Gov’t to implement fast-tracked approval and permit system to push rapid rebuilding in tourism

A special body is to be established that brings together all entities involved in the issuance of building permits and approvals to expedite rebuilding in the tourism sector, as the Government moves to save jobs and boost economic earnings.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says the Government wants to see tourism back up and running in areas negatively affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The Category 5 storm has caused widespread devastation in the country’s tourism belt, with many properties suffering significant damage or destruction.

The impact has led to closures that will last for months.

Given the importance of tourism to Jamaica, Holness told a hurricane recovery press conference at Jamaica House on Wednesday that he wants to see an accelerated permit and approval process for tourism properties damaged by Melissa.

He said the initiative will cover the tourism belt running from Treasure Beach in St Elizabeth to Falmouth, Trelawny, which he called “the tourism corridor”.

“What I’m satisfied with is that the hoteliers are ready to rebuild. Some of them will have insurance; some of them are going to consider this an opportunity to rebuild and make their plants better. Government should not be an obstacle in that, because the longer the hotels stay out of operation unnecessarily, the greater the threat to employment and revenue.”

He said Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett and Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie have been tasked to lead the exercise, noting that parties met last Friday and that there is general agreement on the logistics of how the coming together of permitting and approval entities, such as municipal corporations, will be undertaken.

Holness said he expects to have a report by Monday.

“I say to the tourism sector, get ready. I suspect that you are already. But we’re here to support you to get back on your feet bigger and better. We want to get the tourism sector moving.”

He said the fast-tracking arrangement will be applied to other businesses, but the Government is starting with tourism first.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.