ST. ANN, Jamaica; February 1, 2021: Small entrepreneurs in the tourism and agriculture sectors are receiving well needed assistance under a J$52.46 million initiative, developed to assist them in recovering from the economic ravages of COVID-19. The assistance is being provided under the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI II), which has seen the implementation of a special COVID-19 Resilience and Capacity Building sub-project for Agriculture and Community Tourism Enterprises.

Funded by the World Bank and administered by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) the REDI II programme will benefit some 1,660 farmers, community tourism service providers, RADA Extension Officers, Ministry of Tourism staff, TPDCo trainers and regional staff, in addition to an estimated 18,000 indirect beneficiaries.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the programme, which is aimed at assisting in safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of rural folk working in community tourism and agricultural enterprises. He along with Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Floyd Green; Chairman of JSIF, Dr. Wayne Henry and other stakeholders, handed out packages of products procured for the beneficiaries during a ceremony held at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, St. Ann recently.

Minister Bartlett said: “I’m also pleased to see that among the objectives of REDI II is the provision of medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as prescribed by the Ministry of Tourism’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols. PPEs to include face masks, face shields, no contact hand-held thermometers, hand sanitizer dispenser, 62% alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer.”

Mr. Bartlett added that: “What this REDI II programme is seeking to do is to build our capacity to respond to the disruptions that the pandemic will cause, also to manage, to recover and to thrive. And that is the essence of what is going to make Jamaica stand out in the end.” For its part, tourism’s role “is to create the framework for the farmer to operate by enabling a market that will be able to respond to the production levels that he is going to produce,” he explained.

The tourism ministry is also playing a leading role in enabling the community tourism enterprises and farmers to withstand the dislocation caused by COVID-19, by fostering adherence to established protocols on their properties and in marketing their produce to the hospitality sector. The Tourism Product Development Company and the Tourism Enhancement Fund are partners in executing this aspect of the multi-million dollar project.

Minister Bartlett described the REDI II programme, which will involve ago-tourism experiences, as “a God-send in a time like this,” adding that “it is going to create and build experiential tourism through agriculture.”

Meanwhile, commenting on the way forward for the tourism sector post-COVID-19, Mr. Bartlett disclosed that the Ministry of Tourism was in resetting mode. “We are resetting tourism to make it more responsive, more inclusive and to make it more relevant to the average, ordinary Jamaican in the country,” he explained.

Accordingly, the relationship between agriculture and tourism is to be enhanced. He said 42% of the expenditure of every visitor was on food but while a study revealed that the demand for agricultural produce amounted to J$39.6 billion, “of that we are only supplying about 20%, so we have a long way to go, a lot more to be done as there is capacity here, scope for more production and for more idle hands to be absorbed into dealing with idle lands.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 29, 2021: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep regret at the passing of tourism and transportation pioneer, Ralph Smith.

“I was very saddened to learn about the passing of Ralph Smith. We will never forget his kindness and invaluable contributions. On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I offer my sincere condolences to the entire Smith family. I pray that the love of those around you will provide some comfort and support during this period of grief,” said Minister Bartlett.

Smith is considered by many in the industry as a pioneer of modern ground transportation. He founded Tropical Tours, which is one of the largest transportation companies in the island's tourism sector, more than 45 years ago.

He is also credited for introducing several leading international tour operators to the island such as First Choice/ TUI, Hotel Plan, Maxi Tours and Maxi Coverage Company Sun Wing.

“Mr. Smith was a brilliant businessman. His passion for tourism and the transportation industry is truly unmatched. I am certain his legacy will live on for years to come. I pray that his soul will be at peace with our Heavenly Father,” said Mr. Bartlett.

For his contribution to the development of tourism in Jamaica, he was in 2005 bestowed the Order of Distinction. He is also a Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Lifetime Achievement awardee and his company, Tropical Tours, has received a number of awards from the JHTA over the years.  

