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The Public Administration and Appropriations Committee of Parliament has raised questions about the funding for a US$10 million public relations campaign to repair brand Jamaica overseas.
The committee wants to know the source of the funds and whether it will mean a reduction for any other Government programme.
It’s also seeking details on the specific activities to which the money will be dedicated.
As a result, the committee voted to seek answers from representatives of the ministries of finance and tourism, which have been asked to appear before the members in two weeks.
Speaking during yesterday's meeting, Committee Chairman, Dr Wykeham McNeil made it clear that he supported the expenditure, but said the committee has a duty to monitor public expenditure.
When contacted late yesterday, Tourism Minister, Ed Bartlett, said his ministry has no difficulty answering any questions raised by the Committee.
Bartlett, who is in New York to help kick start the promotional blitz, told the Gleaner Power 106 News that the Government has a fiduciary duty to protect Jamaica's interest.
The funds for the campaign were approved by Cabinet to allow the tourism ministry to attempt to repair Jamaica's image which took a battering because of the West Kingston unrest.
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=20041
The committee wants to know the source of the funds and whether it will mean a reduction for any other Government programme.
It’s also seeking details on the specific activities to which the money will be dedicated.
As a result, the committee voted to seek answers from representatives of the ministries of finance and tourism, which have been asked to appear before the members in two weeks.
Speaking during yesterday's meeting, Committee Chairman, Dr Wykeham McNeil made it clear that he supported the expenditure, but said the committee has a duty to monitor public expenditure.
When contacted late yesterday, Tourism Minister, Ed Bartlett, said his ministry has no difficulty answering any questions raised by the Committee.
Bartlett, who is in New York to help kick start the promotional blitz, told the Gleaner Power 106 News that the Government has a fiduciary duty to protect Jamaica's interest.
The funds for the campaign were approved by Cabinet to allow the tourism ministry to attempt to repair Jamaica's image which took a battering because of the West Kingston unrest.
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=20041