Dear Editor,

In response to Omar Robinson’s comments in the Jamaica Observer, words to the effect of “keep the TEF separate from Consolidated Fund”, I must add a few points.

Robinson, who is currently president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), opposes the use of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) outside of tourism. On the contrary, I believe the TEF should benefit all Jamaica, we are the reason tourists visit.

The TEF Act was passed in 2004 and is funded from a tax (or fee) paid by incoming airline passengers as well as cruise ship passengers to fund the development of the tourism sector and improve the overall tourist experience. A large chunk of this fund is also attributed to the many returning Jamaican residents who visit the island regularly and desperately want to see Jamaica improve and prosper.

I agree with Gordon “Butch” Stewart’s suggestion to allow Government to use from this fund, but only if there is full accountability and funds are used for national development and improving the social well-being of citizens, health, education and social services especially.

There is widespread poverty in Jamaica, which impacts crime, a deterrent to tourism. Surely the JHTA is aware of that. The country is also heavily indebted and tied to the International Monetary Fund, which strangles national development and any hopes of improving the country’s infrastructure and services due to lack of funds. If necessary, the TEF Act should be amended to allow Government to use from this fund for other purposes besides tourism.

According to Robinson, “50 per cent is used to market the destination, while the other 50 per cent is used to maintain and develop the tourism product”. I should point out, the tourism product is not simply hotels and attractions, it is all of Jamaica — its culture, people, way of life, music, and so much more. If some of these funds is invested outside of tourism to improve Jamaica, we all benefit, visitors and citizens alike. Look at what is happening with Cornwall Regional Hospital, neglected and in dire need of repairs for years, to the point where it is now functioning under capacity. Many hospitals don’t have adequate equipment, supplies, etc. Some schools are rundown; we need more classrooms.

While I believe in consultation, JHTA must not be selfish. We must realise that a large percentage of profits from tourism doesn’t stay in Jamaica, as many of these properties are owned by foreign entities. This is why, despite the surge in tourism, we hardly see any change in the economy. It is time to change that. We all should benefit from tourism.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com