KINGSTON, Jamaica— Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright has refuted claims by Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism, Senator Janice Allen that money from the public coffers was spent in a recent newspaper supplement to congratulate Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett on receiving a national honour.

In a release, Seiveright sought to set the record straight that the Special Gleaner Advertising Supplement, dated Sunday, October 27, 2024, in recognition of Bartlett receiving the Order of Jamaica (OJ), was a private initiative, largely funded and coordinated by the private sector.

Seiveright argued that for nearly five decades, Minister Bartlett has devoted his life to serving the people of Jamaica. He added that the tribute, alongside the numerous local and international accolades, was made possible through financial and other contributions by well-meaning citizens and several outstanding businesses.

“The supplement featured congratulatory messages from both current and former national leaders, as well as other distinguished voices local and overseas. It is, therefore, deeply troubling that PNP spokesperson on Tourism, Janice Allen, would publicly spread false claims that taxpayer dollars funded this initiative,” Seiveright said.

He added, “This is entirely untrue! In what can only be described as baseless mischief, jealousy, and negativity, Ms Allen has chosen to attempt to tarnish the reputation of Minister Bartlett, his family, leaders past and present, the public service, and the many generous citizens and businesses who supported this commendable tribute”.

In a release, Senator Allen hit out against the tourism ministry over what she claimed were public funds, which should be dedicated to “supporting our tourism sector and the people of Jamaica”, being used for a newspaper supplement.

“Recently the Ministry spent a substantial sum potentially in that newspaper supplement to congratulate Minister Bartlett on his recent national honour. This supplement is filled with Government advertisement taking up three and a half pages alongside several pages of articles focused on constituency matters, including a centre spread on education scholarships,” Allen claimed.

“Additionally, six pages are filled with advertisements from hotels, cruise lines, the airport management company and other tourism suppliers,” she added.