Edmond Bartlett Named Jamaican Minister of Tourism

In announcing his cabinet, new Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding named Edmond Bartlett as the new minister of tourism, along with 17 other new ministers to the cabinet.

Mr. Bartlett is a member of the Jamaican Labor Party, which won the election on September 3. With 22 years of service in the Jamaican Parliament, Bartlett has served as Minister of Youth and Community Development and as Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture.

He also has been the opposition spokesman on Tourism. The Labor Party's platform on tourism stressed diversifying product and promoting the development of high-value luxury accommodations. The party also hopes to develop long-stay spa facilities that will exploit Jamaica’s bounty of natural wellness treatments.

In addition, it promises to pursue development of adventure and eco-tourism resources along the South Coast of the island. Mr. Bartlett, who will replace Aloun Assamba, was officially sworn in on September 14.