Tourists Set To Visit As Jamaica Reopens

June 10, 2020 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

Since COVID-19 has hit in early March 2020 Jamaican ports have been closed. This has negatively impacted our economy which has lost approximately fifty percent of our foreign exchange income. This was partially responsible for a shortfall of JA$120 billion dollars in our national budget. The BPO Sector was also affected badly

Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett speaking to the media disclosed certain facts. Over 100,000 persons employed or dependent on the sector have negatively been affected. Many sent home with no financial or otherwise assistance. The status of promised public grants is not known at press time.

COVID-19

Preparation on a protocol for opening of the sector on June 15 are in top gear. The tourism sector will be opened on a phased basis. Hand washing stations and screening at the Ports of entry. Unless tested positive there will be no quarantined provision. There has been considerable debate on same.

BPO Sector

The business out-sourcing sector has lost an estimated 42 billion dollars. This sector caters to those overseas companies who out source work to private entities usually overseas. Some 45,000 persons are employed in this industry in Jamaica. We have lost a large sum of foreign exchange here also.

Tourists Welcome

On June 15 Jamaica will be open to overseas travellers including tourists. “Prior to March 10 we had 5. 5 percent growth. After that it fell to zero. Minister Bartlett said “The Caribbean region is the most Tourism-dependent globally … between January to February 2020- 5.2 percent, now we have uncertainty- stated Minister Bartlett. Turning to COVID-19 he stated “We have less than 50 persons in hospital and over 100 recovery”

Commentary

Jamaica is open for tourists, so come as we are making sure COVID is kept out … so we can be a safe destination.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior National & International Correspondent for Vision Newspaper