KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, is urging all employers in the sector, to participate fully in the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme, which is scheduled to become operational early next year.

According to a release from the tourism ministry, the pension scheme, which is the first of its kind, will be a contributory one that embraces approximately 350,000 full-time, part-time, self-employed and contract workers across the sector.

The Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme is also designed to cover all workers ages 18-59 years within the sector.

Speaking yesterday at the third Graduation Ceremony of the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett noted that the pension scheme represents the final step in the ministry’s commitment to human capital development.

“Our workers deserve financial security at the end of their tenure, which this pension scheme will provide and so I urge all employers to get on board and support this landmark legislation,” he said.

Bartlett also noted that the Governor General had given his approval and a Board of Trustees has been established.

The ministry said the Board, which will play a critical role in the management of the scheme, met for the first time earlier this week.

The Board’s mandate will include a review of regulations required to make the pension scheme operational. Also included in their list of duties is the management of all money paid, or assets transferred into the Scheme and the appointment of a Fund manager.