Twelve (12) tourism business owners received their certification from the Community Tourism Basic Training Programme on Thursday August 7, a collaboration between the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and the Community Tourism Agency (CTA).
“This collaboration has become a model of what is possible when academia and community-focused development align for shared impact,” said Dahlia Guard, CTA’s Chief Executive Officer.
The programme, delivered by the SALCC Hospitality and Business Unit, equipped local entrepreneurs with accommodation management skills to improve their business operations and profitability.
The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the second and third cohorts of the programme. Dr. Madg erie Jameson-Charles, SALCC Principal, highlighted how the programme aligns with SALCC’s goals to be at the forefront of workforce empowerment and entrepre neurial development.
“This moment is particularly meaningful for us at the College, as it reflects the embodiment of our mission — not just to educate, but to empower,” said Dr. Jameson Charles, “We are building a workforce that is qualified, confident, and committed to excellence in community tourism.”
Senator Hon. Guibion Ferdinand, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, noted in his remarks that “The concept of “community” was really to move away from just the participation on the surface of the industry, and to really have Saint Lucians own the industry.”
