DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM HOSTS TOURISM GRADUATES AND 2010 SCHOLARS

Grand Cayman, Cayman islands (28 July 2010): The Department of Tourism recently hosted its Sixth Annual Tourism Scholar Networking Reception, bringing together some 100 past, present and future tourism scholars and industry representatives.

Under the theme, “Choosing our attitude for success’, the event was held at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. Special presentations on the importance of having the right attitude in the workplace were made by Samantha Bennett, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (Administration), Yoshneck Mutomba, Assistant Director, Research and Statistics at the Department of Employment Relations and Trina Christian, Executive Director of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. McKeeva Bush, introduced the 2009/2010 graduates – Amanda Berry, Brian Trickett, Cara Anderson, Deri Hill, Diana Virtue, Julissa Castillo, Kamaal Connolly, Kathryn Cribb, Kristin Bush and Tiffany Williams. Ms. Castillo spoke on behalf of the graduates and challenged all scholars to seek to achieve their goals by actual performance. Success would not come by merely wanting it, but by working for it, she stated.

Mr. Bush also presented the 2010 scholars – McKenley Andrews, Shena Ebanks, Dianne Conolly, Tereska Williams, Nicole Crance, Rhonda Cornwall, James Flatley, Ariana Rahamut, Lorin Williams, Lauren Parsons, Jonina Whittaker-Swanson, Paige Walton, Erin Marshall, Lisani Sambula, Josh Cotterell, Jordan Haye, Jameal Welcome, Alexander Marzouca and Shandi Smith. 

The Tourism Minister encouraged them to strive for excellence in their scholastic pursuits and to commit themselves to making positive contributions to the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry.

Deputy Director, Tourism Product Development, Ms. Oniesha Richards, also congratulated the 2009/2010 graduates and the new scholarship recipients.

 “The Ministry of Tourism’s Scholarship Programme continues to play an important role in the human capital development of our tourism sector and I am pleased to note the high calibre of graduates who have successfully completed their studies and now begin their transition into the Cayman Islands workforce.

I would encourage all the scholars to continue to network with our tourism partners, exhibit the right attitude and aim high,” she stated.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Scholarship Programme was established in 1996 and is designed for students who demonstrate strong evidence of their desire and intent to pursue an approved tourism or tourism-related course of study. Ninety-five students have benefitted from the programme since its inception.

To date, approximately 40% of these tourism scholars have completed their studies and secured employment within the public and private sectors.

The Tourism Scholar Networking events underscore the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to the professional development of its tourism scholars and are organised to introduce them to stakeholders in the tourism industry and to assist them in making the transition from university to the Cayman Islands work environment.