MONTEGO BAY, St James — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has reassured Red Cap porters assigned to the Sangster International Airport in the resort city of Montego Bay that their jobs are secure.

“… I know that some of you have expressed some concerns about what the future might hold, but I want to tell you that no doubt you will be told later on, and I hope I am not stealing anybody’s thunder in saying this, but I want to assure you that I have been assured that your future is assured because you have done a good job and you have people who are saying that you have done it,” assured Bartlett.

Bartlett, who was addressing the Montego Bay Red Cap Porters Association annual general meeting held at the airport recently, was apparently reacting to plans by MBJ Airports Ltd (MBJA), operators of the facility, to upgrade aspects of its operations, including the implementation of automated systems at the car park.

But Rafael Echevarne, the chief executive officer of MBJA who was also in attendance at the meeting, later in an interview with the Jamaica Observer West, expressed surprise at the tourism minister’s pronouncement.

“Well, actually, I was actually surprised, because there is absolutely no intention from our part to reduce the number of red cap porters. They are doing a wonderful job and we really are very, very happy with the service they provide and the passengers are also very happy with the service they provide,” Echevarne explained.

It’s understood, however, that the roughly 75 porters operating at the airport were recently told that that number had exceeded the “ideal amount” required at the facility.

Nonetheless, they were assured that there would be no job cuts as the company would be depending on attrition “to reduce the numbers”.

And when asked if there will be job cuts when the planned upgrading work at the airport’s car park is complete, Echevarne said, “There will still be personnel that collect money, because we cannot modernise the entire system and make it person-free, so there will be people working there too.”

Earlier, MBJ’s acting director of finance, Sitara English Byfield, told an Airports Council International [ACI] Economics meeting at the Riu Palace Hotel in St James that the company is examining ways to increase revenue.

“… look at ways of increasing revenues, meaning offering long-term parking, covered parking. We are looking at automating the car parks. So that, of course, we reduce cost by having automated machines, less staff members. So, we are always looking to improve revenue,” English Byfield explained.

Meanwhile, Hopeton Burnett has been elected as the new president of the Montego Bay Red Cap Porters Association.

He replaces Levi Smith, who served for eight consecutive terms.

A red cap porter for almost 25 years, Burnett has served previously in the capacities of supervisor and vice president of the association.

He told the Observer West that during his term in office he plans to implement financial reforms that will bring transparency and accountability to the association.

“I will also enforce discipline among all members in order to promote good ethical behaviour in an effort to advance a more positive image of the Montego Bay Red Cap Porters Association,” said Burnett.

He added that under his watch the health and insurance schemes for members will be improved.