The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has declared itself ready, able and equipped to assist with the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the island.

JHTA President Clifton Reader, speaking during a meeting between JHTA councillors and Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, Reader made the offer to help on behalf of the association’s members.

“We want to partner with you, we have potential distribution centres in all the major tourist regions with commitments from some member hoteliers to provide support for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines. We are fully committed to working for Jamaica,” Reader told Tufton.

JHTA AMBASSADORS READY TO HELP

Pointing to collaborations led by the Tourism Task Force and the resulting ramping up of testing facilities, inclusive of local laboratories and medical doctors, Reader said that, apart from providing physical space for vaccine distribution, hotel employees trained in COVID-19 safety and health protocols – know as JHTA Ambassadors – stand ready to assist in sensitising the public about the vaccines, therefore ensuring an increased uptake by Jamaicans. 

Referencing a recent JHTA survey among hotel employees, Reader said: “We know that some people still need to be convinced about taking the vaccine. In our survey, 35 per cent of the responders said they would definitely take the vaccine, 42 per cent were undecided and 23 per cent said ‘definitely not’.”

He added: “We have the example of a Resilient Corridor that is a major success in the management of COVID-19 and, if our ambassadors are activated like we did in teaching communities about the safety protocols, we are certain we could convert most of those ‘undecided’ to ‘yes’.”

Said Reader: “We know you will get the vaccines, Minister, we want to help ensure that our people will take it.”

OTHER DRUG TREATMENTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED

Noting that most hospitals are now close to full capacity with patients, Reader said “to stem the flow of hospitalisations we need to seriously consider approval of other drug treatments being used successfully overseas as well as stress the health and safety protocols that have been proving successful in the tourism industry”. 

“Let’s get some of our local celebrities and influencers to promote the vaccines and the health and safety protocols,” he recommended.

Tufton, meanwhile, sought to reassure the hoteliers that the health ministry, working in tandem with local physicians, was carefully exploring the use of vaccines and drugs sanctioned by the World Health Organization as the safety of Jamaicans is of paramount importance.

He thanked the JHTA for its offer of assistance and committed to working as closely as possible with the association.