NMIA Staff Commended for Dedicated Service

The dedicated employees of the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), who have worked tirelessly throughout the year, were honoured at a special appreciation breakfast at the airport in Kingston on Wednesday (December 18).

The annual event, organised by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), brought together key stakeholders to celebrate the employees’ contribution to Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who addressed the staff, highlighted the critical role they play in shaping the visitor experience.

He noted that the airport serves as “the first point of contact for happiness” for visitors arriving in Jamaica.

“The big picture is how each of us fits neatly into enabling the prosperity and the development of our country, Jamaica, land we love,” he said.

The Minister praised the recent advancements at NMIA, including the implementation of facial recognition technology and E-gates, which enhance the visitor experience.

“We are excited to continue making Jamaica the number one preferred destination in the region,” he affirmed.

Minister Bartlett encouraged the staff to participate in the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme, highlighting its importance in ensuring their security during retirement.

“You all qualify and I want you to join it… and feel good to know that you can retire with a little better opportunity,” he said.

Noting that only 10 per cent of Jamaicans are part of a pension scheme, he said that if everyone, who works in a tourism-related field signs up, nearly half a million people would immediately become part of a pension arrangement.

“The percentage would jump twofold just by that, so, I want you to take advantage of that,” the Minister urged.

The appreciation breakfast served as a reminder of the vital contributions made by NMIA staff in promoting Jamaica as a premier travel destination.

A similar function for staff at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay was held on Sunday (December 15).

In her remarks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PAC Kingston Airports Limited, which operates the NMIA, Sitara English-Byfield, acknowledged the hard work and resilience of the airport staff during a challenging 2024.

“We are doing a lot of work here in order to get things to the stage where we want it to be – the place or the airport of choice to visit in Jamaica. We hope, next year, to continue to work together…to serve our passengers better,” she said.