Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, has announced an ambitious target date of December 15 for the complete restoration of the country’s tourism sector.
In a proactive response to Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism has mobilized a Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force alongside a Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee. These initiatives are designed to enhance collaboration between public and private sectors for a seamless recovery process.
“Recovery cannot be left to chance,” stated Minister Bartlett. “We are fine-tuning marketing efforts, communication strategies, infrastructure repairs, and logistical support—all aimed at achieving full industry operations by December 15. The Ministry of Tourism will regularly update the public on progress, ensuring that workers, visitors, and partners can plan their activities with assurance.”
Leadership of the Recovery Task Force
The Recovery Task Force, under the chairmanship of John Byles, the executive deputy chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, will spearhead the initiative, with Minister Bartlett serving as chairman emeritus. The task force is composed of influential leaders from both the public and private sectors, including:
- Tova Hamilton, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism
- Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre
- Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism
- Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International
- Ian Dear, Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company
- Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism
- Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at Sandals
- Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association
Jessica Shannon will also chair the accompanying Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, which is tasked with organizing community support to expedite the recovery process.
Focus Areas for Recovery
The Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force will focus on several critical operational areas, such as:
- Conducting rapid assessments of damage
- Rehabilitating tourism products
- Ensuring service readiness across resorts, attractions, and essential travel hubs including airports and cruise ports
The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will also play a pivotal role by mobilizing resources and assistance from across the tourism sector to ensure a swift recovery and continuity in operations.
Through these coordinated efforts, Jamaica is setting a clear path forward for its tourism industry, aiming to restore confidence among both travelers and stakeholders in the community. As December 15 approaches, continuous updates from the Ministry of Tourism will keep the public informed and engaged in the recovery journey.
