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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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Jamaica Boosts COVID-19 Testing Capacity to Meet Increased Demand - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 22, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Jamaica has bolstered its COVID-19 testing infrastructure to meet the growing demand for such tests, driven by new travel requirements in major tourism source markets.

Bartlett Congratulates Adam Stewart on Being Named Executive Chairman of SRI

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 19, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has extended heartfelt congratulations to renowned hotelier, Adam Stewart, on his appointment as Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), following the recent passing of his father, business mogul, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

Minister Bartlett Names Special Task Force to Boost COVID-19 Testing Capacity

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, January 13, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has named a special task force to spearhead efforts to boost Jamaica’s COVID-19 testing capacity, in light of the growing demand for such tests, fuelled by new travel requirements in key tourism source markets.

Jamaica to Ramp up COVID-19 Testing Capacity - Minister Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, January 12, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that urgent steps are being taken to ramp up Jamaica’s COVID-19 testing capacity, amid reports of expected changes in testing requirements by one of the country’s largest tourism source markets - the United States of America.

Bartlett Mourns Death of Shipping Stalwart Harry Maragh

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 05, 2021: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed condolences to the family and loved-ones of the late Harriat “Harry” Maragh, past president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) and chairman of Lannaman & Morris Group of Companies.

Tourism Minister Mourns the Passing of Tourism Icon Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 05, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep sadness at the passing of tourism stalwart Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

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