Caribbean nationals get grant for tourism education

Virgin Holidays awards US$33,000 for 7 Caribbean nationals to study hospitality and tourism

Virgin Holidays, through its partnership with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF), has awarded US$33,000 to seven Caribbean nationals pursuing a higher education or professional development in hospitality and tourism.

"We have been a proud supporter of the CHTA Education Foundation since 2005. It’s our privilege to provide scholarships for seven more Caribbean students towards their studies in the tourism and hospitality industries this year and wish these future leaders success in their future careers. The Caribbean remains a vital region for us so it is a pleasure to be able to invest in its tourism future in this way," said Mark Anderson, Managing Director, Virgin Holidays.

Scholarship recipients are either starting their studies or continuing their education in various specialities in the hospitality industry.  Scholarships were awarded based on prior academic achievements, previous work or internships in the Caribbean hospitality industry and economic needs.

The 2014 Virgin Holidays scholarship winners are as follows, including the courses or degrees they are pursuing along with the schools they will be attending:

• Derry-Ann Adams (Antigua) – Virgin Holidays scholarship, Culinary Arts & Food Service Management, Johnson and Wales
• Gabrielle Thomas (Antigua) – Virgin Holidays scholarship, Associate Degree Baking & Pastry Arts, Johnson and Wales
• Brittany Hanna (Bahamas) – Virgin Holidays scholarship, BS Culinary Arts & Food Service Management, Johnson and Wales
• Nastassia Sears (Bahamas) – Virgin Holidays scholarship, B.S. Culinary Arts with major in Resort Management, Johnson and Wales, North Miami
• Deidre Small (Barbados) – Virgin Holidays scholarship, Master of Science in Tourism & Events Management, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
• Jovari Hagley (Grenada) – Virgin Holidays scholarship, B.Sc. Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of the West Indies St. Augustine, Trinidad
• Kelsey Girod (Jamaica) – Virgin Holidays scholarship, BS Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management, Johnson and Wales

"This year’s applicant pool was comprised of a talented group, all of whom deserve to receive funds towards their education so that they may become productive individuals working in the vital Caribbean hospitality industry," said Richard S. Kahn, chairman of CHTAEF.

"We thank Virgin Holidays for their generous support these past nine years as a corporate donor towards the CHTAEF scholarship program.  Without their partnership, the scholarships would not be possible," Kahn said.

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