The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean recently awarded the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, an honorary doctorate in Tourism and Hospitality Management at their annual commencement ceremony, which took place at the National Arena in Kingston on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
UCC lauded for role in developing Jamaica’s human capital
Minister Bartlett, who also delivered the keynote address at the event, highlighted the UCC’s pivotal role in workforce development. He recognised the institution’s Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management as a critical component of the Ministry’s efforts to build capacity within the sector.
“This program, along with UCC’s emphasis on workforce development strategies, will help ensure that our tourism industry remains competitive, sustainable, and capable of providing meaningful career opportunities,” Bartlett asserted.
Local and international business luminaries also conferred
The Minister was among other business luminaries who were also conferred with honorary degrees to include Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group in the UK, who received an honorary doctorate in business and entrepreneurship; Adam Stewart, the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and Chairman of the Ministry’s Tourism Linkages Council, who received an honorary doctorate in business administration; and Dr. Patricia V. Smith, who received an honorary doctorate in behavioural sciences.
Celebrating the achievements of graduates
The UCC’s commencement ceremony saw approximately 1,000 graduates crossing the stage at the National Arena in Kingston, Jamaica, also marked by the installation of Professor Colin Gyles as the institution’s fourth president.
“This theme, ‘It’s a New Beginning, Arise and Take Your Place’ is not only fitting for our graduates, who are stepping into new chapters of their lives, but also for the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) as it embarks on a new era,” Bartlett stated in his address.
