Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
STATE MINISTER for Industry and Tourism, Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says the Government will continue to lobby for an extension of the implementation of the United States passport requirements for U.S. tourists returning from Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean.
Making his contribution to the 2005/06 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Dr. McNeill said that representation was being made in the United States.
"Strong representation is being made at many levels for, at least, an extension of the implementation date. These include efforts on the island's behalf, by (U.S. Congress man) Charles Randle and the Black Caucus," he said.
"There is good reason why we are fighting for an extension of the implementation of the new requirement. We know that it will come into effect at some point," he said.
But he argued that with similar arrangements not being imposed in respect of travel to Canada and Mexico until 2008, "we must certainly expect that the inconveniences and expense of securing the new passports will motivate some potential to opt for those destinations like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin islands," he said.
NEW REQUIREMENTS
At the same time, Dr. McNeill said the Government is preparing for the implementation of new U.S. passport regime for January next year.
He said tour operators, travel agents and other travel partners are being sensitised towards the new requirements.
The new U.S. passport requirement is being implemented under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and is a means of tightening security in that country.
