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By Nakinskie Robinson
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has announced that a series of development projects is expected to be completed by mid March heading into April this year, with a budgetary allocation of more than $13.84 billion.
That figure is the largest allocation ever seen for the tourism sector.
Minister Bartlett says the sector is looking promising and is on track to achieve all its key performance indicators.
During Tuesday morning's meeting of the Standing Finance Committee, Minister Bartlett said $25 million will be earmarked for destination marketing and development under the Jamaica Tourism Board, another landmark figure for the sector.
He said the move will help the government to now look at market diversification dynamics and to future-proof the demand the sector will generate for the supply being made available.
The Minister also announced that the Falmouth Artisan Village, which was promised for delivery last year will be in full operation come April with some 48 shops.
"Expenditure to date from the tourism element of this activation is $370 million and the completion is expected to add another $199 million. Just to indicate that we'll have 36 shops ready for the 20th of March. So we'll have a soft opening then and a full opening in April of this year," he noted.
Parliament's Standing Finance Committee is considering the government's $1.3 trillion budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year ending next March.
The Committee will continue its deliberations until Thursday.
Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke will open the budget debate on Tuesday, March 12.
Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Finance Julian Robinson questioned Minister Bartlett about possible cash flow issues in light of stalled payments to some contractors.
Mr. Robinson said he was informed by at least two contractors that they had not received payment from the Tourism Product Development Company, for projects they completed.
"It's not unique to the vendors that I know so I'm a little surprised that there could be a cash flow problem given the revenues that you so eloquently speak of," he put to Mr. Bartlett, who insisted all payments will be completed by the end of the current fiscal year on March 31.
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