BBC News Online: World: Americas

Jamaica's outrage at naked nuptials

Eight couples are set to exchange vows in the altogether at Hedonism III - an offshoot of Hedonism II, a resort famous for its wild ways.

Tourism is one of Jamaica's biggest industries and its largest earner of foreign currency.

Tourism Minister Portia Simpson Miller told The Gleaner newspaper: "This type of activity is not in keeping with our marketing strategy for Jamaica."

Private matter

Jamaica has laws against public nudity, but it is not clear whether such laws would apply out of public view in a private resort.

Superclubs - the company that owns the Hedonism resorts - says that despite the controversy, the naked nuptials will go ahead as planned.

But controversy over the nude ceremonies has already spread outside Jamaica.

'A despicable act'

On Wednesday, a dozen pastors from the Caribbean-American Clergy Coalition demonstrated outside the New York offices of the Jamaica Tourist Board.

"Our coalition of Caribbean clergy, most of whom are from Jamaica, are in a total shock that such a despicable act would take place" said the coalition in a letter to Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson.

The coalition urged Mr Patterson to stop the nude weddings; so far the prime minister has not responded.