Several Jamaican hotels have signed on to a programme being spearheaded by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) which will see them collaborating with the Government of  pay for Covid-19 vaccines.

President of the JHTA, Clifton Reader advised the Government of the readiness of several member hotels, to fund vaccines for their staff on a voluntary basis.

He explained that there is a growing list of members committed to partnering with the Government in the drive to get as many persons vaccinated as possible.

According to Mr. Reader, there is particular focus on the thousands of team members in the tourism industry, many of whom are bread winners for their families and pillars of their communities.

He stated that the aim is to purchase and make the vaccines available to those who wish to take it.

He reiterated that it would not be mandatory for staff members to be vaccinated but a way to ease the financial burden of the Government who had promised free vaccines to all citizens.

Noting the Minister of Health’s recent reports on Jamaica’s challenges in accessing Covid-19 vaccines due to limited availability from approved sources Mr. Reader  said the JHTA hopes that new sources will become accessible  soon and with private sector assistance, Jamaica will have a significantly increased supply of vaccines.