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Digital Certificate Of Approval Mandatory For Persons To Check In On Flights Coming To Jamaica.

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As at June 19, some 6,898 persons had returned to Jamaica and had been landed, since the start of the Controlled Re-Entry Programme.

This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, in a statement providing an update on the programme during the sitting of the Senate on Friday (June 19).

Since the Minister’s announcement, over 300 ship workers returned to the island on Saturday, June 20.

The controlled re-entry programme was put in place to facilitate the repatriation of Jamaican nationals who were stranded overseas when the country’s borders were ordered closed in March as part of measures to control local transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Applications for this travel authorisation process are done through an online immigration portal on the jamcovid19.moh.gov.jm website and via the JAMCOVID app available for mobile devices. Non-residents can also seek permission to enter the country through the Visit Jamaica online portal.

“As of June 19, we have managed 19,312 applications from residents through the JAMCOVID portal and just over 2,700 from non-residents through the Visit Jamaica portal. We have 13,846 persons approved for travel in the JAMCOVID system, and 976 persons who have registered but not yet completed the application process,” the Minister informed the Senate.

He noted that the issues that were encountered in trying to locate persons who had entered the country just before the borders were closed, also necessitated this measure, “to manage in a controlled way, the return of our citizens as well as the entry of non-nationals.”

Senator Samuda further explained that once the application for travel is approved by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the applicant is issued with a digital certificate of approval which is mandatory for persons to check in on flights coming to Jamaica.

“This requirement has been accepted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and is disseminated to airlines through their Travel Information Manual Automatic (TIMATIC) system. As such, persons are asked by all airlines to provide this approval before they are allowed to check in on any flight to Jamaica,” he noted.

Minister Samuda reminded that the health screening process at the country’s ports of entry – whether sea or air – is the same for all persons entering Jamaica, resident or non-resident, except for persons coming from countries which have been designated a part of the ‘travel bubble’. These persons are not required to undergo the more in-depth health checks to which other travellers outside the ‘bubble’ have to submit.

“The countries in this ‘bubble’ are the countries that the Ministry of Health has assessed to cause very little risk as they have little to no spread and generally very low number of (COVID-19) cases in their countries,” he explained.

“It is now safe to say that all Jamaicans who wish to come home, can do so, but must follow the process that we have put in place to safeguard their health and the health of all Jamaicans,” he added.

The Controlled Re-entry Programme has strict protocols in place which involves health screening and other appropriate checks where necessary, in order for health officials to complete a risk assessment. The result of this assessment will determine the appropriate quarantine arrangements that persons must agree to for a 14-day period.

Source JIS

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Business Events

The Global Business Leader Charity Golf Tournament – Jamaica May 2025

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The Global Business Leader Charity Golf Tournament is set to elevate the intersection of business and sport like never before. Golf has rapidly become a favorite pastime among executives, and this event marks the first of its kind in this unique format, debuting in Jamaica in May 2025, with plans to expand globally.

Bringing together top executives from around the world (with special focus on Africa, Asia, Europe and Caribbean), this prestigious tournament will see them compete across three world-class courses over five thrilling days, all vying for the coveted title of “Best Global Business Leader Golfer.” With global bragging rights on the line, this is more than just a game—it’s a chance for companies, employees, and fans to rally behind their business leaders in a high-stakes competition.

Get ready to witness business leadership meet competitive golf on a global stage in May 2025!

For More Information please email info@asterixtourism.com or contact

Roy Page for Player Registration, Accommodation,  charter flights and logistics – 876-781-7588

Peter Lindo for Competition execution and management – 876-8159700

Aldo Antonio Muir for Marketing, Promotions and Sponsorship -876-542-3719

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Jamaica and Brazil Forge Partnership to Promote Tourism Resilience – Bartlett

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Discussions on Jamaica-Brazil Airlift Agreement Well Advanced

The Jamaica based Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) and Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate cooperation in boosting tourism resilience.

The areas of cooperation covered under the MOU include: Climate resilience in tourism; Entrepreneurial tourism resilience; Tourism security resilience; and Tourism pandemic resilience.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett revealed that the partnership will also see the establishment of a GTRCMC satellite centre at the University of San Luis.

