On Behalf Of Martinique Regional Council President Serge Letchimy, Martinique Tourism Authority Commissioner Karine Roy-Camille Visits The United Nations In Support Of The Permanent Memorial in Honor Of The Victims Of Slavery And The Transatlantic Slave Trade

NEW YORK, June 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On behalf of Martinique Regional Council President Serge Letchimy, Martinique Tourism Authority Commissioner Karine Roy-Camille made an official visit to the United Nations June 5-7 to contribute to the Permanent Memorial in Honor of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Dubbed The Ark of Return, the Memorial was designed by Mr. Rodney Leon, an architect based in Manhattan and an American of Haitian descent. Mrs. Roy-Camille pledged a financial contribution toward the construction of the memorial on behalf of the Martinique Regional Council and the people of Martinique.

In addition to pledging support for the Permanent Memorial project, Mrs. Roy-Camille sought to build upon Mr. Letchimy's recent efforts to foster closer ties between Martinique and its fellow Caribbean neighbor states during the UN visit. A meeting was held with H.E John W. Ashe, President of the 68th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations and a Former Permanent Representative of Antigua & Barbuda, who, along with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, leads the new development agenda toward the eradication of poverty. Mrs. Roy-Camille also met in New York with fellow Ministers of Tourism from other Caribbean destinations on the occasion of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Caribbean Week.

"It was indeed a great honor to represent President Letchimy and all Martinicans everywhere in support of such a noble project as the Permanent Memorial at the United Nations, while also sharing in the spirit of togetherness and cooperation among all Caribbean nations," said Mrs. Roy-Camille. "We may be small as individual island states, but together we stand strong; both in honoring the dark memory of our shared past, and also in working together to build a brighter future."

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) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications services all on par with any other part of the European Union. At the same time, Martinique's beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are the equal of neighboring Dominica to the north and St. Lucia to the south, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds.

The currency is the Euro, the flag is Le Tricolore, and the official language is French, but Martinique's character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole Martiniquais. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years, including being named "Best Caribbean Destination" by About.com, and "Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining" by Caribbean Travel + Life. The Bay of Fort-de-France, which fronts Martinique's charming capital city, was also recently inducted into The Club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World.

Martinique's storied history further stirs travel passions. Napoleon's bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised in Martinique, while the majestic Mt. Pelee volcano and St. Pierre, The Pompeii of the Caribbean, are found here.

A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c'est magnifique!

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140616/118544
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140616/118545
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140616/118543

SOURCE Martinique Promotion Bureau