Binoy Mehera
Friday, July 5, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) President Nicola Madden-Greig lauded the strength of local and regional public-private sector partnerships. She also congratulated tourism stakeholders across Jamaica for their robust preparedness in weathering the perilous Category 4 Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the island this week.
“Jamaica was spared the worst of the hurricane and we have now returned to regular business operations,” said Madden-Greig, who rode out the storm at her office in Kingston. She reported that Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios opened today, while Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will open on Friday, July 5, after minor repairs are completed.
“We have no reports of any guests being injured during the passage of the storm, and the majority of the hotels and the tourism industry in general have emerged unscathed,” Madden-Greig added.
However, she voiced concerns for the island’s south coast, where numerous local communities and several independent hotels and villa operations were affected.
“We will be including these operators in our disaster relief efforts, particularly in the Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth area,” she noted, explaining however that she had little doubt that this resilient community will rebound in the shortest possible time.
The trade association leader was encouraged with the reports emanating from the Cayman Islands, which confirmed no major impact on the sector there. “We are thankful to God for sparing us for the most part, and we are now resolved to getting our industry back on track, while serving communities (especially those in the Grenadines) who are in dire need at this time,” said Madden-Greig.
Those wishing to support regional hurricane relief efforts can make a monetary donation at www.chtaef.com.