Smith is a former member of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and a past president of the Jamaica Association of Tour Operators (JATO).

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 28, 2021: Prime Minister, Andrew Holness and Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett have welcomed the latest investment of just under US$1.5 million in the tourism sector’s latest innovative attraction, the Red Stripe Experience at Ricks Café, Negril.

Ground was broken yesterday (January 27), for the iconic experience, which is slated to be ready for the leisure market in October 2021, offering an interactive audio-visual tour that captures the history of two world renowned brands, the acclaimed Red Stripe Beer and the award-winning Rick’s Café, interwoven into Jamaica’s exciting cultural mix.

In welcoming the investment, Prime Minister Holness urged tourism interests to make similar cash injections to improve their existing properties, amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. “It is also the time to look at your plant and get it up to scratch. Now is the time to do all those physical changes to the plant that you couldn’t do while you have guests,” he expressed. 

Minister Bartlett indicates that he is particularly pleased with investments such as that being made by Red Stripe, which will capitalize on the island’s natural assets by leveraging its culture and heritage to tell the authentic Jamaican story.  “Attractions like these will get visitors out of the hotels to experience the real Jamaica,” he outlined.

Welcoming the ground-breaking for the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café as an example of the vision and investor confidence needed to jumpstart Jamaica’s post-COVID-19 recovery, Minister Bartlett said the pandemic-induced crisis was severely testing resilience across all sectors of the economy. However, he says there was a choice in facing this major test, of either being defeated or rising to the challenge.

Pre-pandemic the tourism industry was experiencing record growth, being responsible for 9.5% of GDP in 2019, contributing 50% of foreign exchange earnings and generating some 354,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs. “The Jamaica Tourist Board’s preliminary figures for 2020 indicate that we welcomed 1,297,094 visitors, comprising of 847,823 stopover arrivals and 449,271 cruise passenger arrivals, which brought in some US$1.3 billion in earnings. This represents just a fraction of 2019’s 4.3 million visitors and US$3.7 billion in earnings,” he emphasized.

“Despite the pandemic-induced setbacks, there is no doubt that the tourism players have an unwavering desire to bounce back. It is going to be a slow and arduous process, but we are doing everything we possibly can to get the tourism industry fully back on track, more hotels and attractions open and more workers back on the job,” assured Minister Bartlett.

Mr. Bartlett said the pandemic had forced a rethink of strategies and charting of a new course towards effective recovery and sustainable development.

“Investment will be key to our recovery effort as we seek to uncover hidden opportunities in tourism amid the COVID-era economic crisis. I am therefore pleased that investors continue to show confidence in the Jamaican tourism market and are finishing projects already started,” he said.

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.

“Jamaica is now very ready. We have developed the infrastructure to secure the quantities of testing agents and/or to enable the viral testing methods that are approved by the relevant authorities. So, all visitors who come to Jamaica will be able to access approved testing arrangements to enable them to fulfil the requirements of their respective countries for re-entry,” said Minister Bartlett.

This follows the recent order by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which requires evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result for airline passengers travelling into the United States. Similar requirements were previously introduced by the governments of Canada and the UK, which require all persons flying to those countries to present negative test results to facilitate entry or to avoid self-quarantine.

The Minister underscored that the improvements to the testing framework was being driven by the special task force he recently developed to spearhead efforts to boost Jamaica’s COVID-19 testing capacity. The group has also created a system which will make the process easier for visitors.

“The task force has done quite a lot of work. Which includes taking steps to assess and determine the capacity to respond to the need for testing of all visitors going back to their country and I am pleased to say that that work is completed. We are able to report positively that the labs are all accredited and resourced,” the Minister outlined.

“We have also established two redundancy arrangements. They are located at sites close to both international airports in Montego Bay and Kingston,” said Minister Bartlett.

Testing facilities are also in place at all of the country’s major hotels and transportation arrangements are in place to facilitate the movement of visitors to the closest testing centre, if one is not available on property.  Visitors will also have the option to pay for the tests prior to their arrival at the facilities.

