J. Soso-Vincent 30.JAN.09

Thirty students from 14 Caribbean nations have been awarded scholarships ranging from US$1,000 to US$10,000, from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF).{{more}}

Two of those lucky students are Vincentians Daryll Bain and Melissa Frederica Ballantyne. Bain is currently enrolled at the Barbados Community College studying for an Associate degree in Culinary Arts. “I consider it a great honour and a blessing to have received this…” He added that this scholarship will: “…aid greatly in continuing my studies.” Bain shared that in future he hopes to pursue his bachelor’s degree and eventually own his own business. Ballantyne is pursuing a degree in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Johnson and Wales University in Miami.

Tom Pas, Chairman of the CHTAEF, in a press release, stated that the organisation continually works hard at securing funding because the scholarships enable young people across the Caribbean to pursue and improve upon their education. “We are thrilled that our continued efforts to raise funds for the education of Caribbean youth provide these scholarships and grants.”

The 2008 CHTAEF scholarship recipients hail from Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Kitts Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

CHTAEF Trustee Louise John commended past scholars who have completed their studies and returned to the employment in the Caribbean. “It’s rewarding to see our CHTAEF scholars returning to the Caribbean workforce and raising productivity.”

Since its inception in 1987, the CHTAEF, which is a sub-organisation of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), has awarded close to US$1 million in scholarships and grants. The non-profit organisation provides funding and special assistance for students pursuing hotel-based careers and those who already work within the hotel, travel and tourism industry.

Funding for the foundation is generated from benefit auctions, corporate sponsorships, benefit golf tournaments and, additionally, through the generous support of American Express. Alec Sanguinetti, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the CHTA, expressed much gratitude to all industry partners and sponsors, such as Virgin Holidays, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and Florida International University.