16 nationals to undergo hospitality and tourism management training at Taiwan University

Miss Joshuana Taylor (left) receives her package from Minister of Education Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 13TH 2011 (CUOPM) – The first batch of sixteen nationals of the Federation who are on their way to Taiwan to begin courses at the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, in Taiwan have been told to learn, observe, experience, acquire and broaden their knowledge and return to serve St. Kitts and Nevis.

Courses of study are Restaurant Management, Tourism Marketing Management, Hotel Management, Casino Management and Practice, Service Management, Wine Knowledge and Beverage Making Skill Practice. All these are different areas that you will be exposed to as part of the training programme,” Prime Minister Douglas told the course participants at an orientation session at the National Information Technology Center on the C.A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park.

Prime Minister Douglas, who visited the University during a one-week Official Visit to Taiwan in March this year said he was very impressed and very pleased with the wide range of skills that were been taught specifically in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

“I immediately saw the opportunity for the young people of this country to benefit from training. I engaged the principal and president of the University and in our discussions were able to put together a programme specifically designed to teach a number of skills and to improve your knowledge-base in area of the hospitality industry,” Dr. Douglas told the successful participants.

Mr. Vaughn Edmeade receives his package from St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas

“I am happy that our young people are getting this exposure to be able to interact with persons from the international community in a different continent, almost in a different world, but who are pursuing the same thing that we are pursuing here that is tourism and hospitality development,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who reminded the participants that they are ambassadors of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“I see among you, some of you who are all ready within the industry. I know for example Brent who has been in the hospitality industry not necessarily working in the hotel all the days of his life, but who has had experience in the industry in various ways. I see a young lady who I had the opportunity to have met in a previous graduation exercise from the YES programme over a year ago. I made reference in particular to Miss Swanston who constantly bombarded my cell phone with texts saying she would really want to go. I am very pleased that she has been selected to go and all others who are here,” said Dr. Douglas, who along with Minister of Education Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty and Minister of Tourism, Sen. the Hon. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt presented the awardeees with their round trip tickets to Taiwan and other pertinent information..

“I see so many faces that I am familiar with having met you in different areas as you have served in different ways serving the interest of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis as you have performed in so many different duties as you have been developing your experiences,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis leader.

He added: “as you continue to gain and attract greater attention from the rest of the world, especially in the hospitality industry; as St. Kitts and Nevis continues to chalk up a number of positive reviews from different magazines, there is no doubt that by the time you return, we would be able to maintain a number one spot and travel writers and those who write about the hospitality industry, St. Kitts and Nevis should be able to maintain that number one spot as we propel our country to the top of the destinations around the world.”

(left to right) Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Information, Mrs. Willett; Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Miguel Tsao; St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Minister of Education and Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty; Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Sen. the Hon. Richard Skerritt and Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism and International transport, Mr. Cedric Liburd.

Dr. Douglas noted that the students will begin their training on the 19th of September 2011.

“This is our day of nationhood, the day of our Independence and to a large extent, it gives you greater impetus and motivation to do well. What you are doing is maturing the future of St. Kitts and Nevis as we achieve the number one spot in tourism and the hospitality industry.

Ms, Jameilah Johnson, speaking on behalf of the participants, thanked the Governments of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for providing the scholarships and the opportunity to undergo the three months courses in hospitality and tourism management in Taiwan.

“Over the years tourism has grown into our main economic industry. Since the closure of the sugar industry, our economy depends heavily on our people’s ability to become educated in this field. Hence an opportunity such as this will ensure we are well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to further develop our products as a whole,” she said at the ceremony.

Ms. Johnson noted that St. Kitts and Nevis was recently identified as the number one destination and “it is a continued effort and partnership such as this, that will ensure that our people remain competitive.”

“Once again I thank our Government and the Government of Taiwan for their continuous support. We look forward to experiencing your beautiful country, interacting with its people and sharing culture while gaining knowledge and skills in the tourism sector,” said Ms. Johnson.