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Jamaica Hinges Hopes of Economic Recovery on Tourism

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed optimism that the economy will rebound and record growth at a reasonable pace. She, however, did not provide a time frame in which it was expected to occur.

“I am very confident that our country will overcome the present challenges and realize our objective of reducing our debts, creating jobs and getting our economy to grow at an acceptable rate,” she said.

Faced with a national debt of some $1.5 trillion, the drying up of the Net Internal Revenue (NIR) and a plunging dollar against its international counterparts, the country is anxiously awaiting the signing of an agreement with the International Monteray Fund (IMF) to place the economy on stable footing.

Saturday, which signaled the start of the winter tourism season, Simpson Miller, who was speaking at the official opening of Club MoBay — a VIP lounge established at Sangster International Airport — pinned her hopes on the tourism sector rescuing the ailing economy.

“Our tourism industry offers us solid reason for confidence. Every step forward that our industry makes must be recognized and celebrated,” argued the prime minister.

The industry raked in US$2 billion last year.

Among other things, Club MoBay offers state-of-the-art arrival and departure lounges consisting of showers, a premium bar, complimentary drinks and snacks, unlimited free Wi-Fi via high-speed Internet access, a business center, a kiddies area, and a spa offering express treatments. Guests of Club MoBay will also enjoy fast-tracked access through security and immigration, as well as a personal escort to their departure gate.

Read the rest of this story on the Jamaica Observer

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