Hon. Edmund Bartlett, C.D., M.P.

Jamaica
Minister of Tourism

Hon. Edmund Bartlett is a dynamic, results-oriented leader, recognized for his wide-ranging expertise and accomplishments in both tourism and politics. 

 

He is by nature an innovator and a visionary; attributes which have underscored Mr. Bartlett’s forty years of successful service to the nation.  Whether providing strategic guidance to his portfolio Ministry or overseeing the overall development of Jamaica’s tourism industry, he always seeks to add value and create opportunities. 

 

Mr. Bartlett was first appointed Minister of Tourism in 2007, serving until December 2011. Prior to this, he already had a solid record of accomplishment as an outstanding legislator in central government in both Chambers of Parliament. He served as Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting & Culture in the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Sports & Community Development from 1980 to 1989; later he served as Senator and Opposition Spokesman on various portfolios, including Tourism, from 1989 to 2007. 

 

While serving in the shadow Cabinet following his first stint as Tourism Minister, Mr. Bartlett travelled the world forging alliances with strategic partners for global initiatives. He returned to the helm of the Ministry of Tourism following the 2016 general elections.

 

Under his leadership, tourism has been positioned as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive growth, through job creation, Public Private Partnerships (PPPS), wealth creation and community transformation. Mr. Bartlett firmly believes that all Jamaicans should benefit from the success of this major economic earner. 

 

He has become a powerful voice and tireless advocate for global tourism resilience. He is founder and Co-Chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) at the University of the West Indies, Mona, which is dedicated to conducting policy-relevant research and analysis on destination preparedness, management and recovery due to disruptions and crises that impact tourism.

 

As one of the world’s leading Tourism Ministers, Mr. Bartlett has represented Jamaica regionally and internationally. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Affiliate Members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Vice Chairman of the UNWTO Executive Council, and Vice Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). He is currently the Chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas (CAM) and Vice Chair of the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR).

 

Mr. Bartlett has copped numerous awards for his years of dedicated service to tourism, including:  

 

Beyond his ministerial duties, Mr. Bartlett has continually championed the advancement of education, skills training and job creation as ways of improving the lives of his constituents in East Central St. James. He is very passionate about education and has therefore focused his efforts on creating scholarships for both students and teachers, thus raising the bar for educational achievements. He has also worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of the elderly and disabled in his constituency.

 

Minister Bartlett has been married for over 35 years and has one child and two grandchildren. His passions include cricket, dominoes and dancing.

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