Minister of Tourism Hon. Brenda Hood is continuing to support the stakeholders in the tourism industry. The Minister together with Senior Technical Officer and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Miss Lima Frederick held a meeting with Tour Operators last Friday (9th September). Minister Hood said that the meeting was very timely since the next cruise season begins in mid-October. She also said that these meetings are necessary to continue building on the relationship between the ministry and the stakeholders in the tourism industry. The Minister dealt with several issues including the status of the rehabilitation of the tourism sector post Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. She reassured those present that the Government and Ministry of Tourism with assistance from USAID and other donors have been working assiduously towards the revitalization of those tourist sites and facilities. Minister Hood explained that work is being done on the Grand Etang interpretation center, the venders’ booths and toilet facilities. These she said will be ready by the end of October. She noted that The Leapers Hill project is also ongoing and the first phase of the project will be completed in time for the new season. She also said that many hotels, restaurants, marinas, venders, taxi drivers, and tour guides have received monetary assistance and training from the Ministry of Tourism and USAID. In addition USAID has also agreed to prepare construction design drawing, bills of quantities and scopes of work for: The Bathway Welcome Center, Rehabilitation of Camerhogne Park and Rehabilitation of the Carenage Plaza. An update on the Welcome Center and Duty Free Shopping Plaza was also given by the Minister, she said that the Center is operational and the duty free plaza should be ready by the end of October. She also noted that the first phase of the Market Square should be completed by the end November. Source: Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Civil Aviation and the Performing Arts