Jamaica was on full display at the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) 2019 Gala Dinner held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre earlier this month.

The four-day conference focused on how gaming regulators throughout the world can foster a secure, vibrant, innovative, safe and responsible industry. It sought to tackle and discuss some timely concerns in the industry such as cybersecurity, the effect of blockchain technology, and the role of artificial intelligence and big data in gaming regulation.

It was the very first time in the nine years of conducting this annual conference that IAGR, the largest international gaming regulation body in the world, selected a Caribbean territory to be its host, and I’m thrilled that they chose Jamaica as the ideal destination.

Jamaica isn’t just a place for sun, sea and sand. It’s a place for business, and having 200 delegates from 26 countries gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase Jamaica’s capabilities – and showcase we did!

In true #YourJamaicanGirl style I intentionally wore a dress from Loud Fashion that looked similar to our Doctor Bird or a tropical flower. One delegate said that I looked like a butterfly. The audience approved with applause.

Brand Jamaica was also beautifully represented in many other ways – from the conference bags by Bresheh, locally handcrafted ceramics and Jamaican books to the entertainment throughout the night by Dance Xpressions, Dwight Trumpet, Gem Myers and others. We laughed and danced the night away to sweet reggae music.

It was an absolute honour to host this event, learn more about the global gaming industry, and see our country highlighted in such a wonderful way.