Tourist Ambassador Joel Anthony
Friday November 2, 2012
Joel Anthony named Tourism Ambassador 2012 One day after receiving the NBA Championship Ring for the 2011-2012 basketball season, Miami Heat center player Joel Anthony was appointed Tourism Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda. Born to an Antiguan mother, Erene Anthony, Joel’s accomplishments as a professional basketball player were recognized last Wednesday night in Antigua at the 9th Annual Independence Banquet at the Sandals Grande Resort and Spa. Anthony was unable to travel to Antigua & Barbuda to accept the Tourism award because the State Banquet coincided with the start of the basketball season and the premier match between Miami and the Boston Celtics. The Heat won a convincing victory –120 to 107 and Anthony sent a videotaped acceptance message which was played at Wednesday’s State Banquet. His aunt, Nurse Florence Anthony, accepted the award on his behalf. |
Joel Anthony with US Director of Tourism Derede Samuel-Whitlock Photo Credit: OBSERVER Media |
The designation of Tourism Ambassador was developed in 2007 as part of the marketing plan for the US Tourism Office. The goal of this program is to develop stronger ties with nationals and their descendants in the Diaspora and to highlight the ”One Family” theme that is heralded during Independence/Homecoming celebrations.
Each year a successful Antiguan and Barbudan national or descendant in the Diaspora is honoured as a key influencer who will engage in nation building activities and leverage his/her media platform, networks and credentials to help extend the destination’s promotional efforts.
According to Anthony “I look forward to mentoring the youth, engaging in destination promotions and nation building activities.”
Anthony will assist the Tourism team and other government agencies along with fellow Tourism Ambassadors: actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste, TV host, author and fashion stylist, June Ambrose and actress Anna Maria Horsford.
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