This partnership, formalised during a ceremony in São Luís, Brazil, earlier this week, seeks to equip stakeholders with the tools to navigate future challenges and build a more resilient tourism industry.

Minister Bartlett, who signed the MOU alongside his Brazilian counterpart, Hon. Celso Sabino and Governor of Maranhão, Carlos Brandão, emphasised the importance of this collaboration.

“Building resilience has become the foundation on which sustainability can be achieved. So, my colleague, Minister Sabino and I will build, together, an intellectual institution to develop resilience and make stakeholders capable of recognising difficulties and overcoming them quickly, with the best information, good ideas and innovation,” Minister Bartlett said.

It was noted that the establishment of the GTRCMC satellite centre at the University of San Luis will take place in September 2024, coinciding with the G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting, at which Minister Bartlett is expected to present on tourism resilience and sustainability.

Additionally, Jamaica is poised to become the most connected English-speaking Caribbean destination to Brazil and by extension South America, following high-level discussions led by Minister Bartlett, and his Brazilian counterpart, Minister Sabino.

The discussions focused on securing full air connectivity between the two countries and strengthening tourism collaboration.

Minister Bartlett also noted that the Brazilian government has expressed its willingness to offer incentives to airlines operating this route, a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and facilitating travel between the two countries.

“This will undoubtedly deepen our social and cultural ties to South America, opening the door to new economic opportunities for all countries in the region. Our meetings with Brazilian stakeholders underscore our commitment to fostering sustainable growth and expanding Jamaica’s reach in Latin America,” Minister Bartlett added.

Minister Bartlett’s visit to Brazil also included meetings with public and private sector stakeholders, where discussions focused on further strengthening the tourism partnership.

Mr. Bartlett further explained that the collaboration is expected to significantly increase the number of Brazilian visitors to Jamaica, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.

By: 

 

Walkbout Global Adventures
“Explore The World, Live The Culture, Go Beyond The Destination”

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Artificial Intelligence

InterMetroONE Superapp – Revolutionizing Jamaica’s Transportation Landscape

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InterMetro Transit Jamaica, a distinguished member of the RedPlate Group, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the InterMetroONE SuperApp—a ground breaking initiative set to redefine the transportation and service delivery experience in Jamaica.

At the core of our mission is a steadfast commitment to providing every Jamaican with access to a modern, tech-driven public transportation service that is safe, comfortable, cost-effective, efficient, and reliable. The InterMetro SuperApp embodies this commitment by bringing together all our current apps and features into one comprehensive gateway—InterMetro.

 

Unveiling the InterMetro SuperApp: A Gateway to Convenience

The InterMetro SuperApp serves as a one-stop destination for a myriad of transportation and service-related needs, consolidating various offerings under a single platform. From InterMetro Bus Services to RedPlate Taxi rides, airport transfers, and non food and grocery business and personal courier services—the SuperApp seamlessly integrates these services for enhanced accessibility and convenience.

Moreover, InterMetro SuperApp introduces RedPlate +, an exclusive membership program offering members the privileged InterMetro and RedPlate experience across all our rides and delivery services. Members can enjoy a host of benefits, including exclusive offers, discounts, and personalized service enhancements.

Expanding Horizons: Future Enhancements

As we continue to evolve, the InterMetro SuperApp will expand its offerings to encompass a broader spectrum of services aimed at further enriching the lives of Jamaicans. Future additions to the SuperApp will include bill payments, remittances, money transfer services, phone credit topping, and same-day loan services—empowering users with unparalleled convenience and accessibility.

Empowering Jamaicans with Technology

The launch of the InterMetro SuperApp underscores our unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to empower Jamaicans and enhance their everyday lives. By consolidating diverse services into a single, user-friendly platform, we aim to revolutionize the transportation and service delivery landscape, making essential services more accessible, efficient, and convenient for all.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, driven by our conviction that every Jamaican deserves access to a modern, tech-driven public transportation service that prioritizes safety, comfort, affordability, efficiency, and reliability. With the InterMetro SuperApp, the future of transportation and service delivery in Jamaica is within reach.

www.inter-metro.com

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Jamaica Is Pursuing The Strategy Of Mix Development Modalities

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“Tourism is a wealth creation and economic enrichment activity driven by the consumption and production patterns of people!”

