Tobagonians pursuing studies in tourism and related fields will now receive additional support from the Tobago House of Assembly through the Division of Tourism’s Tourism Scholarship Programme.
The initiative was launched at the Scarborough Library on Wednesday.
The programme offers six scholarships named in honour of Tobagonians. One full scholarship is named in honour of George Stanley Beard, the only living honouree, and four partial scholarships in honour of the late Earl Hernandez, Leandro Noray, Kay Alleyne, and Rawle Axeback Titus. Short courses and certification grants will also be available in the name of the late Ancle George.
Secretary of Tourism Tashia Burris said the launch of the THA’s Tourism Scholarship Programme was her proudest moment since assuming the role four years ago.
“I can say to you standing here six days shy of demitting office that this is actually my proudest moment. I have cut many ribbons, I have given many speeches, I have sat on stages big and small representing Tobago, but in this room in the Scarborough Library, surrounded by all of you who have accepted this invitation to come this evening, we are sharing in something very special.”
Technical Advisor at the Division of Tourism, Korice Nancis, said the Scholarship Programme covers study in the tourism, culture, antiquities and transportation sectors.
“To strengthen the island’s future, our competencies in areas such as artificial intelligence and hospitality, maritime, aviation, airlift and airport management and operations, sustainable tourism development, heritage tourism, macro-event and festival management, museum, archival and archaeology studies, cultural entrepreneurship, creative industry management, film and music production, including steelpan certification.”
The Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) will manage the programme while the Division of Tourism will provide the financial support and oversight.
Secretary Burris said the scholarships are an investment in Tobago’s human capital to build the island’s tourism sector.
“For the students, don’t be limited by what we have outlined here. Apply to those programmes, ask us for the support. Once you have demonstrated that you are committed to coming back and growing this island, you will get this support because for far too long we have only focused on one set of students. It is time that we make tourism important again. It is time that we get our young people to understand that this sector is the largest economy on this island.”
This year, the Division will also support a cohort of 16 people to be trained and certified in hospitality-focused facility management.