Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the newly launched Tourism Entertainment Academy, TEA will further boost the human resource component of the tourism industry. 

The academy, spearheaded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment, represents a 50 million dollar investment in Jamaica’s cultural tourism future. 

It will initially focus on reggae, jazz, and comedy, with the pilot programme targeting local talent from Montego Bay, Hanover, and Westmoreland. 

The inaugural cohort will include six comedians and 19 musicians — an 11-piece reggae band and an 8-member jazz ensemble. 

Speaking at the launch in Falmouth, Trelawny yesterday, Mr. Bartlett explained that the academy is aligned with the government’s goal to significantly improve the tourism sector. 

He said it is also aligned with the 5 pillars of growth established for the tourism industry including, gastronomy, shopping, and the renewal of human capital. 

He added that the academy is the fulfilment of a commitment he made in Parliament last year.