Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett offered his “sincere regret” after a tourist from Argentina died following a meal in the parish of St. Mary. The man dined at a villa in this eastern parish recently.

“On behalf of the Jamaican Government…as well as the entire tourism fraternity, I would like to express sincere regret at the unfortunate passing of one of our guests, who has died under such circumstances. I would also like to extend condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased,” Bartlett said in a statement.

The traveller from Argentina, Aldo Malastina, was the only fatality, though 14 visitors became ill after the meal. One tourist, an Italian, was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego and was in intensive care. Her son was taken to St. Ann’s Bay Hospital but has been released.