Expanding Opportunity in the Caribbean

Jamaica’s commercial real estate sector is entering a transformative new era through a landmark partnership between The CCIM Institute and Jamaica’s Real Estate Training Institute (RETI). The collaboration, announced in April, brings internationally recognized CCIM Designation courses and professional development programs to the country for the first time, creating new opportunities for real estate professionals across Jamaica. 

 The agreement marks a historic milestone as the first partnership between The CCIM Institute and the country's real estate licensing body. Through the collaboration, RETI will serve as the exclusive delivery partner for CCIM education in Jamaica, working alongside the Real Estate Board to provide access to globally respected commercial real estate training. 

For Jamaica, the timing could not be better. The country is experiencing steady growth in tourism development, infrastructure investment, logistics, and cross-border commercial activity. Industry leaders believe the partnership will help strengthen the technical expertise of local professionals while positioning Jamaica as a regional hub for sophisticated commercial real estate practice. 

“This collaboration is about more than education, it is about transforming Jamaica’s real estate sector,” said Dr. Tina Beale, Principal of RETI.  

“By integrating CCIM’s globally respected curriculum into our local training ecosystem, we are strengthening the technical capacity of our professionals, enhancing investor confidence, and positioning Jamaica as a premier destination for commercial real estate investment in the Caribbean.”  

The CCIM Designation is widely recognized as the global standard for commercial real estate professionals. The curriculum focuses on investment analysis, market analysis, financial modeling, negotiation, and portfolio strategy- skills that are increasingly essential in today’s competitive real estate environment. 

The program will include both introductory and advanced-level courses designed not only for brokers and agents, but also for attorneys, bankers, property managers, investors, and other professionals involved in commercial real estate transactions. The initial courses are scheduled to begin in July, with additional sessions planned throughout the year.  

Leaders from The CCIM Institute emphasized that the partnership reflects the organization’s broader global strategy of expanding access to high-level commercial real estate education in emerging and rapidly developing markets. 

“Jamaica’s commercial real estate market is poised for significant growth, and professionals across the island deserve access to the same world-class analytical tools and education that have defined The CCIM Designation for decades,” said Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, 2026 CCIM Global President.  

The partnership also underscores Jamaica’s growing importance within the Caribbean investment landscape. During the official signing ceremony, government and industry leaders highlighted the role education will play in improving regulatory standards, increasing investor confidence, and supporting sustainable economic development throughout the region. 

Beyond the classroom, the initiative is expected to create long-term benefits for the Jamaican economy. By equipping professionals with globally recognized analytical frameworks and investment strategies, the program aims to attract international investors while helping local practitioners compete on a larger stage. 

For The CCIM Institute, which serves members in more than 30 countries, the Jamaica partnership represents another step in strengthening its international footprint. For Jamaica, it signals something even larger: a commitment to raising the bar for professional excellence and positioning the island as a leader in commercial real estate education and investment across the Caribbean. 

As Jamaica’s skyline continues to evolve through tourism, mixed-use development, and infrastructure expansion, the new partnership between The CCIM Institute and RETI may prove to be one of the most important investments yet. That investment is not simply in buildings, but in people, knowledge, and the future of the region’s real estate industry.