Tourism Workers at the Heart of Growth in the Sector
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the Government has implemented a new model of tourism development where investments are heavily focused on the well-being of workers.
This will create genuine value, increase productivity, and grow the economy without exploiting labour.
Speaking on Monday (August 11) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Moon Palace Grande Jamaica Resort in St. James, Prime Minister Holness said the days of building world-class hotels while workers struggle in poor living conditions must end.
“If we are going to be fostering the development of any hotel, that development must include housing,” Prime Minister Holness emphasized. “While the workers are treating with guests who are enjoying themselves, they go home to really deplorable circumstances. Any hotelier or any person involved in the hospitality business would have to contend with this issue: how do I get my workers to genuinely smile if a smile is the essence of the hospitality service?”
The new Moon Palace Grande development will feature 1,200 rooms, including overwater bungalows.
Importantly, 500 apartment units will be built for workers, which is stipulated by Government for the well-being of workers.
The hotel will also do upgrades to the John Rollins Success School, the creation of daycare and crèche facilities, and the establishment of an “innovation city for tourism” as described by Minister Edmund Bartlett.
Prime Minister Holness underscored that this approach is designed to ensure that labour and capital work positively together.
“We are not seeking cheap labour to create profit for capital. That’s not what we’re trying to do. We believe that we can use our labor to create value for which both labour and capital benefit,” said Dr. Holness.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness linked this philosophy to long-term national growth, pointing out that the tourism sector remains one of Jamaica’s most powerful engines for employment and economic upliftment.
Dr. Holness noted that sustained efforts to reduce unemployment will lead to higher employment rates, ultimately transforming household incomes and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
“If we keep on this path of low unemployment for the next decade, it means that 97% of the labor force would be earning an income for 10 years. It changes the household profile, and it breaks intergenerational poverty.”
At the same time, the Prime Minister also highlighted that growth in the tourism sector must benefit all contributors, including entertainers and taxi drivers.
Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to investing in the tourism sector, where the people are not exploited and opportunities are available for everyone to thrive and be prosperous.
“We support the tourism industry and will continue to foster its growth, as our model demonstrates that a thriving tourism sector directly contributes to increased household income and asset accumulation.”