KINGSTON, Jamaica – The tourist resort town of Negril to the west of here, which has been without a functioning ambulance for months, is expected to receive a repaired unit this week.
Dr Carey WallaceThis assurance comes from Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr. Carey Wallace, just days after the tragic death of a tourist.
The ambulance is one of two units previously donated to the Emergency Medical Services department of the Negril branch of the Jamaica Fire Brigade. Both vehicles were later damaged in separate crashes, with the most recent donation made about three years ago.
Amid the ongoing shortage, the Negril Chamber of Commerce appealed to the Tourism Enhancement Fund for assistance. In response, the TEF board approved millions of dollars to repair one of the damaged units.
Concerns over the lack of emergency transport intensified following a series of recent incidents.
Last Wednesday, a tourist fell from a balcony at the newly refurbished Sunshine Village Plaza along West End Road after reportedly losing her balance. With no ambulance available, she was transported to hospital in a police vehicle.
That incident followed another in which a tourist was struck by a vehicle along the same corridor and also had to be taken to hospital by police.
These developments have fueled growing calls for a reliable EMS presence in the area.
Prominent hotelier Dalton Penny Hill, operator of the Lighthouse Inn, says the situation is unacceptable.
“In a situation where minutes can make the difference between life and death, such improvised transport is simply not acceptable,” Hill said.
He added, “Negril is one of Jamaica’s most well-known tourist destinations, welcoming visitors from around the world every day. For that very reason, both visitors and residents must be able to rely on a functioning emergency medical response system, including timely ambulance services.”
