Community
Cayman at DEMA - A Huge Success
Front Row: Mr. Harding Watler, Mr. JeffGinther, Mrs. Myrna flair, Ms. Olga Jefferson, Ms. Jackie Mitchel,Ms. Tina Rees, Mrs. Nicoela McCoy, Miss Jacqueline Bush and Mr.McKeeva bush. Back Row: Mr. Warren Solomon, Mr. Michael Altman,Mr. Clair Moore and Mrs. L. Angela Martins.
The Cayman Islands was once again representedat the Diving Equipment Marketing Association (DEMA) 2001 Showwhich was held in New Orleans from 24th - 28th January, 2001.The country was once again the largest destination representedwith over 45 booths exhibiting. These booths were a combined effortof the public sector- Department of Tourism and national attractions(Turtle Farm), and our private sector partners from the diving,accommodations and airlines sectors.
The Cayman Islands booth was graced by the presence of our veryown reigning Miss Cayman, Jacqueline Bush; who was recently PADIcertified - an Open Water Diver. Jacqui posed for photos withmany of the show exhibitors and attendees. Jean Michel Cousteaurenowned environmentalist and official spokesperson for divingand snorkelling for the Cayman Islands was in attendance at theCayman Islands booth for press interviews and photos with attendees.
Additionally regional artist, Guy Harvey and local artist DebbieVan Der Bol of Pure Art Gallery also attended DEMA this year withthe Cayman Islands delegation and were available for photography,interviews and provided original works of art as prizes for dailydrawings.
The Cayman Islands hosted the evening social on Thursday January25th at the Hammerhead Lounge (on the show floor) for all showattendees.
Complimentary Tortuga Rum punch was served and music was providedby James White, long-time entertainer and friend of the CaymanIslands.
This year the Cayman Islands was proud to be the recipient oftwo DEMA Splash awards. This is the first year for the DEMA Splashawards which were designed to recognize excellence in Marketingand Advertising within the dive industry and to reward industryleaders for initiatives. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourismwas presented with an award in the category of "Best WebMarketing" for their work in promoting diving in the CaymanIslands through www.divecayman.ky. Additionally, the departmentwas awarded a prize for "Best 4 Color Print Advertisement."The print ad will appear in Dive Training and Skin Diver Magazineas part of the 2001 Dive Co-op advertising program.
The many Cayman Islands exhibitors from all three islands expressedtheir excitement over the aesthetic value of the presentationof the Cayman Islands. Minister for Tourism, the Honourable McKeevaBush remarked and the Permanent Secretary Mr. Harding Watler alongwith the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Angela Martins all attendedthe show this year. Painted signs and totem poles complimentedthe professional displays. The entire staff compliment on thefloor was outfitted in uniform crisp white shirts bearing the"Cayman Diversity" logo and black pants.
The next DEMA Show will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada in October2002.