Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has appointed Ryan Parkes as Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), efficient Might 1, 2026, succeeding long-serving chairman Godfrey Dyer after greater than 14 years of management.
Kingston, Jamaica – The Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett, has introduced the appointment of Ryan Parkes as the brand new Chairman of the Board of Administrators of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), efficient Might 1, 2026.
The appointment, which won Cupboard approval, was once officially published all the way through the Ministry’s One-day Strategic Visioning Retreat hung on April 22 on the AC Marriott Lodge.
Parkes, who these days serves as Team Leader Govt Officer of Island Automotive Leases and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tourism Staff Pension Scheme (TWPS), will suppose management of the TEF board at a pivotal time for Jamaica’s tourism sector.
Tribute to Outgoing Chairman
In making the announcement, Minister Bartlett paid tribute to outgoing Chairman Godfrey Dyer, whose tenure spanned greater than 14 years, making it the longest within the fund’s historical past and some of the enduring throughout executive our bodies.
“Together with your knowledge, your sagacity, and the steerage that I do know you convey, TEF is now a central a part of the tourism supply mechanism,” Bartlett stated. “I thanks to your remarkable management right through the years.”
Dyer served in two separate sessions—from 2007 to 2011 and once more from 2016 to 2025—overseeing the transformation of the TEF right into a cornerstone of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure.
Variety Procedure and Endorsement
The method to spot Dyer’s successor was once performed in shut session with him following his choice to step down. Parkes emerged as the most popular candidate, with complete endorsement from the outgoing chairman.
“I don’t imagine there may be someone alive these days who has contributed extra to the improvement of Jamaica’s tourism than this gentleman,” Bartlett remarked, emphasizing Parkes’ business affect.
Having a look Forward
Parkes brings in depth enjoy within the monetary sector, having held senior government roles at a number of main establishments throughout Jamaica. In accepting the placement, he said the load of the accountability forward.
“Those are very large footwear to fill, however with God’s assist I can give it my perfect shot,” he stated.
His tenure as Chairman of the TEF Board will run from Might 1, 2026, to November 23, 2028, aligning with the present board’s time period.
Reflections from Dyer
An emotional Dyer expressed gratitude for the chance to serve, crediting the management throughout the Ministry of Tourism, together with Everlasting Secretary Jennifer Griffith.
“Below the management of Minister Bartlett and the Everlasting Secretary, it was once simply simple to serve,” Dyer stated. “We will have to be venerated to have labored on this area.”
As Parkes prepares to take the helm, stakeholders around the tourism sector are anticipated to observe carefully as he builds at the robust basis laid via his predecessor.
