Tourism Minister On New York TV
[Updated] Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert was interviewed about the island’s Gombey dancers on New York’s Fox affiliate this morning [Feb. 16] as the “Experience Bermuda Day” got underway at Grand Central Station.
He explained how a unique fusion of African and Caribbean elements, among others, had influenced the longstanding Bermudian tradition as a troupe of Gombeys danced behind him [To watch the interview click here.]
This is the second time in less than a year Bermuda has taken over the iconic Vanderbilt Hall at New York’s Grand Central Terminal for a high-profile tourism promotion.
As part of the Bermuda Department of Tourism’s [BDOT] intense marketing push in North America, “Experience Bermuda Day” is offering commuters a taste of the island through live entertainment, sampling of Bermudian cuisine, golf and spa experiences, performances by local musicians Prestige and the H&H Gombey Cultural Dance Troupe, as well as an array of prize-trip giveaways.
Update: The BDOT issued a statement saying, “Today the Minister of Business Development and Tourism, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, hosted a meeting with top-tier media in New York City where he touted Bermuda’s latest news, new initiatives, and annual events while emphasising the destination’s close proximity to the New York City market.
“The luncheon was attended by a dozen top-tier journalists representing a range of publications, including Brides, Condé Nast Traveler, Departures, ForbesLife, Travel + Leisure, Worth and more.
Minister Furbert interviewed live from Grand Central station. He is pictured with, Mr. G, Weatherman for WPIX-TV and WCBS-FM Radio and Dan Taylor, host “Dan Taylor Morning Show” on WCBS-FM Radio:
“According to Minister Furbert the event provided an “outstanding opportunity” to deliver a positive message about the destination.
Minister Furbert said, “I was pleased to hear very strong feedback and interest from the media about Bermuda. The media with whom we met represented some of North America’s most influential outlets and it was an important opportunity to stimulate their interest in covering our Island.”
Minister Furbert Billy J. Kramer, Tourism Director William Griffith, Mr. G, Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge and Dan Taylor:
“The public will be aware that a contingent of Bermuda Department of Tourism, hotel and local entertainment representatives are currently in New York pushing the Bermuda tourism message in a series of marketing events.
“And following the luncheons, Minister Furbert attended the iconic Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal for a high-profile “Experience Bermuda Day.”
“Experience Bermuda Day” offers commuters a taste of the Island through live entertainment, sampling of Bermudian cuisine, golf and spa experiences, performances by local musicians “Prestige” and the H&H Gombey Cultural Dance Troupe, as well as an array of prize-trip giveaways.”
oh my news station! i watch every morning yay bermuda!
* Woman’s body found inside laundry bag in Bklyn
* NYPD impostors rob check cashing store in Queens
• 12 People injured in MTA bus accident in Brooklyn
• NJ dentist probed after 2nd child dies in his care
• Same sex marriage, Football players and drugs
• NJ fundraiser indicted
* Hundreds die in Honduras Prison Fire
• Ad Naseun
Surely I am not the only one to notice the multiple negative news banner ads running under the main headline title “Escape to Bermuda”
Maybe that was done on purpose to get you to visit Bermuda a peaceful crime free zone.
As a person that use to live in New York, that is how NY does all of its news broadcasts on that station. I think you may be reading a bit too deep and looking for something that is not there.
Mr. Furbert…it’s gonna take more than Gombeys to get tourists to this island mate.
Gombeys…Really. Every time…Really.
The world must think we are a talent free zone.
@ Just Sayin,
What is wrong with the Gombeys?
Share some thoughts, what would you to do to promote Bermuda?
I’m bored to death by you OBA trolls! What Bob is that good you? I want you guys start giving credit where it’s due! DOT released pleasing and solid results by which getting out and about like this can only improve tourism and the country.
My thoughts exactly. No mention of golf, fishing, beaches, dinning….just a bunch of scary “yarn people” gyrating around with weapons in their hands… Gombeys would actually be a deterrent for me.
@Sinking, I will have you know that the Bermuda Gombey’s are a very respected cultural group in Bermuda and around the world. The tradition is deep and their roots even deeper. I do not care how you view them, the reality is that you should keep some comments to yourself. You have just disrespected Bermudians of many generations and cut at representatives of our black history. The Gombey’s mean something of great significance to black Bermudians and it curls my stomach that people feel that they can just publicly disrespect them in such a way.
Yes every thing about Bermuda should be shared with the world and it is, as you will see if you look at the whole interview and advertisement for Bermuda. It just so happens though that the Gombeys are the headliner and with good reason. Their rhythm, dance and meaning are an attraction to be proud of. So take your little petty comments and cry to the hills because Bermuda gombey’s are here to stay and will always be used to attract visitors here and entertain them when they come. They are treated like stars when they travel and represent Bermuda and catch the eye of all around. I know from experience.
