Shadow Minister of Tourism, Janice Allen, Calls Out Gross Misuse of Public Resources by Minister of Tourism
Kingston, Jamaica. October 28, 2024: As Shadow Minister of Tourism, I am deeply concerned about the recent, questionable use of public funds for the glorification of the Minister of Tourism. In a move that has alarmed many within the tourism industry and the public, the Ministry has spent a substantial sum, potentially in the millions, on a 24-page newspaper supplement primarily aimed at congratulating the Minister on a recent national honour. This supplement contains three and a half pages of government advertisements, several pages of constituency articles – including a centre spread focused on constituency education scholarships – and six pages of advertisements from hotels, cruise lines, the airport management company, and other tourism suppliers. These advertisers could stand to benefit directly from ministerial decisions, raising serious concerns about the integrity and transparency behind such a decision.
It is troubling and distasteful that taxpayer funds, which should be dedicated to improving our tourism sector and supporting our citizens, are being used for what appears to be a personal celebration for the Minister. At a time when resources are desperately needed to support essential tourism initiatives, workforce development, and community upliftment, this expenditure on self-congratulation feels not only excessive but entirely misaligned with the needs of our tourism community.
This pattern of self-promotion at public expense has been observed repeatedly, yet the scale and extravagance of this display are both unnecessary and, frankly, vulgar. I am compelled to call out this blatant misuse of public resources and to hold the Minister accountable for choices that favour personal accolades over the needs of Jamaica’s tourism stakeholders and its citizens.
At a time when many Jamaicans and tourism industry partners are seeking genuine support and responsible governance, it is regrettable that the Minister’s focus appears to be misplaced. I urge the Ministry to put an end to such expenditures and to commit to investments that genuinely benefit the sector and all Jamaicans.
