First COPA Flight Arrives in Montego Bay

By: - December 14th, 2011

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The first direct commercial flight by COPA Airways to Jamaica arrived in Montego Bay this weekend, bringing approximately 150 passengers from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport.

The flight is part of a new twice-weekly service between Panama City and Montego Bay, and part of a wider expansion by COPA that will have added nine new destinations to its daily route network by the end of this year.

Panama is part of a Latin and Central American region that has been targeted by Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Ed Bartlett.

Bartlett said the Ministry had held discussions with several South American carriers, and chose COPA as the “best fit” for Jamaica.

The COPA flights will add another 10,000 airline seats for the upcoming winter tourism season.

“We are looking at a 4.7 percent projection for increase in arrivals, some 769,000 visitors,” he said.

Earlier this month, Jamaica’s cabinet approved a plan that would waive visas for travelers from another South American nation, Colombia, for the upcoming season.

Jamaica

Guyana, Canada Talk Investment

Above: Environment Minister Robert Persaud and Canadian High Commissioner David Devine (Photo: GINA) By the Caribbean Journal staff Guyanese Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud joined Canadian High Commissioner David Devine at a video conference with Canadian investors yesterday. Persaud said the government was open to continued work with Canadian investors, with whom it has partnered […]

Jamaica

Op-Ed: Jamaica at a Crossroads

By Kent Gammon Op-Ed Contributor The Jamaican people will decide their fate on the Dec. 29 in the country’s 16th general election. They face a major crossroads: go with the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) which will mean austerity measures due to International Monetary Fund (IMF) prescriptions or with the People’s National Party (PNP), which will […]

Jamaica

Op-Ed: Canadian Sen. Don Meredith on the Canada-CARICOM Free Trade Deal

By Hon. Dr Don Meredith, Senator Op-Ed Contributor Canada and CARICOM are on the verge of forging new economic ties through a timely and well-needed free trade agreement. As a Jamaican who immigrated to Canada and is now serving in the Senate, it is my priority to see that both countries realize their economic potential. […]

Interview with Professor Ian Boxill

 By Alexander Britell Jamaica’s elections are quickly heating up, and one of those monitoring the political developments closely is University of the West Indies Professor Ian Boxill, who is the Carlton Alexander Chair in Management Studies. Dr Boxill is also a veteran pollster, having surveyed the political and electoral attitudes of Jamaicans for some time […]

Bouterse, LaRocque Meet in Suriname

 Above: Suriname President Desi Bouterse (UN Photo/Marco Castro) By the Caribbean Journal staff Suriname President and Incoming CARICOM Chairman Desi Bouterse met with Secretary General Irwin LaRocque in Surianme today as part of the latter’s two-day visit in the country. Bouterse will become chairman on Jan. 1, 2012, and will hold the position for six […]

Cayman Islands Named Top Domicile for Hedge Funds: Report

 By Alexander Britell Jamaica’s elections are quickly heating up, and one of those monitoring the political developments closely is University of the West Indies Professor Ian Boxill, who is the Carlton Alexander Chair in Management Studies. Dr Boxill is also a veteran pollster, having surveyed the political and electoral attitudes of Jamaicans for some time […]

Caribbean Airlines Adds New Aircraft to Grenada Route

By the Caribbean Journal staff Caribbean Airlines has added a new ATR turbo aircraft to its Grenada route, with the first flight last week from Port of Spain. The 68-seater is part of a new fleet of planes introduced by the company. It’s a development that consolidates what Grenadian Aviation Minister Peter David said was […]