I agree with you Mr Dickerson, the Gombeys are important to Bermuda… but they ARE getting a bit OLD. IMO, they need to upgrade & ‘modernize’ their act a little. As was mentioned, we need more than the Gobbeys to promote Bermuda. The DoT doesn’t have a clue what to do, and frankly, neither does Wayne.
The PLP/BIU Party fairy tale is over, time to turn it over to someone who knows what they are doing.
It’s time for a change.
@Star Man. Gombey’s will never be to old to use, as their excitement gets people every time they perform. I will not argue the fact that everything good about Bermuda has to be used to attract our visitors to our product, that is key in showcasing our attraction. But do not ever forget what has helped build our beauty. The Gombey’s have a way of catching eyes so one would only be wise in using them for promotion because once people find out what all the commotion is about and see Bermuda, NOW THAT WE HAVE YOUR ATTENTION here is what Bermuda has to offer *insert all the good things about Bermuda.
Trust me I have performed for Bermudas national Gombey troupe in Scotland and when we danced or even showed up there were crowds running and screaming just to touch us. So even if one has an issue with how much some things are promoted or lack there of the should still exercise respect for a part of our people that has played a big part in our visitor arrivals and experience. People don’t have to disrespect others in order to share their views.
I did not mean to imply that we not use the Gombeys for promotion, not at all. I just felt that their act could be tightened up a bit, made a little more exciting. I guess some troupes are better than others. But I have seen some pretty lame performances locally… little energy, mundane choreography, etc. That’s all I’m sayin’. There’s always room for improvement, n’est-ce pas?
Are the gombeys old or are you saying the PLP is old? Which one is it because you make two references in your post. Sorry, but in no way do they need to modernize their act. No disrespect, but that is a bunch of rubbish.
They are not really universally “Bermudian” either considering white people are barred from joining a Gombey troop. Perhaps something more universal is in order.
@ Cha speak only what you know and not just what you think because you really sound foolish. Given the historic history everyone who truly knows Bermudas history knows the truth. But just for your information Bermuda Gombeys have changed even though your way of thinking has not. I have suited up and danced with females and a white person, anyone with real knowledge of Gombeys knows why these points are significant. You are of no value to the conversation.
Now back to the decision at hand.
Ok that’s fine; all I know is that when I was a young boy at the tender age of 7 I was told that I could not be a Gombey because I was not black and that it was not apart of my heritage. As a Bermudian I took offence (also being my first run in with racism)and have not considered the Gombeys to be Bermudian ever since as I am Bermudian and was excluded. Justifiably something that does not embody the entire society should not be used to represent an entire society. I am glad times have changed but it was not always as you describe.
It is easy for you to say that I don’t know what I am talking about but perhaps you should look into the Gombey history before you chastise. I obviously am better versed than you give me credit for. So to that I would say you sound the foolish one as you are not as knowledgeable on Gombey history as you profess.
What decision are you making by the way? Presume you meant discussion.
@ Cha yea I meant discussion. But ether way my point remains, you can spear me your sob story that you faced at the tender age of 7. Its irrelevant to the bigger pitcher and the facts surrounding that situation. I need not do more research regarding Gombeys when talking to you on the matter as I have been a Gombey for many years of my life, I known the history and performed the meaning and even became the captain of a troop. So you learn the History before you make such foolish statements. I know what I am talking about, I know the Gombeys and I know what you are attempting to do by speaking on the Gombeys as you are. You will not succeed, because Bermuda knows Gombeys. Tell the whole story or be quiet no one needs your fabricated comments.
Now back to the discussion at hand.
Not fabricated at all and you just made yourself sound ignorant. You even admitted earlier that the Gombeys had “changed” which openly implied at one time that they were prejudice and discriminated against certain members of society.
Don’t begin to imply that you have any idea what I was trying to accomplish with my comment. People like you are holding society back. I had seen people complaining about being bored of the Gombeys and simply put out my opinion that I did not consider them to be universally Bermudian. Besides my comment wasn’t even directed at you. Now get off your high horse and learn that not everyone is going to share the same opinion as you because everyone’s experience’s are different. I was simply explaining my experience in response to your accusatory and moronic comment. Not every Bermudian is going to worship the Gombeys as you do; clearly.
As usual the only growth Bermuda will see out of this is the ministers waistline and our defecit
Smh at OBA! Nothing less of my expectation of them!
The negativity on this site is palatable.
Voice of Reason.
The word ‘palatable’ means “acceptable or agreeable to the palate. Tasty, pleasant to eat”.
