Bartlett: Regional businesses welcomed to invest in Jamaica

Jamaica’s tourism minister has extended an open invitation to Caribbean investors, inviting them to explore the abundant opportunities awaiting them within the country’s business landscape. 

Minister Edmund Bartlett issued the invite on Tuesday during Jamaica’s media conference at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) marketplace in Montego Bay when he was asked for an update about efforts by Guyanese entertainment magnate Derek Chin to expand his MovieTowne brand to the island. 

Bartlett said the ministry was approached about the matter in New York last year and they are looking into it. 

“It is an exciting prospect. Part of what we want to do is see more Caribbean investment in tourism, to ensure that the region benefits more from the proceeds of the industry. The retention of the dollar in the Caribbean must be stronger and that can only come from regional investment for tourism goods and services,” Bartlett stated. 

When contacted for a comment about Movietowne’s expansion into Jamaica, Derek Chin said: “The Government has been very receptive and we are excited at the possibility of becoming a truly regional brand with locations in Trinidad Guyana and Jamaica. We would like to become the equivalent of Sandals. Jamaica will love to have a MovieTowne.” 

In an interview last year with Loop News, Chin said Jamaica is a lucrative market for expansion given the country’s growing economy.  

Chin said he’s in preliminary talks with a Jamaican businessman and a regional conglomerate to partner on the project.  

Chin presently operates two large cinema complexes in Trinidad and Tobago and one in Guyana. 

A move to Jamaica will see the Movie Towne come up against Palace Amusement, which operates theatres in Kingston, Montego Bay and St Catherine. 

Palace Amusement has been entertaining Jamaicans for over 100 years and is listed on the local stock exchange. 

Written by: Dillon De Shong