Caribbean News
CAYMAN ISLANDS: CHTA President calls for greater investment in Caribbean people
#Cayman Islands, November 28, 2018 – While millions are drawn to the Caribbean’s natural beauty and attractions every year, it is the creativity and warmth of the people that keep visitors returning, asserts Patricia Affonso-Dass, President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).
Affonso-Dass, who will address this week’s 9th Tourism Human Resources Conference hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, applauded the work of CTO, CHTA and many companies and destinations in the region which are developing and recognizing tourism industry talent.
Speaking ahead of the November 28 to 30 conference, she challenged regional leaders to build on this foundation with a greater commitment to investing in education and training, sharing and recognizing best practices, and shaping meaningful partnerships between business, education, training institutions, labor unions and governments.
“In spite of our small size, we have produced some of the most creative and talented people in the worlds of music, sports, arts, business and education,” said Affonso-Dass, who is a product of many Caribbean influences, having grown up in Dominica, Trinidad, Antigua and Guyana, before moving to Barbados where she has worked for the past 20 years.
“A new level of commitment and engagement towards the development of our people must be commensurate with our recognition that our people are our greatest resource and we must challenge ourselves, our businesses, and institutions to recognize and develop not just our general workforce but most especially our young leaders,” asserted the CHTA President.
Affonso-Dass, who is the Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels in Barbados, said Caribbean people must “believe in one another and invest in each other so that we can elevate our delivery of world-class experiences for those who invest their hard-earned dollars in a vacation experience in the region.”
During the conference, whose theme is “Building a Resilient, High-performing and Sustainable Caribbean Tourism Workforce for Global Competitiveness”, the veteran hotelier will address the importance of harnessing the energy and passion of the region’s tourism workforce to innovate.
“Now is not the time to be complacent on this issue, but to reflect on the accomplishments of our people and build on them. We are a world-class region with a rich heritage and legacy … so we must continue to embed excellence and innovation within our culture and across our industry to stay ahead of our competition,” she advised.
Across the Caribbean, CTO and CHTA have focused on a number of training and educational development 
initiatives from curriculum development in schools and skills training to offering tourism scholarships for hundreds of Caribbean nationals.
The CTO’s 9th Tourism Human Resources Conference provides an exciting and educational forum for human resource professionals to gain new knowledge and acquire the necessary skills to help them achieve excellent performance in their organizations. The Cayman conference also discusses pertinent issues impacting and relating to the human resource element of tourism in the region; exposes human resource practitioners to good tourism practices in a tourism environment; and provides an opportunity for professional networking.
For further information, visit https://www.onecaribbean.org/events-calendar/tourism-hr-conference-2018.
About the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the Caribbean’s leading association representing the interests of national hotel and tourism associations. For more than 50 years, CHTA has been the backbone of the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working with some 1,000 hotel and allied members, and 32 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s future and helping members to grow their businesses. Whether navigating new worlds like social media, sustainability, legislative issues, emerging technologies, climate change, data and intelligence or, looking for avenues and ideas to better market and manage businesses, CHTA is helping members on issues which matter most.
For further information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.
Press Release: Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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