New TPDCO District Constables Urged to Take Role Seriously

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has charged graduates of the Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDCo) District Constable (DC) programme to take seriously the role they must play in safeguarding Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on Tuesday (July 4), Minister Bartlett said now, more than ever, all hands are needed on deck to protect the nation’s main economic driver.

“Congratulations on your accomplishment; I am sure that you all are anxious and ready to be assigned to your respective communities… . Every one of you here today has a special role to play in safeguarding Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality industry,” he said.

He noted that tourism is big business and “in many countries the single largest source of investment and employment, contributing an amazing US$7.2 trillion to the global economy last year, and accounting for one in every 11 jobs globally”.

He noted that Jamaica welcomed a record 3.8 million stopover and cruise visitors in 2016, representing an increase of 3.9 per cent over 2015 when there were 3.6 million visitors to the island.

“Last year, we earned over US$2.5 billion from tourism, and, so far this year, we have earned over US$1.2 billion, putting us on track for another record-breaking year. Just yesterday evening (July 3), I welcomed just under 300 passengers from an inaugural non-stop flight from Germany; yet another milestone for our tourism sector, and goes to show how quickly the sector is developing,” he pointed out.

He noted that the Government is targeting five million visitors over the next five years, with earnings of US$5 billion and increasing direct tourism jobs to 125,000, while adding 15,000 new rooms to the sector.

Minister Bartlett said, however, those targets will not be achieved without the unwavering commitment and support of all stakeholders.

“Graduates, we will not be able to achieve our targets without your support and the broader support of the security programme we have put in place… . The primary objective of this programme is to provide sustained policing in these areas in an attempt to minimise harassment and antisocial activities,” he pointed out.

The 93 men and women, representing the second cohort of graduates, successfully completed six weeks of rigorous training.