Recovery, donation task forces set up to get tourism back on track after Melissa

Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which has caused widespread destruction across western Jamaica, high-level recovery and donation task forces for the tourism sector have been established by Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett to assess damage, coordinate industry-wide support and craft a sustainable roadmap for recovery by the sector.

Pointing out that the recovery of the tourism sector is vital to the rebuilding of Jamaica following the hurricane, Bartlett told The Gleaner that there is a need to get the economy back on track quickly.

“The recovery of our tourism sector must be deliberate, coordinated, and compassionate. Through these task forces, we are ensuring that the welfare of our workers, the rehabilitation of our infrastructure, and the recovery of the tourism sector move in tandem,” said Bartlett.

“The activities will be integrated into the national disaster response mechanism.”

Heading the Recovery Task Force is John Byles, executive deputy chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, with Bartlett serving as chairman emeritus.

In a news release announcing the task forces last week, Bartlett noted that they would be coordinated closely with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) to integrate lessons from previous recovery efforts, including Jamaica’s post COVID-19 recovery, and ensure a comprehensive approach to rebuilding the sector.

Bartlett told The Gleaner that there has to be a timetable as the sector has to get ready for the start of the winter tourist season, which begins on December 15.

The recovery task force comprises a cross-section of public and private sector leaders, including minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism, Tova Hamilton; minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright; executive director of the GTRCMC, Professor Lloyd Waller; and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith.

MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE

Also serving on the task force are Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI); Ian Dear, board chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo); Donovan White, director of tourism; Jessica Shannon, chief experience officer at SRI; and Christopher Jarrett, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

They are joined by Wayne Cummings, former president of the JHTA, and chief executive officer of Arya Holding Jamaica; Wade Mars, executive director of TPDCo; Dr Carey Wallace, executive director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF); Tanikie McClarthy Allen, senior communications strategist in the Ministry of Tourism; and Fiona Fennell, public relations and communications manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Supporting the work of the Recovery Task Force is the Task Force on Donation Coordination, chaired by Jessica Shannon, chief experience officer at SRI.

This team includes Christopher Jarrett, president of the JHTA; Nicola Madden-Greig, former president of the JHTA and group director of marketing and sales at the Courtleigh Hospitality Group; Elizabeth Fox, regional director for the JTB in the United Kingdom; Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith; and Joy Roberts, executive director of Jamaica Vacations.

They will be joined by a representative from Jamaica Customs; marketing consultant Jackie Knight-Campbell; Director of Tourism Donovan White; Angella Bennett, regional director for the JTB in Canada; Phillip Rose, deputy director of tourism for the United States and the Americas; representatives from the Evans/Pinero/Inverotel Groups, with support from representatives from the ministry’s communications team.

“Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion and innovation,” the minister said in the news release.

editorial@gleanerjm.com