The PNP Patriots says it stands in solidarity with Opposition Spokespersons Mark Golding and Julian Robinson in their recent comments regarding the Jamaican government’s approach to regulating the Airbnb sector.

“We support the need for regulation; however, we firmly believe that the current draft legislation is overly harsh and risks being draconian. The government’s hurried manner of imposing rules, without broad consultation with stakeholders, is concerning and suggests a disregard for the voices of ordinary Jamaicans, particularly those who are Airbnb hosts,” the Patriots says in a release.  

The group says that had it not been for the “thoughtful pushback from Golding and Robinson, many Airbnb owners in Jamaica would now be facing unjust fines and penalties, with little to no clarity on what compliance truly entails”.

The group purports that many owners are “left in the dark, uncertain whether they will be required to pay substantial fees”, such as membership dues to the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and what registering or licensing might entail.  

“This government is not regulating, they’re legislating poverty. What we’re witnessing is a blatant attack on working-class Jamaicans and diaspora families who dared to invest in their country. It’s class war disguised as policy. We will not allow the state to criminalise ambition or hand the tourism industry over to a few elites. Real progress means putting people over profit every single time,” says President of The Patriots Paul Blake Jr.

The Patriots advocate for a more measured and consultative process that includes online and virtual town halls, particularly to reach Jamaicans living abroad. Many Airbnb owners are part of the diaspora, and their voices and suggestions are crucial in crafting fair, balanced, and effective regulations that protect their investments and livelihoods.  

Looking regionally, several Caribbean islands—including Barbados, the Bahamas, Aruba, and the Cayman Islands—have already implemented regulations for short-term rentals that emphasise worker protection, fair licensing, and community engagement. These positive examples demonstrate that it is possible to regulate the sector in a way that promotes tourism, safeguards residents, and supports local entrepreneurs. We believe Jamaica should learn from these best practices to develop a sustainable framework that considers the interests of all stakeholders, especially those who have worked hard to purchase property for Airbnb purposes.  

The PNP Patriots call on the government to pause and revisit this legislation, engaging more extensively with Airbnb owners, industry experts, and community members. Only through inclusive dialogue and careful planning can we develop fair regulations that protect jobs, foster economic growth, and safeguard the rights of ordinary Jamaicans. 

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