Vaz says Gov’t looking at incentives for Rent-A-Car Sector

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunication and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has said that the Jamaica Rent A-Car industry forms an integral part of the island’s tourism product.
“To this end the industry not only contributes to improving the tourism product, but to national development through employment and well needed revenue,” he said during the Jamaica Rent-A-Car Association Limited 40th annual general meeting and luncheon, at the Terra Nova Hotel, Kingston on Thursday (October 28).
He noted that the investment made in Jamaica’s road network, one of the most extensive for an island of its size, will allow for greater competitiveness among other Caribbean countries, as well as the Rent-A-Car industry.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunication and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz (centre) speaking with Jamaica Rent-A-Car Association Limited’s Vice-President, Michael Campbell (right) and President, William McCalla during the association’s 40th annual general meeting and luncheon at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston on Thursday (October 28).

“The Government is fully aware that transport policies influence the quality, capacity, extensiveness and the efficiency of transport which contributes to the competitiveness of tourism,” he said.
In response to the President of the Association, William McCalla’s call for improvements in the levels of waivers and incentives granted to the industry, Mr. Vaz said the Government is currently looking at these areas, as mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), adding that a study to this end should be completed by the first quarter of 2011.
“We all anxiously wait with bated breath and ears, and look to see what the analysis shows and what the policy recommendations will be. Whatever the recommendations, I am as adamant, as you are, that it should be clear, efficient and supportive of growth for your industry,” he said.
The Jamaica Rent-A-Car Association Limited formerly known as the Jamaica U-Drive Association (JUDA) was incorporated in October 1965, commencing with 15 rent-a-car operators.
The association’s main objectives are: to standardize and regularize the rent-a-car industry; to promote the business of its members on an organized and ethical basis; and to provide a competitive reliable product to the tourism industry.