The Minister also shared that a policy is being developed for visitors who test positive ahead of their departure from the island. “For visitors who test positive, we have a positive care programme that is being structured. The hotels will be the first responders by allowing the visitors to stay on property in a designated area throughout the period, especially if they are asymptomatic, to fulfil the requirements to enable them to go back home,” he said.

The Minister also explained that the new travel requirements are burdensome. “These new requirements are very challenging and we are already hampered by the existing protocols. The new ones only add to that burden. It is moving costs up and reducing volumes in, and will have implications in terms of the viability of some of the entities. However, what it is not affecting is the quality and high experience level that Jamaica offers.  We are still the finest destination to visit,” said the Minister.

The special task force is led by Minister Bartlett and includes President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Clifton Reader; First Vice President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and former President of the JHTA, Nicola Madden-Greig; Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Ian Dear; Deputy Chairman of the Sandals Group and Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Network Council, Adam Stewart; Executive Director of Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Chairman of the COVID-19 resilient corridor management team, John Byles; and Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright.

This task force works along with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and tourism stakeholders, both within the public and private sectors.

Visitors are encouraged to check the Jamaica Tourist Board’s website (www.visitjamaica.com) as well as the website of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (www.moh.gov.jm) for updates on the testing arrangements and approved testing facilities. 

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.

“I am heartened to learn that Adam Stewart has been named the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. Over the years, Adam has made a name for himself as a brilliant businessman, leader and innovator.  I can say without hesitation that the mantle of leadership of SRI could not have been passed to a more competent and deserving individual,” said Minister Bartlett. 

Stewart is the second person to ever serve as the company’s Chairman, and previously served as its Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman.

“Adam, much like his father, is a global industry leader with a wealth of knowledge about the Sandals brand and the international tourism industry. I offer you my heartiest congratulations Adam, I am certain you will do exceptionally well, and that you will continue to build on the rich legacy left by your father, who has groomed you very well for this position,” said Bartlett.

Sandals Resorts International is the parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. SRI was founded by Butch Stewart in 1981 and is based in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Sandals Resorts International has since developed into one of the most popular award-winning, all-inclusive resort chains in the world.

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.

The task force is led by Minister Bartlett and includes President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Clifton Reader; First Vice President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and former President of the JHTA, Nicola Madden-Greig; Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Ian Dear; Deputy Chairman of the Sandals Group and Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Network Council, Adam Stewart; Executive Director of Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Chairman of the COVID-19 resilient corridor management team, John Byles; and Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright.

The announcement comes as Minister Bartlett revealed that urgent steps are being taken to ramp up Jamaica’s COVID-19 testing capacity, in light of changes in testing requirements by the United States, which is the country’s largest tourism source markets. 

"This task force will work along with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and tourism stakeholders, both within the public and private sectors, to boost Jamaica’s capacity to facilitate wide scale COVID-19 testing for visitors to the island. We will also undertake extensive consultation with our local and international tourism partners to develop and introduce innovative solutions to effectively address this challenge," said Minister Bartlett.

Mr. Bartlett also expressed confidence in this collaborative approach. “This unified approach has proven to be very effective in managing the pandemic to date, and has been crucial to our success in introducing our COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols that have been endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council, as well as our COVID-Resilient Corridors. I am therefore confident that working in collaboration with our stakeholders, we will be successful,” he said.  

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an order requiring all airline passengers from international destinations to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding flights to the US. The new order is slated to take effect on January 26, 2021.

This follows the introduction of a similar COVID-19 test requirement by Canada and the UK, which requires all passengers flying to these countries to present negative test results in order to facilitate entry or avoid self-quarantine.

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. 

"Like all other nations, we understand the need to protect citizens and to put measures in place to help reduce the spread of this deadly virus. It is for this reason the Government of Jamaica and key partners are putting measures in place to boost the COVID-19 testing capacity locally," said Minister Bartlett.

