TPDCO DESTINATION MANAGERS
RECEIVE SATELLITE PHONES
In light of Jamaica ’ s vulnerability to disasters , the Destination Managers of the Tourism Product Development Company Limited ( TPDCo ) were presented with satellite phones at a handover ceremony . The presentation was made today by Minister of Tourism Honourable Edmund Bartlett at the Jamaica Tourist Board in Kingston .
The initiative to acquire satellite phones is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management ( ODPEM ) to develop disaster mitigation solutions , primarily through the establishment of a comprehensive disaster management framework which is managed by the Tourism Emergency Management Committee ( TEMC ).
The Ministry of Tourism has acquired six satellite phones at a cost of three million dollars . The phones , it is expected , will improve communication between the Ministry and its agencies , the wider resort areas and tourism stakeholders and partners . The phones will be particularly useful in the event of a disaster or emergency , and will be fully functional in remote settings .
Speaking at the handover ceremony , Minister of Tourism , Honourable Edmund Bartlett highlighted that even though disruptions ( disasters ) are inevitable ; it is the plans put in place that will enable a speedy recovery , particularly through the implementation of effective modes of communication .
“ Tourism is also the most resilient industry . We are stated to be the most ideal industry when it comes to quick recovery . This is partly due to the constant flow of visitors , there is no gestation period for tourism , it is immediate .”
Dr . Andrew Spencer , Executive Director of the TPDCo underscored the importance of Destination Assurance , which can be fully achieved through a resilient destination and expressed his confidence that the phones will be utilized in an effective manner by the Destination Managers . “ TPDCo as the destination assurance entity is very keen on ensuring that the future is a solid one . We build this future by looking at visitor safety programmes , training programmes , quality assurance and ensuring that the aesthetic programmes are also in place . For instance , our Product Development department has determined that every business proposal or plan must have a sustainability component .” He said . The Ministry of Tourism has committed to ensuring that the equipment are managed efficiently and effectively as the ministry takes the necessary steps to prepare for , respond to and recover from natural and man-made disasters . “ Tourism is especially vulnerable to disruptions , this is the reason we take a keen interest in building our capacity to deal with disasters . To ensure that the tourism sector can recover fast is central to the economic recovery pattern that Jamaica and the Caribbean should have . Communication is a central part of resilience building . The ability to bring modern , high technology application to our communication process is essential . ” He said
Honourable Edmund Bartlett ( centre ) poses with a satellite phone along-side Destination Managers who were recipients of the phones . ( From left ) Antonnette Bernard , Destination Manager for the Ocho Rios region , Daryl Whyte-Wong for Portland and St . Thomas , Kenya Keddo-Laing for the Montego Bay region , Lionel Myrie for the Negril region , Lezley Bernard for the Kingston and Soath Coast region , Stainton Baker for the Falmouth region and Chairman of the Montego Bay Destination Assurance Council , John Byles . Sharing in the moment are ( Back row , from left ) Major Clive Davis , Director General , Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management ( ODPEM ), Dr . Carey Wallace , Executive Director , Tourism Enhancement Fund ( TEF ) and Dr . Andrew Spencer , Executive Director , Tourism Product Development Company Limited ( TPDCo ).