Dear Editors,

The Jamaican tourism industry and its leadership must be commended for assiduously turning the tide and reaping tremendous foreign exchange revenues for the island.

There is no doubt that the opportunities for employment for a vast percentage of the rural population is attainable because of buoyant hotel accommodations.

Hotels in particular have a handle on a great deal of resources which are beneficial to their staff members. These include special meals and access to transportation to and from work.

An outreach is now needed to assist children in the tourism belts to be able to attend school regularly and punctually. There are no school buses and in some communities there are only bike taxis. Is there any combined effort that could see taxis sponsored to safely transport our children? The Government may be best equipped to give the tourism sector special grants for more tour buses, which could be employed in the school term to assist schools.

It is a win-win. The sector will inherit a more educated workforce and a population with greater hospitality skills. Greater bonds can be forged with communities, increasing earning potentials and realities for all parties involved.

In addition, management of the hotel chains should be actively involved in the education process, partnering with the schools to offer support. Sports like golf and swimming must be part of the school curriculum in parishes like St Mary, St Ann, Trelawny, St James, Hanover, and Westmoreland. Additionally, schools should be invited by hotels to provide entertainment in the form of dance and drama.

Yachting is a must for the youth of Portland.

It is worth a try, with a minimum of an annual trip to hotels as school excursions. It is an incentive too to boost parental participation. So, Jamaica, let us join hands, out of many, one!

Catherine Neil

stcatherineneil22@yahoo.com