The recent stories about alleged sexual assaults at Jamaican resorts is an important one; however, I am disturbed by the way the narrative has been presented by the Detroit Free Press and the journalist following the story. Their approach is making me ponder whether there is a personal agenda to not only discredit the long and proud heritage that Jamaica has developed over decades of being one of the world’s key tourism destinations, but to also target the most successful Jamaican brand in the industry, Sandals Resorts International. If this is so, then it is something that flies in the face of every convention of proper journalism.

Let me be clear, I am not saying that this issue must not be treated with the utmost seriousness; I am just saying that context is very important when you are discussing a matter that has the ability to tarnish the character of, in this case, both a country and a world-renowned company.

Recently, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett initiated a security audit of major resorts in Jamaica — and there are many of them — in the wake of the allegations. All credit to the minister for being proactive.

What makes me uncomfortable is how the story has been moulded into another sensationalised assault on Sandals in particular, fuelling the suspicion that there may be a much wider plot to target what is, in fact, the Caribbean’s top luxury-included resort, and one of the key economic pillars on which many regional economies stand.

The security audit has been prompted by the assault of two women at the Hotel Riu Reggae in September 2018, yet, apart from a cursory mention of this actual resort, the reporter instead chooses to focus her literary guns on Sandals. Why is that?

Here’s what the report states: “The audit will address multiple issues, including whether there are enough security cameras at resorts, and allegations that several resorts either ignored or tried to cover up sexual assault claims.”

Yet only one of those ‘several’ reports receives the reporter’s seemingly obsessive attention.

As one of the biggest brands in the world it is easy to target Sandals, but what about a wide and holistic investigation that does look at the entire industry, rather than, as it seems, trying to score sensational points with the one recognised regional brand. Is it that her special attention has been reserved for Sandals because it is a Caribbean company?

In fact, the security adviser brought in by the Government of Jamaica, Peter Tarlow, a well-known consultant for the tourism industry, sought to point out very clearly that he does not believe such allegations are unique to Jamaica. This is a significant statement, which the reporter, by the way, buries at the very end of the story.

The fact is that Jamaica, like every country where there is a vibrant tourism sector, must cope with a multitude of issues — sexual assault being one of them. It is no secret that hotels, including Sandals, have taken significant steps to enhance security both from a human resource and technological standpoint. In fact, Sandals had issued a lengthy document highlighting its security protocols.

For decades Jamaica has welcomed tourists from all over the world, and the islands of the Caribbean have set an example for the rest of the industry, developing a reputation for having some of the kindest people in the world. Jamaica itself recorded 5.4 per cent increase in arrivals for the first six months of 2018 — a trend which continued for the rest of last year. For its part, Sandals alone has welcomed over 10 million visitors to its resorts.

I am saying this not to defend the bad apples that ultimately have to be dealt with, but to add the context which the reporter has failed to do, either intentionally or through simple incompetence.

What then is the agenda?

Is it an intentional campaign to use these allegations in an attempt to destabilise what has been one of the best-performing tourism destinations recently, as many islands in the Caribbean reported record growth? The competition is tough; makes you wonder.

This one is certainly worth keeping a very close eye on, and I would hope that all these press associations, etc, who are serious about their profession take note.

julianjjackson2017@hotmail.com