ST ANN, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced that more than $1 billion has so far been secured through Government funding and private sector support to assist tourism workers affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at a press briefing at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios on Thursday after touring parts of St Ann impacted by the storm, Bartlett said the Government has committed $600 million, while private sector partners had initially pledged $400 million. However, he noted that recent reports indicate the private sector contribution is already above that figure.

“So all in all, what we are looking at is a combination of Government action and the private sector amounting to in excess of $1 billion to support our tourism workers,” Bartlett said.

He noted that several companies have already begun offering practical support, including care packages and structured housing rehabilitation programmes for staff whose homes suffered damage. The tourism minister lauded key industry partners for stepping forward quickly, highlighting Sandals Resorts and RIU Jamaica as among those leading the charge.

“We saw where one particular entity( Sandals Resorts) offered a little over half a billion dollars for staff reengineering of their situation at home,” he said.

He added that RIU Jamaica allocated US$1.1 million for employee support and an additional US$1.3 million to provide loans for home repairs.

Bartlett acknowledged that recovery across the sector will not happen simultaneously, and some layoffs or temporary furloughs may become necessary as hotels rebuild and reopen in a staggered manner. He said several companies have already submitted plans outlining how workers will be supported during this period.

“Because the recovery is not linear, there will be a staggering return of some of our properties. And in that process we will have to look at arrangements to enable our staff to still be accommodated and treated, even while recovery layoffs may be necessary” he explained.

The minister said a more detailed industry-wide update will be provided after he completes a tour of Montego Bay in the coming days.

Bartlett assured tourism workers that both the Government and private sector are united in ensuring an equitable recovery and that no worker will be left behind.

“I just want to re-emphasise that this Government, working with the private sector in tourism, is committed to ensuring that this recovery is inclusive,” he stated.

“COVID taught us to navigate together apart- Melissa is saying we are going to recover together,” he added.

— Horace Hines