ST JAMES, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has revealed that newly appointed State Minister Tova Hamilton will concentrate on cruise tourism and tourism regulations, among other duties.

He was speaking at the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) media breakfast held at the Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa in St James, Tuesday morning.

“Just for the record, she will begin with a focus on cruise tourism and the legal, regulatory and legislative arrangements for tourism, looking heavily at tourism ethics, destination assurance and all those elements that enable us to have a framework for meaningful interaction between visitors and locals alike,” Bartlett announced.

“And finally, in that area, to work with us to build out the framework for our new concept of ‘Local First’, which is to enable the supply side of tourism to be fully embraced by Jamaicans first. It’s a very significant development in the strategy forward for tourism in Jamaica,” he added.

For her part, Hamilton, an attorney-at-law, pledged to work closely with Minister Bartlett to strengthen and modernise Jamaica’s tourism sector.

She emphasised inclusive growth, stronger community linkages and service to all stakeholders—farmers, vendors, transport providers, hoteliers and entertainers—so that tourism benefits every Jamaican and reinforces the island’s global leadership in the field.

“My training as a lawyer has taught me to listen carefully, negotiate fairly and act decisively, skills that I intend to put at the service of our industry and all who depend on it. I want to make it clear from the outset, my intention is to work hand in hand with Minister Bartlett to provide real and meaningful support to his vision for a stronger, more resilient and more inclusive tourism industry,” Hamilton said.

“The minister has set a global benchmark for innovation and growth in tourism, and I consider it both an honour and a responsibility to stand with him in advance in Jamaica’s leadership on the world stage,” she added.

— Horace Hines