Carnival Sends Signal That Jamaica Is Open for Business – Delano Seiveright

Industry, Investment and Commerce State Minister, Hon. Delano Seiveright, says the staging of Carnival sends a powerful signal to the world that Jamaica is open for business four and a half months following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

He said that the series of events, leading up to the road march on April 12, are expected to pull thousands of visitors to the island, generating billions and aiding in the country’s recovery.

“We are very keen on ensuring that commercial activities and businesses get back up and running as quickly as possible. Carnival in Jamaica projects an image to the world that Jamaica is open for business, we’re open for vacations, we’re open for activities and we are just fine,” Mr. Seiveright said.

He was addressing the GenXS Infiniti media launch event at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew on Saturday (March 14).

The Government has reported that in 2025, Carnival in Jamaica generated $165.7 billion in total economic output based on a study conducted by researchers at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. The figure is up from $111.7 billion in 2024 and represents an increase of nearly 48 per cent in a single year.

“Direct expenditure for Carnival-related activities amounted to $7.7 billion last year alone. That’s a huge deal,” Mr. Seiveright said.

He applauded the GenXS operation and all the other bands for contributing to Jamaica’s economy and for helping to transform the way revellers celebrate Carnival in Jamaica by offering an “ultra luxury experience”.

“Overseas revellers, a lot of whom are GenXS folks, spend thousands of US dollars on Airbnbs and hotels. It has a huge effect on Jamaica’s economy, and the benefits are not limited there,” he pointed out.

“The hotels in Kingston are full; Airbnbs, restaurants, cook shops, caterers, taxi operators, bus operators, car rental companies, costume designers, band operators, DJs, photographers, videographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, nail techs, hairdressers, barbers, peanut vendors, lighting crew, sound engineers, food vendors all benefit,” he pointed out.

“This is from large businesses to medium to small and micro enterprises, and for that, we want to thank GenXS and all the other bands,” he said.

Source: JIS