Ground Transportation Operators Find Hope in Dialogue with Ministers Bartlett and Seiveright
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a refreshing turn of events, ground transportation operators across Jamaica are feeling a renewed sense of hope. This optimism comes after a series of open and honest discussions with Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and Minister of State in the ministry, Delano Seiveright. These meetings, both public and private, have given operators a platform to voice their concerns, and many believe that their cries are finally being heard at the highest levels of government.
At a recent gathering at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Minister Seiveright, alongside Lionel Myrie, Deputy Executive Director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), led a thorough dialogue with transport operators. The session was a melting pot of ideas and frustrations, surfacing long-standing issues that have plagued the sector. Among the key concerns were the exorbitant parking fees at major hotels, the unregulated influx of ride-share services like Uber into hotel spaces, and the ongoing battle against illegal operators who flout licensing and safety standards.
Operators expressed their discontent over the perceived corruption within their ranks, which they believe is sidelining dedicated, law-abiding members. “We are calling on the government to do something to protect us or else we have to resort to civil disobedience, and we don’t want that,” said Astley Shakes, a veteran operator with 56 years of experience. His plea reflects the urgency felt by many in the industry who invest heavily in their businesses, paying taxes and statutory deductions, yet feel marginalized.
Minister Seiveright acknowledged the complexities that come with the booming tourism sector. “The continued and projected expansion of Jamaica’s tourism sector has created an environment of unprecedented opportunity, but with that growth has also come increasing complexity,” he noted. The surge in visitor arrivals and new hotel developments has put additional pressure on ground transportation services, highlighting the need for stronger institutional frameworks and capacity building.
Vernal Bedward, another seasoned operator, praised the government’s intervention while advocating for greater collaboration. “We need more cooperation among the hotel sector and the ground transportation sector,” he said. Bedward emphasized that there’s enough opportunity for everyone, and the goal should be to create a balanced and mutually beneficial environment.
The discussions have sparked a sense of cautious optimism among operators, who are eager for change. Minister Seiveright assured attendees that Minister Bartlett would address these issues comprehensively in the upcoming Sectoral debate, following extensive discussions with stakeholders both locally and abroad.
As the tourism sector continues to thrive, the hope is that these dialogues will pave the way for a more equitable landscape for ground transportation operators. With the right support and collaboration, Jamaica’s tourism ecosystem can flourish, benefiting all involved.
Will these discussions lead to the changes that operators are yearning for? Only time will tell, but for now, the air is filled with a sense of possibility.
