KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been awarded the Commander of Number of the Order of Civil Merit from Spain for the pivotal role he has played in facilitating several multi-billion dollar investments in the island’s burgeoning tourism sector. Minister Bartlett was conferred with the honor at a formal ceremony held at the official residence of the Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, in Norbrook, St. Andrew on Friday, May 7.
In conferring the honor, Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Je’sus Silva, expressed gratitude to the Tourism Minister for his role in fostering an environment that has resulted in the strong partnership that now exists between Jamaica and Spanish investors.
Minister Bartlett in accepting the award said he was honored by the recognition that the King of Spain had bestowed on him. Since 2006, Spain has made significant foreign direct investments in Jamaica and in particular the tourism industry, where some 6,000 rooms have been added to the island’s room stock.
Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Jesus Silva (right) adorns Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett (centre) with the Medal of Honor as he presents him with the instrument of appointment to Commander of Number of the Order of Civil Merit on the order of the King of Spain during the formal ceremony held at the official residence of the Ambassador of Spain in St. Andrew, Jamaica on Friday May 7, 2010. Also sharing the moment is Mrs. Carmen Bartlett.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett (centre) seen here wearing the Medal of Honor, poses with Carrole Guntley (left), Director General in the Ministry of Tourism and Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism after being conferred with the instrument of appointment to the rank Commander of Number of the Order of Civil Merit on the order of the King of Spain by Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Jesus Silva.
