Tourism Minister says despite Melissa devastation, confidence of Jamaica’s partners remains very high

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says, despite the devastation caused by hurricane Melissa, the confidence of Jamaica’s partners remains very high.

Speaking during a tour of Negril, Westmoreland, at the weekend, Mr. Bartlett said no investor has indicated plans to withdraw or delay planned development.

He noted that several large projects remain on schedule.

Mr. Bartlett declared that by mid-2026 more than 80% of Jamaica’s tourism assets should be active and working.

In the meantime, he said Negril will officially re-open for business on December 15, which is the start of the winter tourist season.

Mr. Bartlett said the uniquely styled resort area long branded the “capital of casual” has shown remarkable resilience, driven by strong collaboration among tourism partners, their workers and surrounding communities.