Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett will deliver the keynote address at the 14th Annual Scholarship Gala of the New York-based Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc. The event, which takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2008, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, LaGuardia Airport in Queens, NY, starting at 9:00 pm.

This year’s event is being held under the patronage of Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Mrs. Geneive Brown Metzger and will provide the Tourism Minister with an opportunity to address members of the Diaspora. Minister Bartlett has often stressed the importance of this group to the success of Jamaica’s tourism promotion.

The Annual Scholarship Gala is COJO’s major fundraiser held on the first Saturday in December each year, and from which proceeds are used to provide scholarships for deserving students in need.

Over the past decade, the volunteer-driven organization has supported a number of institutions in Jamaica and the United States. Among them are the Alpha Boys’ Home; Glenhope Place of Safety; Marigold Child Care Centre, Musgrave Girls’ Home and City of Refuge in Jamaica; and in New York, the Jamaica, Queens YMCA and Leaf of Life Foundation.

Founder and Chairman of COJO Gary Williams, admits that despite the challenging economic times, it is heartening to see companies and individuals still making a contribution towards enhancing the future – our children. He adds that COJO has also sought to embrace the information technology concept and is this year accepting online donations.

A number of corporate entities including JetBlue have donated airline tickets as raffle prizes with Half Moon, Ritz Carlton, Grand Bahia Principe, Sandals and other Jamaican properties providing hotel accommodation.

Tickets for the annual gala are on sale now and can be obtained by contacting the Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) office at 1-888- 275-0121.

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Contact: Aubrey L. Campbell, JIS/NY. T: 212-935-7506