Dear Editor,

Why is it when any of the political parties forms the Government the island’s resources are never utilised to their full potential? Scammers are in the Government’s backyard at the Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa, but the Ministry of Tourism does not seem to be doing anything for its own facility.

Of all the treasures this island has, I have never seen one as shabbily treated as the Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa. It doesn’t seem to have the presence of any authority or regulator.

With health and destination/cultural tourism in vogue, the Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa is poised for great things and has great potential, but the lack of support from the ministry and the Tourism Product Development Company is killing all spirits, including the slaves who discovered the spring.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and his many predecessors have toured the whole world building Brand Jamaica, but the merchandise behind the brand isn’t being cared for or sustained. I say sustained, for in the case of the hotel, parasitic, ‘scammer’ therapists, who waylay people at its own gate, will definitely put the over-200-year-old facility in its grave. Additionally, I was told that there’s a telephone number that only international numbers can call, which is answered using the hotel’s name. There is also reportedly a fake website with the real hotel’s photo on it. This is what I have heard.

It is said that if you want to hide something from a black man, put it in a book. However, in this case, it’s the ministry’s lackadaisical attitude towards its own property that is causing revenue to go on the hillside at the back of its own property.

The former Government had further shot itself in its own foot, as I am told that it “gave” the scammer therapists permission to “operate”. I don’t understand how they could do so without issuing a licence and at the same time diverting traffic and funds from the formal arrangement. Jamaicans and tourists are paying exorbitant sums 10 times what the hotel charges, plus being unable to get safe accommodations, bathroom access, and meals.

The clincher of this sad tale is that the manager of the property is not proactive in making an attempt to protect his or the staff’s livelihood, all while living on the compound. There is no advertising and the public relations is weak, which is why poor, ignorant people circumvent the real gate with the sign and go with people who wear no uniforms.

Also, if the Government thinks divesting will solve the problem, they’ll make a sad mistake. We can’t just keep selling our treasures. Our resources need good stewardship, and we have plenty qualified individuals who appreciate what Jamaica has to offer and can market them well. But are the right people getting the jobs?

If the Ministry of Tourism is going to rely only on beautiful white sand beaches, but does not include the off-the-beaten track gems, we are in a world of trouble when all the sand is sold or swallowed up.

Again, if we are to make it to Vision 2030, we need to pay more attention to our resources. If they don’t make money for us, it makes no sense.

Ministry of Tourism, take action now! Our history, tourism product, and health sector depend on it.

Colette Campbell

rastarjamaica@yahoo.com