WASHINGTON, United States (JIS) – Prime Minister Andrew Holness, says the administration is committed to improving the social infrastructure in communities near to resort areas.

Holness said the Government will be looking at the provision of decent housing, affordable healthcare, access to education, safety and security, good transportation, among other services.

He said it is important that people living in these communities be educated about the importance of preserving the environment, as this is integral to the sustainability of the tourism sector.

The prime minister was participating in a panel discussion as part of the annual meeting of the Clinton Global initiative (CGI) on ‘Sustaining Wanderlust Approaches to Inclusive Growth and Responsible Tourism’ held recently at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.

Holness was joined on the panel by President and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Puntacana hotel chain, Frank R Rainieri.

The annual CGI meeting brings together members from across the world to translate good ideas into real results on the ground.

It provides a global stage to amplify the impact of members’ Commitments to Action, dynamic sessions for members to challenge approaches and share expertise, and a forum for shaping the global development agenda.

Last year, members announced 123 new Commitments to Action, expected to impact more than 15 million lives around the world when fully funded and implemented. To date, more than 3,500 commitments have been made, improving the lives of over 430 million people in more than 180 countries.

The prime minister, who is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, attended Tuesday’s official opening of the session, which was addressed by United States President, Barack Obama. He also held bilateral talks with the president of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela.