JTB's US$500,000 sponsorship causes controversy

Questions have been raised regarding the 575 per cent increase in sponsorship that private promoter Turn Key Productions has received from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to stage the rebranded Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.

The Government's decision to pump US$500,000 (J$40 million) into staging the event from the coffers of the Tourism Enhancement Fund has caused immense criticism from several quarters, including opposition spokesman on tourism, Dr Wykeham McNeill, and jazz promoter and musician Sonny Bradshaw.