ST JAMES, Jamaica-Thirty-two residents of Salt Spring in St James proudly walked across the stage as graduates of a transformative training programme, marking the third cohort to complete the Project STAR job readiness programme in the parish.

The graduates, who were exposed to a wide-ranging curriculum that included business technology and workplace priorities, each received Guest Service Gold Certification courtesy of the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation, a key credential aimed at boosting their employability within the tourism and service industries.

Delivering a stirring keynote address at the graduation ceremony, Mark Kerr-Jarrett, managing director and owner of Barnett Limited, encouraged the graduates to view their achievement as just the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement.

“The most precious asset that this country has is its people,” Kerr-Jarrett declared. “If we develop the people, the people will develop the country.”

Urging graduates to recognise their own value, Kerr-Jarrett told them, “You are the pilot of your own destiny. You have to invest in yourself… Look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘I am worth my time.’” He emphasised that gaining skills and qualifications would increase their value to potential employers and to their own communities.

He also challenged attendees to be mindful of how they use technology, particularly smartphones, suggesting they leverage it as a tool for learning rather than a distraction. “Every waking minute is valuable,” he said. “The only thing that you can lose and never make back is time.”

Kerr-Jarrett, who has spent over four decades working across multiple industries, from engineering and land development to security and agriculture, shared his personal commitment to continuous learning. “I learn something new every day,” he stressed.

Highlighting the broader impact of personal growth, Kerr-Jarrett noted that the graduates’ dedication would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for their families and the wider community. “We as parents are here to lift our children up,” he said. “When we invest in ourselves, we create opportunities for our children to go further than we ever could.”

Director of Project STAR, Saffrey Brown, also commended the graduates on their achievement and the dedication they’ve shown. “This graduation is more than a ceremony; it’s a reflection of what’s possible when communities are given the tools and support to thrive,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of the Salt Spring cohort and remain committed to helping them realise their full potential.”

Speaking on behalf of her fellow graduates, Davina Larson expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity.
“It has been an incredibly valuable experience, and we are deeply thankful for the knowledge and skills imparted throughout the job readiness course,” she said.

“Not only did we gain customer service skills and certification, but we also learnt table etiquette and business professionalism. These sessions have equipped us with practical tools and strategies that we can immediately apply to our professional and personal lives.”

Meanwhile, Neville Charlton, training support officer at Project STAR, underscored that the training does not stop there, as he noted that the graduation ceremony was not just a celebration of academic achievement but a call to action for community upliftment and national development powered by empowered individuals.

“You guys came, and you have conquered,” he said as he urged the graduates to strive to excel at any task.