Last Updated on March 27, 2020, 7:03 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Jamaica is amongst the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean and is presently struggling to contain the spread of coronavirus within the borders of the country. The Government of Jamaica has requested the hotel companies to provide around 600 rooms to accommodate COVID-19 patients.
The Prime Minister of Jamaica told Jamaicans to be prepared for a “complete lockdown” of the nation.
Currently, Jamaica has 26 confirmed coronavirus cases.
The Minister of Health said that out of the 26 cases in the country, 17 are imported and, eight cases are import-related while one case is still under investigation.
He expressed disappointment with the level of cooperation shown by the hotel owners regarding the 600 rooms requested by the Government for the infected patients.
He said that the Government could make relevant legislation to take possession of properties. However, the Government is reluctant to take that step.
However, Omar Robinson, the president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), has said that he has faith that the Jamaican hotels would provide the requested rooms to the Government.
Robinson said that the JHTA fully understands the dilemma which is being faced by the Government and also the nation at large and that the JTHA is willing to assist the Government in the time of need.
Robinson added that there are ongoing dialogues between the Government and the JHTA members and that these dialogues would result in the rooms being made available to the Government.
He said that discussions are taking place with the respective parties and that the information had just been sent out to the members of JHTA, earlier this week.
He noted that most of the members of JHTA are in the process of closing their hotels and taking stock of the hotels.
Jamaica had closed its air and seaports for incoming passenger traffic on March 21 already and is allowing only outgoing cargo and passengers.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
