I write in response to the letter by Anthony Freckleton in The Gleaner, August 7.

Mr Freckleton shares the concern of numerous other Jamaicans regarding tourism and the Jamaican economy. Tourism, we are advised, is one of our major foreign exchange sources. Millions of taxpayers' dollars have been spent on super highways, improved water supply, beautification and policing projects for this industry.

Given away beaches

Additional millions are now being spent to to expand old and build new ports for cruise ships. We have given away all of our most beautiful beaches and coastline areas for hotel and condo development.

As a result of the all-inclusive hotel concept, we have cut off our local population from fully sharing the proceeds from tourism.

Each year, our minister of tourism gleefully announces that tourist arrivals exceed our expectations, yet the average Jamaican, particularly those in the tourist areas, complain of little benefits.

Unfortunately, scant information is provided to citizens regarding the returns on taxpayers' investment in the industry. How do we measure the success of our efforts other than reports on tourist arrivals.

What measurements do we have to assure us that the investment of our distressed taxpayers in tourism has provided acceptable returns in tourism employment, taxes, salaries, tips, affordable housing in tourist areas and minimal environmental damage.

How do we determine that a reasonable percentage of the tourist dollar remains in and circulates in our economy. We should no longer be prepared to accept that what is good for tourism is always good for Jamaica.