Dr Wykeham McNeil, Minister of Tourism & Entertaiment waded into the UK with Director of Tourism John Lynch fresh from their trip to Russia and meeting with tourism partners. He took the opportunity to meet with members of the Jamaican Overseas Community in the UK to highlight some of the developments in Jamaica and particularly under his ministry.
Dr McNeil emphasised that one of the key aims of this trip was to get to know members of the Jamaican Diaspora Community and start a process of consultations and striking up partnerships. Coming into office, his aim is to institutionalize tourism based on public and private sector investment & consultation at home and abroad.
The resonating theme was that the new government is gearing towards sustainable economic governance; coming into office with the mandate “to whom much is given, much is expected” they are rearing towards economic growth and job creation and forging a strong partnership with the Jamaican Overseas Community in London.
Dr Wykeham Mcneil, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment
Three key Issues he started off with were of follows:
1) The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment
He mentioned the idea of combining Tourism and Entertainment was a good move and great foresight by the Prime Minister as Tourism and Entertainment go hand in hand.
He emphasised that the youthful and dynamic new Minister of State, Damion Crawford, would in conjunction with his ministry bring a new level of dynamism to the Ministry.
2) 50th Year of Independence Celebrations
He delved a bit into the 50th Celebrations which will be led by the Ministry of Youth and Culture under Minister Lisa Hannah. He mentioned that they are still deciding on what projects to endorse and that this will be led by Robert Bryan. It appears that there may have been shifts as to particular projects’ focus due to the new regime and funds overstretched.
He stressed the importance of good communication to get the best of Jamaica 50th
3) Jamaica Being a Republic
This topic raised a few questions from the audience seeking direct answers as
to whether or not Jamaica will be a Republic this year and as to whether or not
the matter will be put to the people.
Dr McNeil emphasised that full independence is a maturation process. It is
simply a move of growth and maturity. The Prime Minister of Jamaica has a great deal of respect and admiration for the Queen and for the monarchy. There is a great relationship there, but this is a process of self-actualisation rather
than creating antagonistic international relations with the United Kingdom.
4) Olympics 2012 – Key area of which the Government will be giving its full support.
He mentioned that there will be key developments in regards to various areas of Tourism which will be getting special attention.
1) Health Tourism, he cited the example of St Thomas, milk river bath. He continues by saying some areas are almost like pilgrimage of some sorts, this can be used also as a tool to build tourism. It is also being looked at for the possible gains of medical FDI, that is to say building specialist hospitals for overseas persons, thus drawing in more tourism.
2) Sports Tourism is also crucial as we tap into the excellence of our athletes.
3) Community Tourism. Tourism maximisation in terms of showcasing what Jamaica and Jamaicans as a people have to offer. Another policy position is to maximise the earnings from visitors visiting Jamaica giving people visiting Jamaica more to do.
The growth aims are to let tourism become a tool in which the economy can be
redirected towards economic growth.
Finally, he made mention of the resolve of the Jamaican Government and their partners to keep resisting the Airport Passenger Duty Tax. This approach was welcomed as the increase will hit much further on April 1st 2012. He raised the point of the recent report from Oxford Economics, and commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), claiming that removing APD would result in an additional 91,000 British jobs being created and £4.2 billion added to the economy in 12 months.
Dr Wykeham Mcneil & Sylbourne Sydial, Executive Chair, FFBJ
However the point was raised that while there are those lobbying for the removal of the tax due to its unfairness and the further claim that it will generate 91,000 jobs there is also the pressure group Airport Watch which is actually pushing for more tax and is actively lobbying the UK Government and claiming that “The aviation industry is actually under taxed not over taxed.” The dilemma with all of this is that it is passed on to the passengers
even though it is understood that Richard Branson of Virgin claims they will
absorb the APD tax, this is to be verified.
This means it is an opportune time to continue the lobbying process and be
strategic.”
The Minister was well received and we look forward to a strong and effective
partnership.
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