Direct flight needed between Jamaica and Mexico - Mijares

Mexican Ambassador Juan Jose Gonzalez Mijares has said it is critical for direct airlift between his country and Jamaica be established to inculcate greater cooperation between two of the Western Hemisphere's most powerful tourist destinations.

"One important issue, of course, is to establish direct flight between Mexico and Jamaica. At the moment there is no direct flight, and that would increase opportunities around tourism or as a bridge, also for Jamaica, for Asia. That is another concept that I have," said Mijares, while speaking to The Gleaner during a presentation of the 'Altar of the Death', a Mexican tradition of remembrance of close relatives and friend who have passed away.

He told The Gleaner that enlarging Mexican footprint in Jamaica through expansion of economic and bilateral ties are important, as the opening up of Mexican markets to Jamaican products.

"We are working with different entities to enlarge Mexican footprint in Jamaica. We need to enlarge that. In the 1980s, there was a [direct] flight from Mexico to Kingston, and a lot of people of that generation profited from that; nowadays, of course, for different reasons, there is a flight out of Mexico to the Dominican Republic, but none to Jamaica and we hope to fix that," the ambassador noted.

While adding that the issue is being addressed, should there be a return to direct flights between the two countries, it could more likely be from Cancun to Montego Bay.

Cultural exchange

"And this will be good for tourism, cargo and trade; but more importantly, it will be good for the movement of people, as it would serve to facilitate cultural exchanges between Mexico and Jamaica," said Mijares.

Mexico already has a significant presence in Jamaica with a large footprint in the tourism sector. In addition, both the Sangster International and the Norman Manley International airports are operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, or GAP.

There are close to 300 Mexicans living and working in Jamaica, mainly in the tourism sector, an embassy official said.

The Mexican economy has steadily grown at an average of 3.32 per cent annually between 2010 and 2014. In terms of purchasing power parity, Mexico is the world's 11th-largest economy. The country is also the world's 12th-largest export economy.

"Both Mexico and Jamaica are seen as middle-income countries, but, of course, our economy is much larger. It is a plus, therefore, to be partners with Jamaica, as we pursue greater cooperation using culture, among other things, for that platform," Mijares said.

paul.clarke@gleanerjm.com