ST JAMES, Jamaica – Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, on Friday launched the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) database, which allows certified tourism workers to better connect with potential employers in the sector to further develop Jamaica’s human capital.

The Database of Certified Individuals, which can be accessed via an online portal, enables people to upload their credentials, thus creating a repository that hoteliers and other stakeholders can draw on for workers.

In his remarks at the launch ceremony held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, Bartlett said that the platform aligns with the government’s goal to further promote Jamaica’s human capital.

“This is critical because you know that from time to time, we hear complaints that Jamaicans are not being considered enough for senior positions within the tourism sector,” he said.

“Now, there can be no arguments if the stackable credentials are there, skill sets and personnel.”

“When we qualify and certify you, you should have access… (And) you would be employed on the basis of your merits, qualifications and experience,” he added.

Bartlett said that the database will also help to guide policy relating to work permits and more.

He commended the JCTI for establishing the platform and encouraged certified Jamaican job seekers and employers to utilise the facility to ensure greater equity, access and merit in terms of employment in the sector.

“You may be trained overseas or coming back from [overseas institutions]; come and let us register you in the database so that it can be easy for you to have your skills utilised in the tourism industry,” he said.

JCTI director, Carol Rose Brown, also invited Jamaicans to register on the platform.

“If you have any kind of certification that is transferable, we are prepared to accommodate you. There is a link as well as a QR code. You can scan it and you will be taken directly to the signup page,” she said.

The link to the JCTI database of certified individuals is https://tef.gov.jm/jcti/directory/.

Rose Brown lauded the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Jamaica Information Service, HEART/NSTA Trust, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and other partners that helped to bring the platform to fruition.