First Official Visit of Serge Letchimy, Martinique's Highest Ranking Representative, to the United States

NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Martinique Tourism Authority announces the arrival of Serge Letchimy, the President of Martinique's Regional Council and one of the island's Representative to the French National Assembly, to New York this week. During his first official visit to the United States, he will be meeting with top French and American officials including the Consul General of France, the Director of the Schomburg Center, the Ambassador to the United Nations of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and other key socio-economic figures in order to deepen the relationship between Martinique and the Franco-American and Caribbean community.  As part of his mission to the United States, he will be conducting a television interview to present the island to this new audience as well as promoting American Airlines and Seaborne Airlines' new flights from the US to Martinique. His visit will also include an evening hosted at the French Consulate for the Martinican community living in New York.

"Tourism is a major component of Serge Letchimy's agenda and a key factor for ensuring Martinique's economic growth. The recent developments in air transportation from the US to the island are an important contribution to this effort. The inaugural visit of the President of Martinique's Regional Council to New York is an important step in building durable relations between the island and the United States," stated Karine Roy-Camille, the Martinique Tourism Commissioner.

Martinique's most preeminent political figure, Serge Letchimy was born in January 13, 1953 in Gros Morne in Martinique. He obtained his bachelor degree in Geography in 1984 and a Ph.D in Urban Planning and Strategy at La Sorbonne in Paris. Launching his career as an urban planner, he helped to restructure the city's complex development, working closely with Martinican poet, author and politician Aime Cesaire. His closeness to Aime Cesaire naturally facilitated his dedication to the Martinican Progressive Party to which he was elected as President in 2005. He succeeded Aime Cesaire as mayor of the capital city, Fort-de-France, in 2001.  His political career has since flourished as he was elected one of Martinique's representatives to the French National Assembly in 2007 and became President of the Regional Council in 2010. 

About Martinique (www.martinique.org)
The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aime Cesaire) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world.  It was named "Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining" in 2009 by Caribbean Travel + Life, and "Best Caribbean Destination" (2010) by About.com. The bay of Fort-de-France, the capital city, is among the most beautiful bays of the world. Martinique is an overseas region of France that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary delights, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and so much more.  Napoleon's bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised in Martinique. The Majestic Mt. Pelee volcano and St. Pierre, The Pompeii of the Caribbean, are found here. Martinique also offers a dynamic art scene and a wide array of local products. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c'est magnifique!

SOURCE Martinique Tourism Authority