Over 425 hectares of government land sit idle in Westmoreland, Hayles tells Parliament

Opposition Member of Parliament Ian Hayles has called on the Government of Jamaica to put more than 425 hectares of state land in Westmoreland to work, saying much of it remains idle while licensed cannabis farmers wait for licences to be freed up.

Speaking in the House, Hayles argued that Jamaica's tourism appeal is tied to sun, reggae and ganja, and that visitors drawn by the island's herb culture help drive the record arrival figures Tourism Minister Bartlett often cites.

Hayles, who represents Westmoreland Western, said communities across his constituency continue to cry out for roads and water. He listed Sheffield, Keta, Little London, Orange Hill, Brighton, Little Bay, Bron, Alma, Greenill, Tolgate, Torah, Town Head, Blackness, Red Hills and Blueberry among areas in need, and urged the government to act on their behalf.

The MP also turned to tourism employment in his constituency. He said multinational operators enjoy strong profit margins and high occupancy, yet workers on the ground still earn low wages that cannot be ignored. Small and medium-sized operators who help build the sector in Negril also need urgent attention, he added.

Hayles encouraged responsible cabinet members to pick up the phone and speak with Negril stakeholders, naming Lee Issa, Daniel Grizzle, Lenbert Williams, Elaine Bradley, Richard Wallace and Damian Salmon for their daily insight into conditions on the ground. "We are tired of the promises. We are tired of the fancy documents. Let's get some action now," he said, citing remarks from Mr Penny.

In closing, Hayles thanked residents of Westmoreland Western for pressing on through hardship, including those still without roofs as they try to rebuild. He pledged to keep fighting for every constituent, whether they voted PNP or JLP.