News Releases

Minister Bartlett Salutes Godfrey Dyer’s 14 Years of Exemplary Service KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, April 30, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has named Ryan Parkes, Group Chief Executive Officer of Island Car Rentals and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), effective May 1, 2026. The appointment, recently approved by Cabinet, was announced at the Ministry’s One-day Strategic Visioning Retreat held on April 22 at the AC Marriott Hotel. In making the announcement, Minister Bartlett also paid tribute to the outgoing TEF Chairman, Hon. Godfrey Dyer, whose 14-year tenure at the helm of the TEF represents the longest record of chairmanship in the fund’s history and one of the longest across government.

TREASURE BEACH, St. Elizabeth; Tuesday, April 28, 2026: With tourism activities along the island’s South Coast now up and running in tandem with other major resort areas, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is attributing the expeditious recovery of the sector to trust and confidence in the destination’s ability to delivery on what is promised. Minister Bartlett wrapped up a two-day South Coast tour recently under the theme “South Coast Strong: St. Bess Is Back,” signalling visible momentum in the parish, demonstrating confidence in the post hurricane Melissa recovery of tourism activity and highlighting the strength of the South Coast’s diversified product. The tour stretched from Mandeville, Manchester to Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth and included hotels and attractions, with each sending a resounding message that they are back and open for business, having recovered in record time from the impact of the powerful hurricane.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, April 17, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has paid tribute to former Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, on his passing, describing him as a distinguished Jamaican whose life of service left an enduring mark on the nation’s tourism sector, public life and economic development. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Jamaica has lost a devoted son—an accomplished attorney, distinguished statesman and committed public servant whose life’s work helped to shape our nation,” said Minister Bartlett. Minister Bartlett noted that Mr. Hart’s tenure as Minister of Tourism from 1984 to 1989 coincided with an important period in Jamaica’s tourism development and international visibility.

Tourism Minister Delivers Inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture WASHINGTON D.C., United States; Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has honoured late tourism scholar Professor Donald E. Hawkins at the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business, describing him as a “national hero of tourism” for his contribution to Jamaica’s tourism development. Speaking at the event in Washington D.C. recently, Bartlett said Hawkins played an important role in helping to shape key aspects of Jamaica’s tourism architecture, particularly in the areas of human capital development, institutional strengthening and professionalisation. “Don Hawkins was not born on Jamaican soil. But in the story of Jamaica’s tourism transformation, he belongs to our national journey. In the language of gratitude, and in the language of impact, we honour him as a national hero of tourism,” Bartlett said.

Minister Bartlett Undertakes High-level Engagements with Tourism Partners KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is undertaking a series of high-level engagements, including delivering the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business. The lecture, scheduled for Thursday, April 9, will form part of the university’s official tribute to the late Professor Donald E. Hawkins and will be delivered under the theme, “From Jamaica to the World: A Global Contribution to Tourism Resilience.” Since arriving in the U.S. capital, Minister Bartlett has engaged in a robust schedule of activities aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s tourism partnerships and expanding its global footprint. Earlier today, he appeared on Fox 5 Morning and held strategic meetings with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its headquarters, followed by a luncheon with the IDB Board of Directors. The day’s engagements will conclude with a reception with travel agents, reinforcing Jamaica’s marketing push within the U.S. market.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is undertaking a series of high-level engagements, including delivering the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business. The lecture, scheduled for Thursday, April 9, will form part of the university’s official tribute to the late Professor Donald E. Hawkins and will be delivered under the theme, “From Jamaica to the World: A Global Contribution to Tourism Resilience.” Since arriving in the U.S. capital, Minister Bartlett has engaged in a robust schedule of activities aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s tourism partnerships and expanding its global footprint. Earlier today, he appeared on Fox 5 Morning and held strategic meetings with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its headquarters, followed by a luncheon with the IDB Board of Directors. The day’s engagements will conclude with a reception with travel agents, reinforcing Jamaica’s marketing push within the U.S. market.