BUCHANAN

Development Minister Donald Buchanan has cautioned parish councils and other regulatory bodies to be careful when issuing stop orders on hotel construction projects, arguing that it could affect the country's reputation of being investor friendly.

Mr. Buchanan's comments come on the heels of statements from Spain's Ambassador to Jamaica, Jesús Silva, who said earlier this week that stop orders on hotel buildings could cost companies millions of dollars.

"Some of these decisions are being questioned as the infractions do not appear to be so serious to warrant stop orders," said Mr. Buchanan.

"I fully support parish councils and other regulatory bodies which follow the law and protect our interest as they relate to environmental planning and safety matters," Mr. Buchanan said in a release.

"However, I would caution them to be careful in how these are issued as stop orders cost our investors millions, put people out of work and could negatively affect Jamaica's reputation of being investor friendly," he added.

Mr. Buchanan said the Government recognised that its approvals process was not as efficient as it should be. Thus, he noted a proposal is being tabled to ensure that, once all planning and environmental requirements are satisfied, approvals will be granted in a shorter period.