Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartletthas appointed Ryan Parkes as Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), effective May 1, 2026, successful long-serving chairman Godfrey Dyer after more than 14 years of leadership.
Kingston, Jamaica – The Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett, has announced the appointment of Ryan Parkes as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), effective May 1, 2026.
The appointment, which received Cabinet approval, was formally revealed during the Ministry’s One-day Strategic Visioning Retreat held on April 22 at the AC Marriott Hotel.
Parkes, who currently serves as Group Chief Executive Officer of Island Car Rentals and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), will assume leadership of the TEF board at a pivotal time for Jamaica’s tourism sector.
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Tribute to Outgoing Chairman
In making the announcement, Minister Bartlett paid tribute to outgoing Chairman Godfrey Dyer, whose tenure spanned more than 14 years, making it the longest in the fund’s history and one of the most enduring across government bodies.
“With your wisdom, your sagacity, and the guidance that I know you bring, TEF is now a central part of the tourism delivery mechanism,” Bartlett said. “I thank you for your exceptional leadership throughout the years.”
Dyer served in two separate periods—from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2016 to 2025—overseeing the transformation of the TEF into a cornerstone of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure.
Selection Process and Endorsement
The process to identify Dyer’s successor was conducted in close consultation with him following his decision to step down. Parkes emerged as the preferred candidate, with full endorsement from the outgoing chairman.
“I don’t believe there is anyone alive today who has contributed more to the development of Jamaica’s tourism than this gentleman,” Bartlett remarked, emphasizing Parkes’ industry impact.
Looking Ahead
Parkes brings extensive experience in the financial sector, having held senior executive roles at several leading institutions across Jamaica. In accepting the position, he acknowledged the weight of the responsibility ahead.
“These are very big shoes to fill, but with God’s help I will give it my best shot,” he said.
His tenure as Chairman of the TEF Board will run from May 1, 2026, to November 23, 2028, aligning with the current board’s term.
Reflections from Dyer
An emotional Dyer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, crediting the leadership within the Ministry of Tourism, including Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith.
“Under the leadership of Minister Bartlett and the Permanent Secretary, it was just easy to serve,” Dyer said. “We must be honored to have worked in this space.”
As Parkes prepares to take the helm, stakeholders across the tourism sector are expected to watch closely as he builds on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor.