JAMAICA: Ensuring Safety In The Tourism Sector

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says a new regime, aimed at dealing with safety and security in the tourism industry is soon to be announced.

"We are working on that now, and by the time I get to Budget [debate], we will be ready to roll out that new concept,” said Bartlett.

"It is going to, I am telling you, say to the world, this is a friendly wonderful place to come [Jamaica], but we have a strong hand on your safety and security."

He urged industry stakeholders to support the regime when it is implemented.

"I want you to work with us on it, because some people believe that if we agree that the relation between each other must operate a certain way, then we don't like poor people, or we don't want a man to eat a food," the tourism minister argued, during his address at the Montego Bay Red Cap Porters’ Association Annual General Meeting at the Sangster International Airport on Thursday.

"Well, we going to have to knock away this eat-a-food mentality in order to build safety and security so, walk with me on this, because I know you know what I am talking about. Because, if we don't have the industry, think about what will happen in Montego Bay. Think about what will happen in Ocho Rios, think about what will happen in Kingston."

"The impact of tourism is nationwide and jobs are created in all sectors as a result of the visitors who arrive in this country. So, if they stop coming, you would be surprised to see the jobs just fold up," Bartlett added.