So your post was quite meaningless, because you said the negativity on this site is pleasant to eat.
The fact that you are a pompous ignoramous is palpable.
I guess Woice of Reason will be voting PLoP because he finds the taste of their bullsh!t palatable. Need some kool-aid to wash it down?
I think it was meant as sarcasm.
Er…don’t you mean PALPABLE????
Why do you broadcast to the world your stupidity? Palatable?? As in easy to eat, sweet tasting?
That was not Fox News station, instead it was WPIX New York as I watch this news every morning and night.
I hope the trip includes hotel or this ‘free ticket’ will cost the ‘winner’ a fortune given the farcical hotel costs here for a room fitted out in the 1980′s(except Elbow Beach).
These sort of events are fine and that’s good coverage etc etc but what is the return on investment? I’m not saying don’t do these things but I’m sure it cost a fortune to set up, fly our lot over there, hand out 50 free tickets (even if just plane tickets that’s $20k) etc. Hard to show how many folks actually saw the news or the Grand Central set up and as a direct result go online and book a trip here.
At least we’re now fishing where the fish are and not in China etc.
I guess it’s because it’s a PLP Minister and not a UBP/OBA Minister. Then again Furbert did flip to the PLP, but then again you all flip to the OBA. Who gives a F%$# the man is out there trying to get tourist here and all you do is knock the Department of Tourism’s actions. People are quick to judge but add no sugar to the Kool-aid as you people put it. Who is the OBA’s shadow Tourism Minister’s anyway. We never here them talking about anything.
AGREE! AT LEAST THERE IS EFFORT!
He’s trying to get the tourists here. Unfortunately Gombeys won’t do it. Nobody will come to Bermuda simply to see them. While they do attract attention at an event like this there has to be a heavy duty follow thru – tell the tourist what they’ll experience here – beaches, golf, restaurants, whatever (and tell them that, unless they’re very unfortunate, they’ll never see Gombeys again).
I’d say, there are many unhappy people locally and anything that is an attempt to improve our status is going to be taken as a negative. Grow up and look for the good things that are taking place. We have been plagued with so much violence and I’m sure it is not over but there is a lot of progress in that area as well. I say aye-oh!
You may see Gombeys, but pink Bermuda shorts? Or Bermuda shorts at all? Suits tailored in Atlanta, plus shades seems to be the uniform these days. More deceptive marketing unfortunately, when Bermuda has so much to offer if only the politics and egos were taken out.
As much as I like Gombeys and as much as I appreciate Wayne’s efforts, I wouldn’t be using the Gombeys as as my live marketing strategy in New York City.
To me this seemed like a wrong decision at first glance thinking the Gombeys music might be nerve racking to Grand Central commuters. After a further look I realize its quite a good idea. Tired, cold, overworked & fed up commuters would be distracted towards the drums & see the bright signs subliminally saying, “GET AWAY FROM IT ALL & COME TO PARADISE!” All the commuters have to do to win a getaway is take some time out, interact & have some fun. Gombeys have been done before but not this way. Wayne is not marketing the Gombeys their just the loud head turner he’s marketing a 50 out of 750,000 chance to visit paradise for free.
NOW WE’RE COOKING WITH BLACK SEAL!!! TWEET!!! TWEET!!! AHOOO!!! TWEET!!! TWEET!!! AHOOO!!! TWEET!!! TWEET!!! AHOOO!!! TWEET!!! TWEET!!! AHOOO!!! TWEET!!! TWEET!!! AHOOO!!!
gombeys are a deterrent, its honestly embarrassing.
If guys want tourists we need to talk about golf, rum, beach’s and non mariners.
When harbor nights starts up again go check out how many tourist flock to see the gombeys & get in on the action themselves UNDETERRED.
Only a foolish Bavarian or a dogmatic foreigner would be embarrassed of German yodelers. This goes the same for those who put down the Bermudian Gombeys.
Not everybody golfs, Bermudian Rum is shipped all over the world & BTW is not allowed on cruise ships & non mariners is only once a year. All you got left in your bag is beaches but there’s much more to Bermuda than what you mentioned.
Why don’t they talk about how friendly, convenient and safe it is here?
Oh yes, I forgot for a moment. Advertisements have to be somewhat true.
Or they could talk about how friendly, convenient & safe Bermuda still is compared to other touristed islands & it would be the absolute truth. Unless someone considers being friendly, convenient & safe as lying on a fenced in beach with armed guards as if they were in Beirut.
The UBP leader is trying I’ll give him that! I’ll let the results speak for themselves… then make comments. Hey Mr UBP leader… We know you like the photo ops so this is your chance to shine. For now you may be the only one who knows what their doing under the flipPLoP banner. We will see!