McNeill defends Resort Board appointment

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer



Tourism Minister Dr. Wykeham McNeill is defending the appointments of chairmen of the Resort Boards.



The Opposition tourism spokesman Ed Bartlett has criticised the appointments claiming that politically affiliated persons have been handpicked to fill these posts.



Bartlett said he is also concerned that the board chairmen will be spending public funds despite the fact that the Resort Boards are yet to be fully established, selected and given clear terms of reference.



However, Dr. McNeill said he is surprised by the renewed interest of the former tourism minister, as he was the one who disbanded the resort boards, which minimized the participation of stakeholders in the sector.



Dr McNeill explained that the chairmen have been appointed on an interim basis for six months and have been mandated to assist in establishing the Resort Boards, whose members will ultimately elect their Chairmen and executive in a democratic manner.



Dr. McNeill emphasized that the revamped Resort Boards are intended to facilitate consultation and ensure that the process of developing resort areas is managed properly.



He noted that the Boards will act as advisory councils, with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) providing technical and secretariat support.



The tourism minister adds that Chairmen will also sit on the board of TPDCo to ensure they play an active role in the development of the sector.



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