The history of JAAP
IN OCTOBER 2010, the association’s name was officially changed to the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals. It was formerly known as the Jamaica Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (JASAP) and the Jamaica Professional Secretaries Association (JPSA),
The association was formed on October 4, 1969, in Kingston with 13 members. The move was spearheaded by Joan Aarons, Alice Cecere and Carmen Decasseres. The JAAP is a non-political, non-profit, non-sectarian organisation.
The National Executive (formed in Mandeville on February 23, 1985) is the umbrella organization under which all chapters fall. The JAAP currently boasts five chapters, namely, Kingston, St James, Manchester, St Ann, and Portland.
The association has been a member of the Caribbean Association of Administrative Professionals (CAAP) since July 1988.
The purpose of the association is to elevate the standards of the administrative profession by uniting for their mutual benefit those who are engaged in administrative work. The primary aim of the association is that of continuing education. Of major emphasisto the association is the care for the less fortunate in the society. Through its Chapters, the JAAA offers scholarships to deserving students in business schools, sponsors a child at the SOS Children’s Village, provides support to the Glenhope Place of Safety, St Christopher School for the Deaf, the Montego Bay Learning Centre, the St James Infirmary, the Manchester Infirmary, and the Women’s Centre in Portland and Manchester.
Some of the benefits of becoming a member of JAAP are that you become a better administrative professional through educational, professional, and personal development. Members develop initiative and leadership abilities by participating in various projects of the association and work with other administrative professionals in a programme to raise the standards of administrative performance.
HONOURS
The last full week in April each year, is designed to honour all secretaries and administrative professionals, to remind them of their responsibilities to the business community and to encourage individuals with the proper qualifications to enter this field. Administrative Professionals’ Day is observed on the Wednesday of that week.
The chapters of the association host functions that are educational and interesting. These include seminars, workshops, exhibitions, tours, and treats. The highlight of the week is the honouring of the chapters’ administrative Professional of the Year and Boss of the Year.
The JAAP’s logo shows the map of Jamaica resting on a crest divided in quadrants. The upper left has a representation of the Caribbean islands, including our link with the Caribbean Association of Administrative Professionals; the upper right has the International Association of Administrative Professionals logo which is a globe showing North and South America, and the lower left has the ‘classic lamp of learning’.
“The purpose of the Association is to elevate the standards of the Administrative Profession by uniting for their mutual benefit those who are engaged in Administrative work.”