RETI-CCIM Partnership to Transform Jamaica’s Commercial Real Estate Landscape

Jamaica is on track to strengthen its commercial real estate sector and further drive economic growth, through a strategic partnership between CCIM Institute and the Real Estate Training Institute (RETI).

This collaboration marks the first time the CCIM Institute has aligned directly with a national government in the Caribbean. Under the arrangement, RETI will serve as the exclusive delivery partner for CCIM education in Jamaica.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ held in Kingston on April 30, President of the CCIM Institute, Adam Palmer, said the joint venture will see the delivery of Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation courses and professional development programmes across Jamaica.

These will become available in July and will equip local practitioners with globally recognised expertise in commercial real estate.

Mr. Palmer described the partnership as a catalyst for national development, likening it to a series of “dominoes” that will trigger positive economic transformation.

“At the core is creating better economic conditions, better quality of life, better jobs, better retail opportunities and stronger logistics systems. That’s the beauty of commercial real estate,” he said.

“It truly is the glue to creating not only a successful economy but vibrant communities and improved quality of life. We look forward to the rest of those dominoes falling,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senior Director and Principal of the Real Estate Training Institute, Dr. Tina Beale, underscored the importance of strengthening Jamaica’s commercial land use to support sustainable growth.

Referencing the National Land Policy, she noted that historically, more than 90 per cent of Jamaica’s land has been utilised for residential purposes, with less than 10 per cent dedicated to commercial activity.

“If we are primarily focused on building homes, the question becomes, how do we generate income as a country? We need to expand commerce activity, and the foundation of that is real estate. Without that foundation, we cannot achieve the level of economic growth we desire,” Dr. Beale told JIS News.

The initiative is expected to create new pathways for local real estate professionals to access internationally recognised credentials, while applying advanced analytical tools in a rapidly evolving market.