Ed Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, obtained an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality and Tourism Administration from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) throughout a ceremony on July 28 on the Nationwide Area in St. Andrew.
The occasion, themed “It’s a New Starting… Rise and Take Your Place,” celebrated Bartlett’s accomplishments and showcased UCC’s dedication to tutorial excellence and innovation.
The ceremony additionally honored the pinnacle of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart with the Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Enterprise Administration Award; and Dr Patricia V. Smith with the Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Behavioral Sciences Award.
In his graduation speech, Minister Bartlett lauded UCC for its very important function in larger schooling in Jamaica. He highlighted the collaboration between UCC and the Ministry of Tourism to bolster the trade, together with initiatives just like the Jamaica Tourism Innovation Heart and the Hospitality and Tourism Administration Program.
Bartlett has been a transformative chief in tourism and politics, serving as Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism for practically 13 of the final 17 years.
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He was first appointed in 2007 and served till December 2011. Previous to this, he had a formidable file as a legislator in central authorities, holding roles corresponding to Minister of State for Data, Broadcasting & Tradition and Minister of Youth, Sports activities & Group Growth from 1980 to 1989. He additionally served as a Senator and Opposition Spokesman on numerous portfolios, together with Tourism, from 1989 to 2007.
After his first time period as Tourism Minister, Bartlett traveled globally, constructing alliances for worldwide initiatives. He resumed his function as Tourism Minister following the 2016 and 2020 normal elections, throughout which Jamaica’s tourism trade flourished. The island now boasts over 22,000 resort rooms, and in 2023, the variety of guests surpassed 4 million for the primary time.
Beneath Bartlett’s management, tourism has pushed sustainable and inclusive progress, creating jobs, fostering Public Personal Partnerships (PPP), producing wealth, and reworking communities. He has championed a social fairness ecosystem to supply trade staff with a better sense of accomplishment, achievement, and safety.
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He has grow to be a robust voice and tireless advocate for world tourism resilience. He’s the founder and Co-Chair of the International Tourism Resilience and Disaster Administration Centre (GTRCMC) on the College of the West Indies, Mona, and has partnered with Kenyatta College in Nairobi, Kenya, the place the primary Satellite tv for pc Centre of the GTRCMC has been established, to facilitate East African international locations’ mitigation and administration of tourism disruptions.
Ed Bartlett’s contributions have earned important recognition. In March, Jamaica was named the International Vacation spot of the 12 months at ITB Berlin by the Pacific Space Journey Writers Affiliation (PATWA), which additionally named Bartlett a ‘International Tourism Icon’ for his excellent contributions to the trade. In 2018, he obtained the Worldwide Tourism Minister of the Year Award.
A local of Westmoreland, Jamaica, Bartlett was educated at St Elizabeth Technical Excessive College and the College of the West Indies, Mona, the place he studied sociology. He was first elected to the Home of Representatives in 2002 and has served as a minister in Jamaica Labour Get together administrations since 1980, when he grew to become the youngest serving member of parliament.
Bartlett has represented Jamaica on regional and worldwide phases, serving in roles corresponding to Chairman of the Board of Affiliate Members of the United Nations World Tourism Group (UNWTO), Vice Chairman of the UNWTO Govt Council, Chair of the UNWTO Regional Fee of the Americas (CAM), and Vice Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Group (CTO).
He obtained Jamaica’s Order of Distinction within the Rank of Commander (CD) in 2012.
Minister Ed Bartlett has been married for over 47 years. He and his spouse, Carmen, had two kids. Their daughter, Lisa, handed away. Their son, Edmund, has a household of 4: his spouse Sarah, son William, and daughter Leia.
