Prime Minister Freundel Stuart with Marita Regan, who visited Barbados 108 times and her husband, Thomas Regan, who was on his 110th trip. (C. Pitt)
Four tourists who visited Barbados 424 times were saluted last night, when Prime Minister Freundel Stuart hosted the fourth and final 2017 Reception for Repeat Visitors at Ilaro Court, his official residence.
Those visitors were Joseph Murphy and Edward Thal, who came 103 times; Marita Regan, who visited 108 times; and Thomas Regan, her husband, who was on his 110th trip.
Before presenting Mr. and Mrs. Regan with a plaque, Prime Minister Stuart thanked all the visitors present for their loyalty and urged them to continue to act as good ambassadors for the country.
He noted that they were assisting in building the tourism industry and pointed out that their continued confidence and investment were a source of inspiration.
“Tourism is our lead sector in the economy and every time we have a new visitor, that strengthens the economic infrastructure of Barbados,” he stated.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart having a light moment with cricket legends (from left) Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and Charlie Griffith. (C.Pitt/BGIS)
The Prime Minister said Government was working diligently to make the tourism product even more attractive. He added that during his interaction with visitors, they constantly commented on the hospitality and charm of Barbadians, as well as the safety of the country.
Mr. Stuart told his audience that Government had determined that it wanted to create a Barbados that was socially balanced, economically viable, environmentally sound, and characterised by good and transparent governance.
He proffered the view that because of this vision, for example, of being socially balanced, tourists felt comfortable when they visited these shores, knowing that “there is no place for discrimination on the basis of race, colour or creed”.
The reception was attended by several government ministers, senior public servants, officials of the Barbados Tourism Product Authority, cricket legends Charlie Griffith, Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, and Miss Universe Barbados Shannon Harris, among others.
Students from St. Paul’s Primary School, accompanied by Cultural Ambassador, Dr. Anthony “Gabby” Carter, performed during the event.