TEF cruise collection stalls

Nearly $1 billion in fees from cruise line passengers, representing the cruise component of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), is yet to be collected since 2005.



Permanent Secretary in the tourism ministry, Jennifer Griffith made the disclosure at a meeting of an oversight committee of Parliament yesterday.



She was responding to questions from members of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee.



The permanent secretary told the committee that despite years of trying to collect the fee, which amounts to US$2 per passenger, the cruise lines have put up strong resistance.



According to Ms Griffith, the ministry has been attempting to develop a memorandum of understanding with the Port Authority of Jamaica.



She said the negotiations are ongoing to determine whether the Port Authority can make the payment out of funds it collects for fees from the cruise lines.



A ministerial order is being prepared to give the Authority the legal mandate to collect on behalf of the TEF.