NEW YORK, NY (Sept. 29, 2004) -- The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced that American actress Kim Fields has offered to assist the Caribbean tourism industry in the effort to recover from the effects of Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, all of which inflicted damage on the region during the month of September. Losses as a result of these devastating weather systems have been estimated to be in the billions of dollars. In Grenada alone, 90% of housing was damaged or destroyed. “The Caribbean will benefit tremendously from the efforts of Ms. Fields, and for that we are grateful,” said Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas. “Her determination to enlist entertainers and make our message heard is of paramount importance and immeasurable value.” Ms. Fields will use her influence in the entertainment industry to create and air public service announcements. The announcements will be aired throughout the United States on radio and television stations which donate airtime and in other cases where advertisers support the effort. The announcements will urge audiences to make donations to the Caribbean Tourism Organization Relief Fund, an account established by CTO to provide monetary support to the victims of the hurricanes. Another major initiative being organized by Ms. Fields is the production of a benefit concert to be held in the U.S. As with the public service announcements, the intention is to secure the services of recording artistes, musicians, producers and other professionals on a donated or pro bono basis. To coordinate the various initiatives Ms. Fields is heading a committee of Entertainment Personalities Supporting Caribbean Tourism (EPSCART). On September 29th EPSCART will meet with a coalition of public- and private sector Caribbean tourism decision-makers who will assemble in New York City for a press conference. Kim Fields, a native New Yorker, traces her roots to Jamaica where her grandmother was born. Ms. Fields, who is an actress, director, producer and writer, is perhaps best known for her role in the 1980s sitcom The Facts of Life and the 1990s television series Living Single. Her support of the Caribbean over the years has included involvement with music festivals and entertainment events in St. Lucia, Jamaica, The British Virgin Islands and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Further information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization Relief Fund may be obtained by contacting CTO or visiting www.onecaribbean.org. SOURCE: CTO