MONTEGO BAY, St James – Negotiations between the governments of Jamaica and Spain for the construction of a multilingual language centre to be located at the western end of the island are to be wrapped up next month.

“We are in discussions with the Spanish government, as we speak, about putting in a language centre somewhere on the north coast,” Jampro president Pat Francis told investors during an American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM) sponsored ‘Speakers Forum’ at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay Thursday.

A team from Spain will visit Jamaica in August to finalise the deal, said the Jampro president.

And the local ministries of tourism and education are to collaborate on the centre’s construction.

The announcement comes against increasing calls for hotel workers to develop fluency in different languages, particularly Spanish and Chinese, with the anticipated influx of nationals from those countries now investing heavily in Jamaica.

The Spaniards have built or are developing properties in Negril, Montego Bay and St Ann, which has brought an influx of Spanish-speaking tourists, while China, under new co-operation agreements for trade with Jamaica, has said it will be encouraging its nationals to vacation on the island.

Francis was unable to say how the deal for the language centre would be structured, noting that it is still to be decided whether the project would be a joint venture agreement between Jamaica and the Spanish government.

The Spanish government, however, is offering financing at a concessionary rate, she told the forum.

“The rates are one or two per cent over 30 years, and you have 10 years moratorium before you start paying back,” Francis said.

She said that the resources are available for recipient countries to use in the priority areas, and that Jamaica has identified its priorities as health and education.

Francis said the language training centre would greatly assist Jamaicans, as the country moves to take advantage of the vast opportunities that now exist, particularly in the tourism sector.

Project consultant for the Spanish chain Riu hotels, Tristan Garcia Alvarado, had earlier underscored the need for an institute of languages in the island.

He argued that with Jamaica moving aggressively to attract Spanish visitors, and with other Spanish investors expected, the hospitality market, as well as agencies and services with which tourists interface, should have a pick of multi-lingual employees.

“We are going in this market (European), so persons employed in tourism, such as the immigration officers and those working at the various attractions, should learn to, at least, speak Spanish,” said Alvarado.

Spanish investors have been showing increasing interest in the island over the past few years, particularly in the tourism sector.

One of the most significant investments is the $5 billion (US$850 million) Iberostar resort property at Rose Hall, St James. Iberostar operates properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, United States, Greece and Turkey.

In addition, Riu, another Spanish hotel chain, has already built two properties in Negril, is constructing a third at Runaway Bay, St Ann, and has acquired land in the Ironshore area of Montego Bay for the construction of a fourth.

The Spanish investors have promised to open up new markets in Spain and other European countries, to diversify the island’s tourism base.

cummingsm@jamaicaobserver.com