By Vinette K. Pryce

It was black, green and gold outside Rockefeller Plaza last Wednesday when Jamaica’s Prime Minister P.J. Patterson made an appearance on NBC-TV’s morning “TODAY” show.
Visiting New York during the final months before his retirement from a 13-year unprecedented leadership, the head of state made the national television appearance courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Travel Channel.

There to promote the debut of a feature slated to highlight aspects of Jamaica’s tourism assets, the prime minister took the opportunity to express condolences to southerners who suffered from the fallout of Hurricane Katrina.

“We empathize with the people of the Gulf states,” Patterson said.
He added that in light of how the US responded to the many hurricane losses on his own island, he offered 30 members of the army’s engineering corps to assist in the reconstruction of the southern cities.

He also promised 100 vacation packages to first responders and distressed citizens. Patterson said whenever the displaced citizens wanted to de-stress from the trauma of Hurricane Katrina, Jamaica would welcome pairs totaling 200 individuals ready for relaxation and fun.
Patterson’s “Today” show visit promoted “Jamaica: The Ultimate Tour,” one of five cultural close-ups by the Travel Channel spotlighting destinations throughout the world.
Already showcased to the more than 80 million viewers in the United States, the Travel Channel has focused on Uganda, Jordan, New Zealand, and Peru.

In this Caribbean spotlight, Patterson takes Travel Channel’s Peter Greenberg from his Vale Royal official workplace in the capital city of Kingston, to the top of Blue Mountain, through scenic roadways, rafting along the Rio Grande River, a cricket match, dolphin encounters, jerk chicken taste tests, domino tournaments, 960 feet up the rippling Dunn’s River Falls, and to a number of outposts the average tourist may miss during a regular visit.

Always ahead of the chubby host, throughout the feature, the lean leader proudly boasts the longitude and latitude of his island. With reggae music interspersed throughout the travelogue, groups such as the Skatalites, Morgan Heritage and Third World are featured.
Although Patterson did not mention his departure date when interviewer Al Roker broached the topic, it was reported that he would vacate his post as early as April 2006.
The leader’s visit also marked the convening of the 60th session of the General Assembly at the United Nations. One hundred and 70 leaders are scheduled to speak during the 2005 session.