Senator Seiveright says new association critical to fixing tourism ground transportation

WESTERN BUREAU:

Senator Delano Seiveright, state minister in the ministry of tourism, says the government is laying the groundwork for meaningful reform in Jamaica's tourism ground transport sector.

Seiveright was speaking following a high-level meeting on Monday with the interim leadership of the new Jamaica Tourism Ground Transportation Association (JTGTA).

He told The Gleaner that these discussions with JTGTA signalled a critical step toward addressing long-standing concerns within the industry, as well as looking at ways to improve the overall experience for both operators and visitors.

Monday's closed door meeting, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, follows previous meetings, including a recent discussion between the association and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. The talks are among efforts to resolve long-standing challenges in the sector as well as to get the operators better organised.

“At the heart of the meeting was the shared understanding that the sector plays a critical role in Jamaica's tourism product, and our ground transportation operators are often the very first and last people visitors interact with,” said Seiveright.

“As such, we must ensure that the sector is properly structured, regulated, and respected.”

One of the major issues that came up during the discussion was the governance structure of the new association, which was part of the effort to ensure that it functions in an efficient way for all the stakeholders.

“They're keen on having some observable-style representation from the transport ministry, the ministry of tourism, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, and of course the representative groupings as JCAL, Maxi and JUTA,” said Seiveright.

The meeting reportedly also revisited long-standing grievances about fairness and access in the space, especially in relation to hotel arrangements and the presence of ride-sharing platforms.

“They restated concerns they have as related to unfairness in the space, the need to have a serious look at Uber and how it functions in the tourism space,” said Seiveright.

“Of course, also issues related to fairness and transparency as related to ground transport dealings in a number of hotels and so on.”

CRITICAL DECISIONS

Seiveright further emphasised that, while the discussions are ongoing, the tone of Monday's meeting was constructive, with agreement on the need for continued dialogue and balance in decision-making.

“We went through all the issues, and we continue to have engagements. I know for a fact that some critical decisions will be made in a sensible and balanced way to ensure that all parties are protected and looked after.” he said

The JTGTA is expected to formalise its structure in the coming weeks as momentum builds to ensure that operators, long considered the backbone of the tourism experience are fully included in the evolving landscape of Jamaica's tourism economy.

Astley Shakes, an industry veteran with over five decades of service, has been appointed interim leader of the newly formed JTGTA, which is now the umbrella organisation representing stakeholders such as JCAL, JUTA, and Maxi Tours.

Shakes told The Gleaner that the formation of JTGTA is “a breath of fresh air” for local operators, and praised Seiveright for his role in supporting the interests of domestic ground transport providers within the tourism sector.

“This is a shift in the right direction,” said Shakes. “Operators have been struggling for too long without adequate protection from foreign competitors.”

Shakes nonetheless expressed frustration at the influx of foreign tour companies, which he said had overwhelmed the market. He said he once considered civil disobedience if no action was taken by the Government. However, he thinks better days are ahead with the formation of JTGTA.

Clinton Dennison, who provides ground transportation as a member of the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association, said the meeting was long overdue and is a step into the right direction to protect the economic survival of Jamaicans in the sector.

“I believe in equal rights and justice for all. Out of many, one people is Jamaica's motto and that is what I am prepared to work with, except for the immigrants, who are coming to my country dictating and telling me when, where, how and what to do,” said Dennison.