The Editor, Sir,I join the many readers who are questioning the recent decision of the minister of tourism with regards the subsiding of American Airlines seats to Jamaica. However to be fair, we should allow the minister an opportunity to present the details of the arrangement - how was the decision made; was there consultation with the ministries of finance or transport etc.
public scrutiny
I am assuming that the Access to Information Act ensures that details of deals such as this are available for public scrutiny. After getting these details we can then decide for ourselves (putting aside patriotism for the moment) if this decision was economically sound or not. One can only wonder if maybe this is the signal that Air Jamaica has been cut loose and will be sold to the highest or lowest bidder.
My greatest concern however is the fact the Tourism Enhancement Fund is being used to finance the bill. I would like to ask those concerned if there is legislation that governs how the TEF should be utilised. I thought that the funds were to be used to enhance the tourism product. I assumed this would include but not be limited to: investing in Jamaican owned small scale tourism projects, providing support to existing hotels and attractions, solid waste management and human resources training. Another worthwhile use of the funds in my opinion would be to fund the management and protection of the mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds which all contribute to producing the sandy beaches on which our coastal tourism product depends.
I do not believe that subsidising a foreign airline from funds which should be used for developing the local product is a wise or ethical idea. If the funds from the TEF are spent on developing a truly sustainable tourism product then airlines would have no problems filling their seats, including Air Jamaica. This is yet another example of a feeble attempt at national development. When will we ever learn?
I am etc
PETER E. T. EDWARDS
University of Delaware
Graduate College of
Marine Studies
