Gov't looking to help Negril tourism stakeholders affected by drought

By Prince Moore    

 

The Ministry of Tourism says it is in communication with Minister with Responsibility for Water Matthew Samuda, the National Works Agency and other stakeholders to find ways to assist the tourism sector in western Jamaica affected by the drought.

 

There have been complaints from operators of hotels and villas in Negril about the impact of the water situation on their business.

 

Delano Seiveright, senior advisor and strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, told Radio Jamaica News that the ministry is aware of the issue.

 

Mr. Seiveright said the government is trying to find ways to deal with the water problem. 

 

"If those hotels, villas and businesses in Negril, which is a major resort area that employs thousands of people and contributes significantly to government coffers and the broader economy, can't function properly, then the entire Jamaica economy will be affected. So we are all cognizant of those challenges and we're doing our best to make a truly difficult situation less so."

 

He said the Tourism Ministry and other stakeholders are collaborating to get water to those affected.