The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AFTER more than 30 years of service in the tourism sector, Jeritzen Edwards-Outten has retired from the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama.

Mrs Outten was recognised and honoured at a special church service on Sunday at Living Waters Assemblies of God.

Pastor Eddie Victor said Mrs Outten has made a significant contribution to tourism in Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas.     

“She is a nation-builder and a pillar to the tourism framework that has been laid out for the island of Grand Bahama,” he said. “Jeritzen Edwards-Outten has created a name for herself and a legacy of promise within the tourism industry.”

Mrs Outten’s career in tourism started in 1981, as an administrative assistant. She moved up through various departments in the organisation, including Bahamahost, People-to-People, Product Development and Events.

“Five years later, she etched her mark in the tourism history books when she trail blazed the way in opening the first Family Island tourist office, located on Andros Island,” Pastor Victor said.  

With Mrs Outten’s experience and professional qualifications, she was promoted to general manager in 2002, with responsibility for the development of tourism product and human resources, at the ministry.

Her rise continued from 2003 to 2007, when she was appointed as Director for the Abaco Tourist Office. While there, she was responsible for the development and promotion of a full range of tourism activities and infrastructural projects in Abaco.

Mrs Outten returned to Grand Bahama in 2007 to take up the post of Senior Director for Product Development for Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas, including the Abacos, Andros, Bimini and the Berry Islands.

She has received numerous awards, including the1992 Business and Professional Woman of the year for Grand Bahama Island by the Business and Professional Women’s Club; Boss of the Year ‘95/’96 by the Grand Bahama Island Professional Secretaries Association; Member of the National Honour Society in Business Management and Administration, USA; and received a certification in Conflict Resolution from the Florida Supreme Court Family Mediation Institute.

She is the second of 10 siblings and a sixth generation native of Grand Bahama.

Mrs Outten began her professional career as an educator. She holds an Associate’s degree in Teacher’s Education; BA in Education and Public Relations; and a Masters in Human Resources Management. She is also an adult Sunday School teacher.