On Sunday the Caribbean Marketplace, the largest regional tourism trade show, was officially opened at the newly constructed Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica. The country last staged the event in 2006 and this year around 2,000 visitors arrived for the show, including nine regional tourism ministers. At the opening ceremony Jamaica’s Tourism Minister the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said, “This is the single most important business to business tourism event for the Caribbean region in any given year – after all tourism is the number one business for the region, and any event which brings together the major industry players is bound to be an indicator of the economic health of the region.”

At a press conference held this morning Minister Bartlett revealed that construction of Jamaica’s first casino could begin before the end of the year. The government is likely to licence at least three casinos in resort areas. According to the Minister, “Jamaica will soon become a destination that offers casino gambling experience, rather than a casino destination. The operations will take place in Montego Bay, another at a development in Trelawny and the third in the Western end of the island.” There is said to be considerable interest in the casino licences and negotiations with prospective investors continue.

Casino gaming in Jamaica is seen by the government as a means of improving the country’s economy. When up and running the industry is expected to earn the government around US$480 million annually as well as provide many much needed jobs for Jamaicans. It is hoped that the resort casinos will attract high-end visitors to the island. Legislation for casinos is already in place and gaming regulations are being prepared. A Gaming Commission has been established and casino licence applications are being accepted. Jamaica’s first casino operation, after years of discussion, definitely appears to be on the cards. (E-01.19.11)

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