Advocacy Leads to Action: Gratuity Tax Finally Addressed by Government

Montego Bay, Jamaica. January 23, 2025: Today’s announcement by the government to remove taxes on gratuities paid to tourism workers is a long-overdue step in the right direction.

I have been consistent in my calls for the removal of these taxes, recognizing the severe hardship they placed on our hardworking tourism workers—many of whom struggle to make ends meet despite being the backbone of our world-class industry.

On numerous occasions, my recommendation was scoffed at by government ministers, who suggested I did not understand the industry. Now today, we see the government has reversed course and adopted the very measure they dismissed.

While I welcome this decision—because it is ultimately the right one—context matters. It is clear that the government has only acted after intense pressure, because we in the PNP were clear and intent on implementing the reversal, knowing it is what is right for tourism workers.

However, I must ask: when will this begin? Is this just another announcement by the government or the minister? Will this be another instance where a call I made is echoed without clarity on when it will be implemented and when workers will actually see the difference in their pockets?

Let this serve as a lesson: good governance is about listening, not just reacting when elections are near. The PNP will continue to champion policies that uplift our workers and strengthen our tourism industry—not for political convenience, but because it is what Jamaica needs.

The tourism workers of this country deserve respect, fair wages, and policies that genuinely support them—not just when it is politically expedient, but always.