Jamaica
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Future of Melia Braco still in limbo

By Halshane Burke 

The future of the Melia Braco Hotel in Trelawny remains in limbo.

The property is owned by the National Insurance Fund (NIF) and has been shuttered since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year there were reports that the property would be put on the market for divestment.

To date, there has been no word from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, which has responsibility for the National Insurance Fund.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said talks are ongoing about what is to become of the 232-room hotel.  

He said a resolution on the issue is expected shortly, with the hope that the hotel "will be back on the market as soon as possible". 

Some $2.6 billion was spent before the onset of the pandemic to upgrade the Melia Braco Hotel, despite the property failing to achieve the projected revenues.

The National Insurance Fund invests contributions paid to the National Insurance Scheme. Pensions and other benefits eligible under the NIS are paid from the fund.