Silva

The Spanish government is ready to start construction of a world-class tourism school in Jamaica.

The only problem is that the Government cannot decide where it wants to build the facility, which is being modelled off Spain's world-renowned Mallorca School of Hospitality.

Spanish ambassador to Jamaica, Jesús Silva, told The Gleaner that US$400,000 is in place to be spent in the first year while another US$2 million is to be disbursed over the final two years.

In addition, Silva said his country was committed to providing funds for equipment, the training of teachers and the development of an academic programme.

Where to build?

"Representatives of the school (in Mallorca) have been in Jamaica having discussions with the various stakeholders in the project and all we are waiting on is for them (the Government) to tell us where to build," Silva said.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett could not be reached for a comment, but at least one government official confirmed that he was aware of the offer. The official said three sites were identified but refused to comment further.

Interestingly, Silva said the idea of a tourism school in Jamaica was first discussed when Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Bartlett visited Spain while they were in Opposition.

"They were impressed with the high quality of the school and asked our government to assist with a similar project here," Silva explained.

When he first announced plans to establish a tourism school in Jamaica more than a year ago, Silva argued that Jamaica had the potential to be a world "superpower" in tourism, but had to place great emphasis on training.