According to news reports by media entities such as the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning to issue an order for all airline passengers from international destinations to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding flights to the US. The new order is expected to be announced as early as today, January 12 and is expected to take effect on January 26, 2021.

This comes on the heels of a similar COVID-19 test requirement by the governments of Canada and the UK, which also requires all persons flying to those countries to present negative test results to facilitate entry or to avoid self-quarantine.

Though concerned about the strain this will place on the resources of Jamaica’s health care system and the general economic recovery of the island, Minister Bartlett has disclosed that: “The Ministry of Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) as well as private labs and other key stakeholders to have more available testing facilities in place to make the process a more seamless one.”

"These growing changes in testing requirements within the travel industry will undoubtedly cause a setback in the economic recovery of small vulnerable destinations globally. These adjustments will place added pressure on the resources needed to treat our citizens, especially in countries that have made considerable efforts to successfully bolster their health and safety standards to insulate tourists and citizens alike, from the risk of COVID-19 infection.  We will however, continue to work closely with all local and international tourism partners, to ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors, “said Minister Bartlett.    

"We have developed and introduced robust COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols that have been endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council as well as COVID-Resilient Corridors, to boost the country’s ability to manage and trace the movement and activities of tourists along controlled corridors within the country. These innovative measures have helped to distinguish Jamaica as among the most COVID-19 resilient destinations in the world. We will continue to monitor and enhance our health and safety standards to protect our citizens and every single tourist who lands on our shores,” Minister Bartlett said.

“While we make preparations to facilitate this likely request, we implore the governments of the United States, Canada and the UK to reconsider such COVID-19 testing requirements and take into consideration the peculiar circumstances and risk level associated with travelling to individual countries, as we believe that Jamaica has proven to be a safe destination with strict and effective COVID-19 protocols in place," he added.

According to the Wall Street Journal: "The CDC order for universal testing of passengers, including for U.S. citizens returning from abroad, comes weeks after the US Government imposed a testing requirement for travelers from the U.K. over concerns about a more infectious strain of the virus that was detected there."

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.

“I was very saddened to learn about the passing of one of Jamaica’s stalwarts in the tourism and shipping industries, Harry Maragh. He was always pleasant and the consummate professional. This is indeed a great loss for our industry and he will be truly missed,” said Minister Bartlett.

Maragh’s company Lannaman and Morris is credited as the shipping agent for cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America, Costa Cruises and Aida Cruises. He also the founding manager of the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal.  Over the years, Lannaman & Morris has become the leading cruise agent, representing in excess of 75 per cent of all cruises that call at Jamaican ports.

“I greatly admire our homegrown talent who start from humble beginnings and go on to do great things for the nation.  He started as a validating/traffic clerk with Lannaman & Morris and later bought the company which has represents in excess of 75 per cent of all cruise lines that call on Jamaica. The success of our industry could not have happened without the stewardship of this great Jamaican.

I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Charmaine and the rest of their family as well as to his staff, who I am sure will miss him dearly. May God continue to provide you comfort during this very difficult period of mourning,” said Minister Bartlett.

In expressing her condolences, Executive Director of the Jamaica Vacations Ltd (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts said, “As one of the main agents for cruise ships with the responsibility of acting as the agent for major cruise ships arriving at our ports, we have worked very closely with Lannamans. Mr. Maragh was very hands-on as CEO, always approachable and reliable, always willing to assist when challenges arise.”

“He was a source of knowledge, expertise and was a great support due to his experience and relationship with the cruise lines. He assisted with giving invaluable advice on the industry and nurtured collaborations between Jamaican stakeholders and cruise executives. He continued to always make that call and assist to the very end. His passing will be a great loss for the cruise industry,” she added.

