KINGSTON, Jamaica— Member of Parliament for St Ann North East, Krystal Lee, wants her constituents to be given first preference for employment in several hotels that are either being constructed or expanded in the constituency.

“With these developments and opportunities in tourism, we will certainly be preparing our constituents to be employable. Our people remain the most treasured attraction, and their development is most important for any other form of development to be successful,” Lee stated.

She was speaking recently in the House of Representatives as she made her contribution to the 2022/23 State of the Constituency Debate.

Continuing, Lee said “We welcome these developments because it is the clearest indication of growth, development and prosperity. However, wherever opportunities exist, particularly in relation to employment, it is of my belief that for constituents, a protocol be developed for them to be given first priority for employment having regards to their qualifications, competence and experience”.

Lee, a first-term MP in the governing Jamaica Labour Party, said the beauty and geographical location of her constituency continues to make it ideal for tourism.

“We have the best blue and crystal-clear waters at suited temperatures. Along with the lush and exotic greenery tied into the panoramic views from the hills, we are the perfect destination on the coast. Tourism is ever expanding in St. Ann Northwestern. We are anticipating the development of an additional three hotels soon: the new Secrets Resorts in Richmond, the expansion of the Bahia Principe and the Sandals/Beaches Resort. We continue to see more AirBNBs and villas being built in the constituency,” Lee outlined.

She said this was consistent overall with Jamaica being the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination. She also pointed to a new tour in Mount Pleasant named the One in 11 Farm and Cottages which is scheduled to start in December 2022.

And, Lee said “we continue to work towards the Sturge Town Cultural Heritage Tour”.

She said: “This tour is the perfect combination of culture, history, scenery and adventure. We have the most unique caves, exciting hiking trails, the Mali spring which is said to be the reason the people in Sturge Town live the longest in the entire island (because they drink water from the Mali spring) and other interesting features”.

Lee also expressed thanks to the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) for funding and implementing the repainting of the “wall of fame” at the school wall in Sturge Town which she said was in need of a face lift. She said the wall of fame forms a vital part of the tour.

Meanwhile, the MP stated that the popular Flavours Beach in Runaway Bay will be developed by TPDCO with the funds already earmarked for the project. And she said TPDCO was currently implementing the Old Folly Beach Park Project which also includes the beautification near the Bengal Bridge at both ends.

“This project is coming on quite nicely and already the park is being used and appreciated by locals and visitors,” said Lee.