Too often, the nation is confronted with troubling headlines: a visitor or worker suffers a medical emergency at a hotel, and the familiar cry follows—there was no ambulance available in the parish. Predictably, blame is swiftly laid at the feet of the government.

But is that where the responsibility should end?

Jamaica’s tourism sector is one of the main pillars of our economy. Hotels—large and small—benefit significantly from this industry, welcoming thousands of guests who expect not only relaxation and luxury, but also safety and security. Yet when medical emergencies arise, many properties remain dependent on already stretched public emergency services.

This raises a critical question: should the government move beyond being the sole responder and become a stronger regulator of preparedness within the tourism sector?

It is no longer sufficient for hotels to rely entirely on public ambulances, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas where response times can be the difference between life and death. The reality is that Jamaica’s emergency medical system, though staffed by dedicated professionals, operates under resource constraints. When hotels call for ambulances that are miles away—or already engaged—the system falters, and lives are placed at risk.

A serious policy discussion is needed.

The government should consider mandating that hotels above a certain size maintain on-site medical posts staffed with trained personnel, along with dedicated ambulance services or formalised agreements with private providers. This is not an unreasonable expectation. In many international tourism markets, such requirements are standard practice, recognising that hospitality must include health security.

Critics may argue that such regulations would increase operational costs. But the question must be asked: what is the cost of a life? Moreover, investing in emergency preparedness enhances Jamaica’s reputation as a safe destination—an asset that carries economic value far beyond the expense of compliance.

This is not about shifting blame from the government to the private sector. It is about shared responsibility. The government must continue to strengthen the public emergency response system, but the tourism industry must also play its part in safeguarding the very people it serves and employs.

A collaborative framework—clear standards, phased implementation, and incentives for compliance—could ensure that no call for help goes unanswered because of preventable gaps in preparedness.

Jamaica cannot afford for its emergency response to be reactive and under-resourced, especially in an industry that markets comfort, care, and world-class experience.

If we are serious about protecting lives—both local and foreign—then it is time to rethink how responsibility is distributed.

Because when an emergency strikes, there should be no question about who is coming to help.