the image that we consider appropriate for the destination and could affect our efforts to attract other market segments that consider such activities unwholesome." The JTB added that it "does not encourage any activity or portrayal of our country which would offend the Jamaican people."
Reports of the impending mass wedding have created much controversy both locally and overseas. Yesterday, the topic was the central point of discussion on morning radio talk shows, with many from the Christian community voicing their disapproval. Among those opposed was Father Richard HoLung, Roman Catholic priest, of Missionaries of the Poor.
On Wednesday a group of pastors from the Caribbean-American clergy, most of them Jamaicans, demonstrated outside the JTB's New York office to voice their opposition to the planned event. They expressed fear that the country's image would be tarnished.
Hedonism III forms part of the John Issa-led SuperClubs' chain. The SuperClubs' management declined to comment last night.
