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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, announces that a "Local First" policy is coming that will require investors to partner with communities. He was speaking on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at an event celebrating the completion of the first phase of Vista Montego Bay Resort and the groundbreaking for phase two. The $100 million luxury mixed resort-style residential development is situated on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.

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"Local First" Policy to Guide Jamaica's Tourism Investments – Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thursday, August 14, 2025: As Jamaica’s pivot toward the luxury tourism market gains momentum, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is reinforcing his strong commitment to a policy that ensures local communities directly benefit from these new developments. He expressed delight that the government has been attracting premium investments, with groundbreaking ceremonies for over US$3.5 billion in tourism developments in the last three months alone. While not disclosing specifics, he mentioned he had just finalized discussions on two more "mega billion-dollar investments."

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Bartlett meets with Embassy Officials regarding Security Audit Report

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 30, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett today met with key Embassy officials to discuss the recent security audit report. The Embassy officials, which included representatives from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, were updated by Minister Bartlett on the sector’s strategic plans to create a new architecture for security and next steps.

Bartlett appoints New Director of Visitor Safety and Experience to further Review Security Audit Report

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 29, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has appointed a new director of Visitor Safety and Experience, Major Dave Walker, to further review the initial report from the recent island wide security audit of the tourism sector. Following this review, Major Walker will submit a final report with recommendations on the way forward by the start of the winter tourist season in December.

Sargassum Clean-up Costs Caribbean US$120 Million – Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 26, 2019: The unprecedented levels of sargassum seaweed that washed up on Caribbean beaches in 2018 resulted in estimated clean-up costs of US$120 million, according to Minister of Tourism and Co-Chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM), Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

J$1 Billion in Revenue generated from Reggae Sumfest, says Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 22, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon Edmund Bartlett has indicated that J$ 1Billion was generated at the just concluded Reggae Sumfest music festival held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.

J$16 Million in Contracts Earned from 2018 Staging of Christmas in July

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 22, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon, Edmund Bartlett says that his Ministry’s Christmas in July tradeshow has been a resounding success for local manufacturers, noting that last year at least 30 participants collectively received contracts valued at over J$16 million.

Strong support for Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme

OCHO RIOS, Jamaica, Friday, July 19, 2019: In anticipation of passing its final hurdle in the Senate, the Ministry of Tourism has embarked on another round of awareness and sensitization sessions to get workers signed onto the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme.

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