Jamaica Launches “Local First” Tourism Policy

Jamaica is rolling out a major new initiative designed to keep more of its tourism dollars in local hands. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, has officially announced the launch of a “Local First” policy, aimed at ensuring that Jamaicans directly benefit from the country’s tourism success. Speaking in the House of Representatives this week, Minister Bartlett said the new framework mandates that every new tourism investment must translate into jobs, contracts and opportunities for Jamaicans. “It enshrines the principle that Jamaican farmers, artisans, manufacturers, transport operators,