“The strategy for destination exploitation of tourism is a composite of many modalities including business models and investment opportunities and not to be viewed through a myopic lenses.

Small highly service dependent economies such as ours must rely heavily on consumption to sustain economic growth, and expansion and Tourism has become the most effective way of achieving this as the propensity to CONSUME of the Tourist is 3-5 times that of the local! It means therefore that the expansion of the local market by increasing tourist arrivals creating a ‘critical mass’ is essential.

The proliferation of boutique hotels is not the answer when physical resources are limited. The strategy of Mix development modalities as Jamaica is pursuing, with mega hotels, boutique and sharing accommodation i.e. Airbnb etc is the most effective way forward.

The essential element of the strategy though is the production/Supply side of the wealth development equation! Jamaica’s focus must be on providing the goods and services that the Tourists demand to satisfy their consumption patterns! THATS WHERE THE REAL WEALTH OF TOURISM RESIDES! Agriculture, manufacturing, Creative Industries, Energy, Construction etc Then SERVICES; medical, financial, legal, entertainment, Restaurants, Shopping, transportation etc.

Please team let’s take a deeper dive in the confluence of economic moving parts that constitutes Tourism and recognize its elongated and expensive value chain so we can truly embrace the wealth it brings!”

Edmund Bartlett – Minister of Tourism Jamaica

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Minister Bartlett Underscores Tourism Strategy and Action Plan’s Importance

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Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has emphasised the importance of Jamaica’s Tourism Strategy and Action Plan (TSAP) in generating the stakeholder capacity to respond to the industry’s new architecture.

The TSAP, being executed through a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is geared towards boosting socio-economic development and investment, building the local tourism industry’s resilience to climate change and reducing the sector’s contribution to climate change.

It also aims to diversify Jamaica’s inbound tourism and promote the industry’s knowledge-based and technology-enabled development.

Mr. Bartlett also highlighted the TSAP’s importance in making tourism more inclusive and more of an enabler of economic growth and development in Jamaica.

“So, the strategies have to look at not just the physical areas but it has to start with human capital. The most important element within our tourism realisation is with people. Jamaica’s wealth is not in minerals, as you know; but what we really have are our people, and our people are the wealth of this country,” the Minister said.

“And so, our strategy has to deal, very strongly, with building, training, building intellectual capacity, building innovative capacities, building creative capacities, [and] building a new sense of how people can convert knowledge into material goods and services which will have a value and a price,” Mr. Bartlett added.

He was speaking during the opening session of the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan Consultation Workshop for Kingston and St. Andrew, at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on Thursday (April 4).

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left), shares a light moment with General Manager, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Caribbean Country Department Group and Representative in Jamaica, Anton Edmunds, during the opening session of the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan Consultation Workshop for Kingston and St. Andrew, at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on Thursday (April 4).

Meanwhile, Mr. Bartlett underscored the need to increase local production, which is critical in enabling Jamaica to retain a larger ratio of the tourist dollar.

“The consumption pattern of the visitor is three to five times that of the locals. Some people don’t understand why revenue to government has increased significantly without increasing/or new taxes being imposed. They don’t understand that what tourism has done is to increase the consumption pattern in Jamaica exponentially over the last two and a half years in particular, as we started from zero and grew to what is now 4.2 million visitors,” he stated.

“So, whose food are they eating? That is our job, to make sure that it is Jamaican food… our farmers must step up to the plate. The strategy in tourism must drive the linkages in the various areas, so as to stop the leakages from all the other areas,” Minister Bartlett added.

The workshop marks the final in a series of engagements aimed at highlighting relevant components of the Tourism Strategy and gathering as much input as possible from key stakeholders.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left), makes a point to Operations Lead Specialist, Tourism, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Olga Gomez-Garcia, during the opening session of the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan Consultation Workshop for Kingston and St. Andrew held at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on Thursday (April 4). Looking on is General Manager, IDB Caribbean Country Department Group and Representative in Jamaica, Anton Edmunds.

By: LATONYA LINTON, JIS

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