The Minister of Housing Dr David Lee says the shutdown of the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) under the previous administration dealt a major blow to training and development within the hospitality industry.
Speaking to trainees at MIC’s “Inside the Industry” series, which focused on hospitality, Minister of Housing, David Lee, said the closure of the TTHTI had a significant impact on the country’s hospitality sector.
“That was shut down by the last administration, and that did a lot of damage to our hospitality industry in Trinidad and Tobago, and I’m happy to see that MIC is picking up and taking that lead in bringing back hospitality industry, the training that is well needed in our country.”
Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Professor Prakash Persad, noted that this country has all the attributes needed to build a thriving and successful hospitality industry.
“Trinidad has tremendous potential. We lie outside the earthquake belt, outside the hurricane belt. So we can have tourism year-round. We have a wonderful climate. Trinidad, at least in my opinion, is as near to the definition of paradise as there is. But we need to make it that way.”
Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge urged trainees to combine technical skills with passion and pride as they pursue their careers.
“When you work with passion and pride, that love, as the prophet says, becomes visible in the excellence of your service. So trainees who are gathered here today, I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity. So do not just learn the mechanics of this job, find the joy in it, listen carefully, ask questions.”
The “Inside the Industry” session brought together international and local expertise, including hospitality professionals from Dubai, human resource specialists from Brix Autograph Collection by Marriott, and a hospitality consultant, all sharing insights to support the sector’s growth.