About
In October 2010, the association's name was officially changed to the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals (JAAP). Formerly known as the Jamaica Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals and the Jamaica Professional Secretaries Association, 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. JAAP is a non-political, non-profit, non-sectarian organisation.
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The National Executive (formed in Mandeville on February 23, 1985) is the umbrella organisation under which all chapters fall. JAAP currently boasts five chapters: Kingston, St James, Manchester, St Ann and Portland.
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The association has been a member of the Caribbean Association of Administrative Professionals since July 1988.
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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 emphasis, also, is the care for the less fortunate in the society. Thus, the association, through its chapters, 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's School for the Deaf, Montego Bay Learning Centre (The School of Hope), the St James Infirmary, the Manchester Infirmary and the Women's Centre in Portland and Manchester.
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Membership benefits
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Some of the benefits of becoming a member of JAAP are that you become a better administrative professional, through educational, professional and personal development, 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.
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The last full week in April each year is internationally 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.
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The chapters of the association host functions, which 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.
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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'. JAAP identifies with a red rose.
We believe in Professionalism
Our Mission
"To be the acknowledged, recognized leaders of administrative professionals in Jamaica, and create an environment that encourages and supports personal and professional development as we prepare for tomorrow in today's world."
Our Vision
Code Of Ethics
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Recognizing the Administrative Professionals' position of trust, We resolve in all of our activities to be guided by the highest ideals for which the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals stands,
To establish, practice and promote professionals standards,
and to be ethical and understanding in all our business
associations.
We resolve to promote the interest of the business in which we
are employed;
To exemplify loyalty and conscientiousness at all times.
and to maintain dignity and poise under all circumstances.
We further resolve to share knowledge; to encourage
ambition and inspire hope, and to sustain faith,
knowing that the eternal laws of God are the ultimate laws
under which we may truly succeed.