by Brian Major
Last updated: 4:15 PM ET, Tue August 13, 2024
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s
minister of tourism, will be awarded the country’s Order of Jamaica, and an honorary
doctorate degree for his “contribution to the development of the industry,”
according to Jamaica Ministry of Tourism officials.
Bartlett is one of eight individuals who will receive Jamaica’s
fourth highest honor, which will be presented at a ceremony on National Heroes
Day in October, according to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).
The award acknowledges Bartlett’s
“invaluable contribution to the field of tourism, promoting human resource
sustainability and climate resilience,” according to the JIS report.
The honor also
commemorates Bartlett’s 40 years in public service, including more than 21
years as a government minister.
“I am truly humbled and
honored to be recognized in this manner,” said Bartlett in a statement. “These
awards not only speak to my effort in the field but puts tourism in the global
spotlight for its contribution to economies and livelihoods,” he said.
Under Bartlett’s
leadership, Jamaica has recorded record-breaking visitor arrivals, while the tourism minster
has focused on “job creation, wealth distribution, inclusion, community
development” and “solidifying the country's position as a premier Caribbean
destination,” according to Ministry of Tourism officials.
Bartlett has also been a
leading voice for global tourism resilience as co-founder of the Global Tourism
Resilience & Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) in 2018.
The honor “has renewed my
drive to champion tourism causes that will increase benefits for our people and
country,” said Bartlett. “There is so much more we can get out of the industry
to ensure prosperity for all.”
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