Minister Satisfied with Support for Development in Negril

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says he is satisfied with the level of support which exists in the resort town of Negril to allow for its development.

Speaking to JIS News following a tour of several sections of Negril on May 27, Mr. Bartlett said the visit by him and senior technocrats in the Ministry was a fact finding one to look at critical areas to be upgraded and developed.

He added that the tour also brought the Ministry’s team and stakeholders together to look at issues affecting the area and how they can be addressed through partnership.

“I am very pleased with the level of institutional support in the area. I am equally pleased with the enthusiasm and the energy that I feel in Negril – the desire for us to really transform this into a very alluring destination that will rival any of its kind across the globe,” the Minister said.

The tour took the team along the seven-mile stretch of beach and into the West End area, where matters relating to the existing infrastructure for property and beach development as well as the opportunities for improved entertainment were discussed.

Mr. Bartlett said a serious and focused look will be taken on a number of issues, including food and how Negril could become a centre for gastronomy.

The Minister said that in talks with the people, they expressed a desire to have tourists all year round, rather than seasonally.

Mr.  Bartlett was accompanied on the tour  by the Executive Directors of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo),  Clyde Harrison and Dennis Hickey respectively; Chairmen of both entities, Godfrey Dyer and Ian Dear as well as representatives of Negril Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).