Jamaica’s tourism sector is set to benefit from new and increased airlift arrangements. Speaking in the House of Representatives on April 5, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said that during a recent market blitz in North America, American Airlines executives confirmed as many as 17 non-stop flights per day on many major routes to Jamaica. He noted that Miami,...

Jamaica is now regarded as one of the world’s fastest-recovering countries, and the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourist destination, says Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. Opening the 2022/2023 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 5), the Minister credited the achievement to the “excellent tactics and polices” that the Government put in place to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19)....

A total of 8,500 new hotel rooms are set to come on stream within the next five years. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure as he opened the 2022/23 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on April 5. Mr. Bartlett said among the projects is the 2,000-room Princess Resort in Hanover, which will become Jamaica’s largest...

The development of a sustainable framework and strategy for the tourism sector is now under way. The initiative aims to enhance resilience of the industry and increase its sustainability during times of crisis. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure in his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 5). “When it comes...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says Jamaica has engaged in a process of consultation with Heads of CARICOM regarding the possible candidature of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Mr. Holness also informed that discussions had also been held to seek a better...

More than 450,000 low- and middle-income households, consuming up to 200 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month, will receive a 20 per cent contribution towards their bill payments over the next four months, under the Government’s proposed We CARE Energy Co-Pay Programme. This is expected to largely benefit persons earning smaller incomes, including vendors, security guards, housekeepers, household workers,...

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS) has obtained Cabinet’s approval to exempt lithium-ion batteries from General Consumption Tax (GCT). This is to be implemented in the first quarter of Financial Year 2022/2023, which begins April 1st. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, made the announcement as he closed the 2022/23 Budget Debate in the House of...

Preparatory work on the US$274.5-million Montego Bay Perimeter Road is progressing, following a contract signing with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. Making his contribution to the 2022/2023 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 18, he said the process of land acquisition and design works is ongoing, adding that work...

The Government is undertaking a programme for the development of the road network to create more resilient infrastructure, and to improve vehicular movement and safety on the roadways, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. Making his contribution to the 2022/2023 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 18), the Prime Minister said the programme includes...