Rent-a-Car Assn marks 42 years

The connection between the Jamaica Rent-a-Car Association (JARACA) and the tourism industry was emphasised repeatedly at JARACA's 42nd annual general meeting and luncheon. Held at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel, Waterloo Road, St Andrew, on Wednesday, it was a forum for two-term president Diana Stewart to present some of the industry's concerns, and for Minister of Tourism Wykeham McNeill to address a few of them.

The function's host, Wynsomme Lewin, made JARACA's position clear from the get-go, that "we are literally the wheels that drive tourism". However, Stewart noted that while the organisation celebrates, it is "at yet another challenging time in our history".

many challenges

Among the challenges yet to be addressed are the matter of duty-free vehicle concessions and the extended period, up to three months, required to clear vehicles from the wharves, this impeding proper planning by the operators. Excessive bureaucracy is also an issue, with numerous steps required to go through the vehicle-clearing process. JARACA also hopes to get the engine size for vehicles intended for the rent-a-car sector raised by 500cc.

After noting significant increases in stopover and cruise ship tourism arrivals over corresponding periods in 2011, as well as new and expanded routes from Russia, Scandinavia and Latin America, McNeill addressed three concerns. They were the delays, uncertainty in availability of vehicles and the suggested changes to the cc ratings. In the medium term, he said, the International Monetary Fund programme will involve a review of motor-vehicle incentives and concessions. The rent-a-car industry falls under this and there will be consultations with the respective sectors.

In terms of the application process, McNeill said he has been in dialogue with the Ministry of Finance and Planning in order to see how the process can be expedited.

"We want to find a way to ensure that the period of time clearing these vehicles is cut considerably," McNeill said.

Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, speaking on behalf of Minister Anthony Hylton, noted the rent-a-car industry's impact on other sectors, including insurance, banking, government and consumer organisations.

The all-male group Assure infused their harmony into the function.

The meeting and luncheon was sponsored by the Stewarts Automotive Group Toyota Jamaica Ltd and ATL Automotive.

- MC