Maragh served on the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s board of directors as chairman of the audit sub-committee and the human resources sub-committee from June 2012 to February 2016.  At the time of his passing, Harry Maragh was chairman of the Kingston Port Workers Superannuation Fund, a post he had held since 2003. He was also a director of Express Catering and Margaritaville Turks & Caicos.

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

“Butch was truly an icon and innovator, philanthropist and perhaps the greatest marketer tourism has ever seen. Sandals is indeed the largest and most enduring brand created by a Caribbean entrepreneur in tourism and arguably the world today and the standard by which luxury All Inclusive is judged. I hail him as a father, leader, benefactor, and the greatest tourism entrepreneur of our time. His passing is truly devastating,” said the Minister.

Stewart was the founder of Sandals Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International. He was also the founder and chairman of the ATL Group of Companies and the Jamaica Observer.

“Gordon Butch Stewart has made an indelible mark. He has established himself as not just the standard by which entrepreneurship can be judged, but he has established a brand that has become global and is also the strongest statement that small island states such as Jamaica can make on global scenes, irrespective of their areas of involvement,” said Bartlett.

“I think that we can look back on his life and times and draw inspiration from the success that he has had. But I think, most importantly, we can be inspired by his resilience and the fact that he has started from nowhere, and has ended up as being one of the most celebrated human beings that Jamaica has produced in the last century,” He added.

Stewart ventured into the hospitality business in 1981 with the acquisition of properties in Montego Bay, St James, one of which was upgraded and later launched as the precursor to what is now Sandals Montego Bay.

Stewart has been bestowed with a number of honours over the years, including the Order of Jamaica (OJ), Commander of the Order of Distinction (OD) and Global Iconic legend of tourism at a UNWTO gala dinner held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in 2017.

“I, on behalf of the entire Ministry of Tourism, want to pay our very deep respect and regards to him and say to his family, your gift to us is going to be what will inspire us, particularly through this difficult period of COVID-19.  It is a hard moment to say good bye but it is a great moment for us to draw inspiration and to be guided to the future,” said the Minister.

“He was a fierce campion and I thank God that a Butch Stewart was among us. We thank God for the legacy that he has left behind and we have to draw on that great inspiration and to build a stronger and better place for ourselves and posterity,” he added.

The Honourable Gordon 'Butch' Stewart OJ. CD. Hon. LLD. was 79 years old.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 5, 2021: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that actor Michael Rainey, Jr., best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on Starz network's hit drama series Power, is an ideal candidate to become an official youth ambassador for the country.

The Minister made this announcement during a recent courtesy call at the Minister’s New Kingston offices, where  the young actor who was accompanied by his mother Shauna Small; publicist, JLexy Brooks, and Management Assistant, Jared Pessoa.

“This is a good moment, I am really inspired [by you] myself. The response you probably expected is that he is great for tourism, and you are, but you are much more than that. Michael is great to be a role model for Jamaica’s youth who need to have a sense of what they can accomplish,” said Minister Bartlett.

“I would love to have him have another conversation with us, which is beyond tourism where we can look at him in a more extensive way to give inspiration not just to a market that is going to need his image but to a country that is going to need his kind of efforts, especially coming out of Covid-19,” he added.

Rainey, who recently received his Jamaican citizenship, is a lead actor on Power Book II: Ghost, which is currently the Starz network's most-watched series.

Despite his early rise to fame, the 20-year-old Rainey says his primary goal is to use his platform to inspire youth to acknowledge their endless potential and to work hard to achieve their dream careers.

“The big thing in my career is being able to inspire kids my age or even younger than me to know that they can do whatever they want in life. Whether it is to be an activist, or play basketball or play football or be a doctor or anything.

I just want to make sure kids know that it is possible and there is always faith in anything you do. That is definitely what I enjoy the most about being in that position,” said Rainey.

In the drama, Michael leads a star studded cast, which is  a direct spin off from the hit series Power. Michael starred as Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series Power, in a leading role alongside Omari Hardwick, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, and Naturi Naughton.