OCHO RIOS, St Ann — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Jamaica is focusing on reviving its tourism sector, a critical pillar of its economy, while expressing profound gratitude for the overwhelming international aid. John Byles, Chairman of the Tourism Recovery Task Force, emphasized the urgency of restoring tourism operations to ensure economic stability and employment for locals. During a recent tour of Ocho Rios led by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Byles highlighted the sector’s resilience and unity in crisis management. ‘We are deeply thankful for the aid, but our priority is to get the tourism machinery running again so we can welcome guests as we’ve already started in some areas,’ he stated. Byles, also the executive deputy chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, praised the seamless evacuation of tourists during the hurricane and noted that Ocho Rios, largely unaffected by the storm, has reopened as a first step in recovery. Jessica Shannon, head of the Jamaica Tourism Cares Task Force, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unprecedented collaboration across industries and sectors. ‘Hand in hand, we rebuild,’ she said, highlighting the collective effort of private and public entities, both domestic and international. Shannon, also the Chief Experience Officer for Sandals Resorts International, revealed that global partners, including hotel brands, airlines, and cruise operators, have offered extensive relief support, from supplies to housing recovery assistance. ‘The goodwill Jamaica has generated is unparalleled,’ she added, citing donations of clothing, generators, and tarpaulins. The united front displayed by Jamaica’s tourism industry underscores its commitment to recovery and its ability to leverage international partnerships in times of crisis.