Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaica is making significant progress to becoming a key supply logistics centre for cruise ships in the Caribbean.

That’s the word from Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who says such a move, “will revolutionize Jamaica’s tourism sector and create unprecedented opportunities for local businesses”.

“Several major cruise lines, including industry leaders such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian cruise lines, have expressed keen interest in sourcing more of their global product needs from Jamaica,” the minister added. 

In a statement, Bartlett articulates that the envisioned logistics centre aligns with the ministry’s vision of a “caring economy,” emphasising, “this initiative creates opportunities not just within tourism, but across various sectors. It empowers local businesses, fosters job creation, and ensures that a larger slice of the tourism pie directly benefits Jamaican workers and entrepreneurs.”

According to him, “This strategic recognition of Jamaica’s potential is not merely a gesture of goodwill. The cruise lines have made it clear that they are prepared to significantly increase their procurement of Jamaican products, provided these goods meet their exacting standards for quality, consistency, and reliable supply.”

Bartlett further mused that this presents an excellent opportunity for Jamaica’s farmers, manufacturers, artisans, and other small and medium-sized enterprises, opening up a vast new market for local products and potentially transforming the economic landscape. He acknowledges the challenges this opportunity presents.

Meeting stringent requirements 

For Bartlett, “Meeting the stringent requirements of these global cruise lines demands a level of product sophistication, quality control, and supply chain efficiency that many of our local businesses may not yet possess.” 

Notwithstanding this, the portfolio minister notes that to address these challenges, the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), has been working to prepare local businesses for this opportunity. 

Through targeted initiatives, TEF has been equipping local enterprises with the skills and knowledge needed to meet international standards. 

In conclusion, Bartlett noted, “This is more than just an economic opportunity. It is a chance for Jamaica to showcase our products on a global stage, to demonstrate that our goods are not just ‘good enough’ for local consumption but are world-class and worthy of being served to discerning travellers from around the globe.”