Submitted by Due Diligence

Included with July 28 edition of the Toronto Star I received today was the July/August 2016 edition of Horizon Travel & Lifestyle magazine, an advertising/promotional publication for travel destinations. On page 14 there is a full-page sponsored article (by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc – BTMI) titled “Think Summer, Think Barbados“.

My initial reaction was – Isn’t this great.  Some Barbados promotion in the Toronto/Canadian market. The mentioned article in the magazine on July 28 includes the following:-

For a truly memorable summer experience, make an appearance at the Crop Over Celebration — one of the island’s most popular and colourful festivals. Crop Over features many exciting activities including arts and crafts markets in Bridgetown and Cohobblopot, and a huge carnival-like show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes. Calypsonians compete for prizes and titles, including the Party Monarch, the Road March Monarch and the Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. As calypsonians perform on a stage with the Atlantic surf as a backdrop, spectators gather to take in the fantastic music, and sample plenty of food and drink.

and

If this wasn’t enough, this year, Barbados has more reason to celebrate than ever! 2016 marks 50 Years of Independence! On 30th November 1966, Barbados gained independence from Britain. Over the years its colourful character, diversity and culture has created the unique and friendly atmosphere that shines through the whole island. Still sometimes affectionately referred to as ‘Little England’, Barbados is proud to be a welcoming, safe holiday environment where visitors can truly interact with the locals for an authentic taste of Barbadian life.

On Page 15 is a full page ad from BTMI titled SUMMER FUN IN BARBADOS.

The text of the ad reads:-

Where tropical sunshine and fun-filled activities await you!

Discover the island’s natural beauty on a Jeep Safari, swim with the turtles in the clear blue sea and party at the biggest Carnival in the Caribbean, all under the warmth of Bajan sun. You haven’t known summer until you’ve known a Barbados summer.

But the “biggest Carnival in the Caribbean” is over in four days!

Who in Canada is going to be motivated to fly off to Barbados for Crop Over 2016?

Who at BTMI authorized paying – probably CDN$5/10,000 – for advertising focusing on the island’s most popular and colourful Crop Over Festival when the readers cannot possibly make arrangements to get there in 2016?

And, why is BTMI still using that “Little England” stuff when the Prime Minister is talking Republic and severing the remaining ties to Engalund?