Robin Russell has opted to draw a line under his three-year stewardship of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, confirming at Friday’s annual general meeting that he will not contest another term.
Addressing delegates, the outgoing president reflected on a tenure that began in 2022 and spanned three successive mandates. “It’s been a privilege to navigate this industry with you,” Russell said, crediting members for the association’s recent advocacy wins.
His departure sets the stage for a closed-door ballot later today, where voting members will select the next figurehead for Jamaica’s principal hospitality lobby. Russell urged the assembly to extend “equal—or greater—support” to whoever emerges, framing continuity of purpose as essential to the sector’s growth agenda.
The incoming president will inherit a full docket: labour-force upskilling, supply-chain resilience, and a push for sustainable tourism incentives remain high on the JHTA’s policy slate. With Russell stepping aside, attention now turns to how fresh leadership will recalibrate those priorities heading into the 2025 high season.
