Bartlett pledges GTRCMC support to strengthen the country’s tourism recovery and resilience
KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, August 14, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has expressed Jamaica’s solidarity with the Government and people of Colombia following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on August 10, 2026, pledging the support and technical expertise of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) as Colombia begins its recovery and rebuilding efforts.
In a letter to Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Hon. Mauricio Gómez Amín, Minister Bartlett conveyed the deepest sympathies of the Government and people of Jamaica, particularly the tourism community, to those affected by the disaster.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, the injuries sustained and the widespread destruction caused by this disaster,” Minister Bartlett stated, extending Jamaica’s thoughts and prayers to families who have lost loved ones, those awaiting news of relatives and friends, and communities whose homes and livelihoods have been affected.
The tourism minister noted the longstanding bonds of friendship between Jamaica and Colombia and the shared recognition of tourism as an important driver of economic growth, employment and community development.
He further acknowledged the potential impact of the disaster on Colombia’s tourism infrastructure, workers and tourism-dependent communities, assuring Colombia that Jamaica’s tourism sector stands in solidarity with its Colombian counterparts during this difficult period.
“The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), headquartered in Jamaica, stands ready to provide any technical support or expertise that may assist Colombia’s tourism sector in assessing the impact of the disaster, strengthening recovery efforts and rebuilding,” Minister Bartlett said.
Minister Bartlett said Jamaica’s response reflects the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity in strengthening the resilience of tourism-dependent economies to natural disasters and other disruptions.
He added that Jamaica stands ready to support Colombia as it confronts the tragedy and begins the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding.
