Another spectacular display of the Caribbean’s culture, including cuisine, is being planned for Caribbean Week 2005, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) ’s annual weeklong series of consumer focused events and business meetings in New York. From the celebration of the region’s diverse spiritual heritage to the hosting of the exquisite and glitzy Caribbean State Ball, thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to the five boroughs will get a feel of what the Caribbean is really like during the May 29th to June 4th events. “Caribbean Week 2005 brings a true taste of our region’s vivacious flavors, rhythms and culture to the city that never sleeps,” said Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas. “We welcome New Yorkers and tourists alike, anticipating a fantastic series of events, most of which are easily accessible and complimentary to the public.” The Week begins with the traditional interfaith celebration on Sunday, May 29th, a gathering of member countries, Caribbean friends and colleagues who will share, give thanks and rejoice in a true Caribbean manner. One of the most attractive consumer-oriented events will be the day-long festival of Caribbean food, fun, flair and romance - a Caribbean Fair & Do it Caribbean Wedding, which will take place on Tuesday, May 31st at the South Street Seaport, Pier 16, Manhattan. Caribbean Week 2005 also provides opportunities for several of the region’s top chefs to showcase signature dishes from their respective countries. The Week will culminate with the highly anticipated 32nd Governments of the Caribbean State Ball on June 3rd at the Waldorf Astoria. Traditionally, Caribbean Week has been a week-long series of meetings attended by all categories of CTO’s membership including Ministers and Directors of Tourism, Chapter Presidents and Allied Members representing airlines, hoteliers, tour wholesalers, travel agents and other interested parties, who discuss ways to increase and sustain tourism to and within the region. Two years ago, CTO added a programme of consumer-focused events in an effort to generate interest amongst the general public. Events scheduled for Caribbean Week 2005 are as follows: Sunday, May 29, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Interfaith Celebration St. George’s Episcopal Church 209 East 16th Street, Manhattan Tuesday, May 31, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Caribbean Fair & Do It Caribbean Wedding South Street Seaport, Pier 16, Manhattan Tuesday, May 31, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Town Hall Meetings Brooklyn and Bronx Tuesday, May 31 to Saturday, June 4 Caribbean Celebrity Chefs Various Locations Wednesday, June 1, 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm Caribbean Media Marketplace The New York Hilton 6th Avenue at 53rd Street, Manhattan Thursday, June 2, 8 pm Jamaica Night at the Apollo Apollo Theatre 125th Street, Harlem, Manhattan Friday, June 3, 8:00 am – 1:45 pm Caribbean Marketing Workshop & Awards Luncheon The New York Hilton 6th Avenue at 53rd Street, Manhattan Friday, June 3, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CTO Press Conference The New York Hilton 6th Avenue at 53rd Street, Manhattan Friday, June 3, 7:00 pm – midnight 32nd Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball, Auction and Awards Presentation Waldorf=Astoria Hotel 301 Park Avenue, Manhattan Sunday, June 5, 8:00 pm Brooklyn Reggae The Hook 18 Commerce St., Brooklyn For more information about Caribbean Week in New York 2005, please call CTO’s New York office (212) 635-9530 or visit www.caribbeanweekny.com or www.onecaribbean.org.