News Releases

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) engages in a vibrant discussion with (from left) Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, Dr. Kerry-Ann McKenzie, Consultant Pediatrician at the Falmouth Public General Hospital and Karen Zacca, Operations Director at the Sandals Foundation, following Tuesday’s (August 11) launch of Island Challenge Jamaica held at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

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Bartlett Calls for Redefinition of Tourism CSR in Jamaica

Tourism Minister urges businesses to embed community development in their operations as Sandals Foundation brings Island Challenge home KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, August 14, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is calling for a fundamental redefinition of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Jamaica’s tourism industry, urging businesses to move beyond charitable giving and become more deeply embedded in the development and resilience of the communities in which they operate. Minister Bartlett made the call on Tuesday (August 11) while delivering the main address at the launch of the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge Jamaica 2026, under the theme “Tourism Doing Good,” at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston. The four-day endurance event, scheduled for October 2–5, will take approximately 30 UK athletes, along with local and international partners, on a route spanning Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary and St. Andrew. Participants will run, kayak, trek and hike across Jamaica’s landscapes while seeking to raise £100,000 to strengthen neonatal and paediatric healthcare services, including at the Falmouth Public General Hospital.

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Minister McNeill Welcomes New Jewel Lagoon Water Park

RUNAWAY BAY, St Ann; July 23, 2015: Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill has welcomed Jewel Runaway Bay’s $570 million Lagoon Water Park as a great addition to the tourism product.

Ocho Rios Gets $107.2 Million CCTV Surveillance System

Kingston, Jamaica: September 6, 2015 – Lawmen in the resort town of Ocho Rios have been given added resources to aid in their efforts to maintain law and order as the parish capital became the latest area to be outfitted with a cutting edge Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system. The system was officially handed over recently at the Ocho Rios Police Station, where the monitoring centre is located.

TEF Provides $84 Million to Repair Mocho to Arcadia Main Road

MONTEGO BAY, St James; Monday, September 7, 2015: The linkage between tourism and agriculture will begin to benefit a number of historic rural communities in southern St. James soon, with the Tourism Enhancement Fund financing the rehabilitation of a roadway in the area, to the tune of just under $84 million.

Newly Upgraded Burwood Beach Facility Opened

TEF Provides $28 Million for Renovation FALMOUTH, Jamaica, Sunday, January 10, 2016: The parish of Trelawny now boasts one of the best public beaches in the island following an investment of $28 million in the development of the Burwood Beach on the outskirts of Falmouth.

Rafting in Portland to get Major Boost

Kingston Jamaica; January 1 4 , 201 6 : The rafting experience in Portland is set to be significantly enhanced, with some $32 million being allocated to renovate the facilities in Berridale and Rafter’s Rest. This was revealed by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill at a meeting which followed the second staging of the Rafter’s Rest Race on Wednesday January 13, 2016.

TEF Allocated J$180 Million to Heritage Sites in 2015

Kingston, Jamaica: January 15, 2016 – As part of efforts to boost heritage tourism the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) allocated $180 million in funding for Jamaica’s heritage sites in 2015. This is in keeping with the agency’s mandate to create a richer tourism product and also preserve the nation's historical and cultural heritage for its citizens. Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr.

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