The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) is Jamaica’s largest privately-held higher educational institution providing students with world-class educational programs and highly trained and qualified local & international faculty.
The institution has its headquarters in Kingston Jamaica. It was formed in 2004 as a result of the merger in 2002 of the Institute of Management Sciences (IMS) incorporated in 1992 and the Institute of Management & Production (IMP) incorporated in 1976. The newly expanded institution remains one of the fastest-growing institutions in the country as well as in the Caribbean region.
Tourism is one of the biggest exports in Jamaica, and with this the biggest opportunity for Jamaicans to lead this giant industry.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister knew this when he spoke to faculty members and graduates as the university inaugurated its fourth president Professor Colin Gyles.
Speech by the Hon. Edmund Bartlett
“Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, faculty members, graduates, and families joining us here at the National Arena and online globally. It is my pleasure to be invited to share this special occasion with you, convened under the inspiring theme, “It’s a New Beginning…Arise and Take Your Place.”
This theme 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 with the installation of its fourth president, the distinguished Professor Colin Gyles.
“The UCC’s journey from its origins to becoming a distinguished institution is marked by significant milestones and achievements. Today, the UCC stands proudly as the largest private non-affiliated higher educational institution in Jamaica and has a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. With over 7,000 students enrolled in its five campuses across the country, the UCC has become a beacon of higher learning and professional development, offering a diverse range of programs including short courses, bachelor’s programs, associate degrees, graduate programs, online programs, online micro-credentials, and an accelerated MBA.
The programs offered at UCC are carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students and the demands of the global job market. For instance, the Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management provides a strong business-related foundation with specialized courses tailored to the critical needs of the tourism and hospitality industry globally. This program not only prepares students for immediate employment but also equips them with the skills necessary for long-term career development.
To this extent, the UCC plays a pivotal role in the development of Jamaica’s tourism workforce. Indeed, this program supplements broader efforts by the Ministry of Tourism to facilitate workforce development in the tourism industry through initiatives such as the establishment of the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation and our Hospitality and Tourism Management Programme (HTMP) for high schools, which are both designed to ensure that more Jamaicans can obtain competencies and qualifications to secure in-demand, high-income jobs in the tourism industry.
I have long contended that we must ensure that we introduce capacity-building programs aimed at addressing the historical constraints to economic empowerment within the tourism sector. While tourism stimulates high levels of employment, admittedly, the quality of jobs created has faced scrutiny. Many employment opportunities in tourism are perceived as requiring low to medium-level skills, limiting economic mobility. However, the global tourism market is evolving, and the demand for a highly qualified workforce is growing. UCC’s Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management is designed to develop management skills critical to the industry.
This program, along with UCC’s emphasis on workforce development strategies, will ensure that our tourism industry remains competitive, sustainable, and capable of providing meaningful career opportunities. Overall, the UCC’s role in workforce development is critical. By offering specialized programs that cater to the needs of the tourism and hospitality industry and other emerging sectors, UCC is helping to bridge the skills gap and create a pipeline of qualified professionals ready to contribute to Jamaica’s economic growth.
The university’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to industry trends ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-changing global market.
The role of UCC in the digital transformation of the Jamaican economy must also be noted. In today’s rapidly advancing world, knowledge is the key driver of tourism and many other sectors.
As we look to the future, it is clear that advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), will play a significant role in shaping tourism and other segments of the Jamaican economy. In tourism, AI is transforming how we understand and engage with tourists, offering personalized experiences and improving operational efficiency. It is imperative that UCC graduates lead the charge in integrating these advancements into the industry. Your expertise and innovative thinking will be crucial in harnessing the power of AI to enhance our tourism product, making it more competitive and sustainable.
The future working world of tourism will demand proficiency in digital technology and AI, and UCC graduates are well-equipped to meet this challenge. Integrating AI-driven solutions, such as smart tourism platforms and data analytics, will enable more efficient, personalized, and sustainable tourism experiences.
Today’s commencement ceremony, the largest in UCC’s history with approximately 1,000 graduands and over 6,500 guests, marks a significant milestone. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and persistence of UCC’s recruitment team, the passion and professionalism of its lecturers, and the tenacity of its students. We are also here to celebrate the installation of the highly respected Professor Colin Gyles as the new President of UCC. Professor Gyles brings over 30 years of experience in higher education and leadership.
Throughout his career, Professor Gyles has been recognized for his commitment to academic excellence and his contributions to higher education. His multidisciplinary approach to education, combining elements of science, leadership, and innovation, has positioned him as a forward-thinking leader capable of driving UCC’s continued success. His accomplishments at UTech and his visionary approach to education will undoubtedly propel UCC to even greater heights.
Today also marks a special occasion for me, my family, and all the hardworking staff of the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated agencies, who have worked tirelessly over the years to develop the country’s tourism product and create boundless opportunities for millions of Jamaicans.
I feel greatly honored to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality and Tourism Management by UCC. This recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective efforts of everyone who has contributed to the development of Jamaica’s tourism industry. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to UCC for this honor.
I would also like to acknowledge my fellow honourees: Mr. Adam Stewart, CD, Hon. LLD, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration; Dr. Patricia V. Smith, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Behavioral Sciences; and Sir Richard Branson, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Business & Entrepreneurship. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, and it is a privilege to be recognized alongside them.
As we celebrate this new beginning, I urge our graduates to embrace the opportunities before them. Rise and take your place in the world, armed with the knowledge and skills you have acquired at UCC. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for Jamaica, where education and tourism drive economic growth and social progress.
Graduates, you are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Your journey at UCC has equipped you with the tools to make a significant impact in your communities and beyond. As you step into this new chapter, remember the values instilled in you by this esteemed institution. Strive for excellence, uphold integrity, and always embrace social responsibility. Your role in the future of tourism and other sectors will be pivotal. With the advancements in AI and other technologies, the world is changing rapidly. UCC graduates are uniquely positioned to drive these changes, ensuring that Jamaica remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainable development.
In closing, I want to once again express my deepest gratitude to UCC for this honorary doctorate and for the opportunity to be a part of this historic occasion. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024. May your future be filled with success, fulfillment, and endless possibilities. Thank you