Students reflect on tourism in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa

A trio of high-school students attended the thanksgiving service for the start of the winter tourist season in Jamaica which was held at Burchell Memorial Baptist Church, and later the media brunch and luncheon with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Director of Tourism Donovan White, and other key stakeholders in the industry on December 14 at Iberostar hotel.

Dressed in their school uniforms, Kevaughn Stewart, president of the Tourism Action Club at The Heinz Simonitsch School in Montego Bay, Camir Vassell, vice-president, and D’Alexander Davis, an active member of the club, represented youth who are concerned about sustainable tourism and the path ahead in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Stewart shared that the main focus of the Tourism Action Club is not just to visit different hotels but “to see the life of tourism, how it works, where it comes from, what really drives tourism, how fast it repairs, and how fast it jumps on an opportunity.”

Vassell reflected on the rebuilding of Jamaica not only in tourism destinations and attractions but with people in various rural communities.

“It’s just about rebuilding the Jamaica we all know,” she said, while in agreement with statements made earlier by Minister Bartlett that Jamaica is loved by many across the world.

Concurring with his schoolmates, Davis said tourism can bring people together. “Hurricane Melissa tried to take us away from that, but you know how Jamaican people are, we come back stronger and stronger no matter what comes at us.”

He said his family believes in being involved in different aspects of life and so they have set the example by contributing to tourism, education and politics.

“I share that belief as well, because I don’t think we should stay in one singular bubble and I actually want to try many things before I grow up,” said Davis about his interest in the Tourism Action Club.

Founded in 1995, the Tourism Action Club (TAC) grew out of the annual Jamaica Tourist Board summer programme for schools and is managed by the agency. The first one was established at Excelsior High School.

“The Tourism Action Club plays a vital role in shaping the future of Jamaica’s tourism industry. By engaging and educating our young people, the club helps build national pride, strengthens awareness of our cultural and natural heritage, and prepares the next generation to lead, protect, and innovate within this key sector of our economy,” said White.

Students at The Heinz Simonitsch School engage in activities such as forums, community projects, and industry learning, empowering them to understand and contribute to tourism.

The club is involved in projects connecting tourism with local communities, students learn about the tourism industry through speakers, films, and competitions, they develop skills for future careers in hospitality and tourism, and members attend events such as the Jamaica Youth Summit and Junior Minister of Tourism Competition.

The Tourism Action Club aligns with Jamaica’s focus on developing its tourism sector, a major economic driver, and nurtures young people like those at the high school to become future leaders.

Also in attendance was Jamaican-Canadian entrepreneur Wes Hall, executive chairman and founder of WeShall Investments, and co-patron of the ‘Harmonies of Hope’ hurricane benefit concert in Toronto, which raised close to $2.5 million Canadian over 10 days.

Minister Bartlett presented an autographed copy of his book, titled; The Journey. The service. The Man: Edmund Bartlett’s Time Capsule (1980-2022), to Hall, in recognition of his contribution to the success of the event.