Mr. Speaker, Jamaica has been blessed with spectacular beauty, hospitable people, and a vibrant culture. These together have combined to help us create a successful tourism industry. Today the industry plays a crucial role in our economic and social development providing employment to some 33,000 persons in the accommodation sector and thousands more indirectly. Jamaica has long been recognised as...

STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT BY THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND ENTERTAINMENT, THE HON. WYKEHAM McNEILL, MEASURES TO REGULARIZE PERSONAL WATER CRAFTS (PWC) OPERATIONS   Background The Honourable House will recall that following two accidents involving Personal Water Crafts (PWCs) on August 17th and 21st, 2013, where one child died and another person was severely injured, in Ocho Rios and Negril, respectively,...

My fellow Jamaicans …   It’s that time of year again, when, as a nation we are encouraged to reflect on the importance of the tourism sector, as we welcome the start of the 2013/2014 winter tourist season which begins on December 15.   Jamaica like many of our neighbours in the wider Caribbean region has faced numerous challenges over...

Salutations:   Today I am delighted to participate in Jamaica's observation of World Tourism Day 2012, under the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Energy:  Powering Sustainable Development". As our nation joins the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and its global tourism partners in commemorating this symbolic day, it is in joint recognition of the global importance of tourism. Locally, the...

Salutations Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honour as I rise to make my contribution to the Sectoral Debate, which will be my first presentation in this Honourable House. Firstly, let me express my gratitude to the Most Honourable Prime Minister for displaying sufficient confidence in me by assigning me this important portfolio as State Minister of Tourism and Entertainment....

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely pleased to rise to make my contribution to the Sectoral Debate, which will be my first in the capacity of Minister of Tourism and Entertainment. I would like to thank the Most Honourable Prime Minister for the confidence she has reposed in me by assigning me this important portfolio responsibility. Congratulations to the Speaker, Clerk...

SALUTATIONS: ·       Session Chairman - Mrs. Evelyn Smith;    ·       Ministerial Co-Host - The Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson; ·       Esteemed co-presenters – o   Mr. Claude Duncan o   Mr. Danny Hughes o   Mr. Abel Matutes ·       Colleagues, Associates, Ladies and Gentlemen … I wish to give my congratulations to JAMPRO and Compete Caribbean on the hosting of this Forum and the opportunity...

My fellow Jamaicans, I’m extremely happy to address you today September 27, which is being celebrated as World Tourism Day all across the globe. This internationally recognized day is organized annually by the United Nations World Tourism Organization to promote the benefits of tourism globally. This year’s theme is Tourism – Linking Cultures and as Jamaicans, we understand very well...