News
Departmentof Tourism hires enthusiastic Caymanian interns for the summer
2002 Graduates:Cassandra Hibbert, Emma Hislop and Rhea Dixon
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has hired three young enthusiasticCaymanians to intern over the summer 2002.
The young people are working during theirsummer vacations from university overseas to gain practical experienceand in some cases, complete the mandatory requirements for theirdegree programmes.
They are Hiliary Jane Brooks, Jermaine Sharpeand Kristen Smith.
2002 DOTInterns with DOT management, L-R: DOT's Public Relations Manager,Mrs. Nikki McCoy, Jermaine Sharpe, Director of Tourism, Mrs. LaniaRittenhouse, Kristen Smith, Hilary Brooks and DOT's Tourism DevelopmentServices Manager (Acting), Mr. Ishwar Persad.
Hiliary Brooks is 20 years old and is pursuinga Bachelor of the Arts degree in hotel and tourism managementat Strathclyde University in Scotland with an anticipated graduationdate of June 2003.
As a component of her course, she is requiredto complete a 12-week summer internship to be eligible for graduation.
Hilary said: "I have worked two summersin hotels in the food and beverage department and I am now lookingto expand my knowledge-base and field of experience by interningwith the Department of Tourism.."
Upon completion of her course work, Hiliarywishes to pursue a career in the tourism industry. Her personalinterests include traveling, golf, reading and music.
Twenty-five year old Jermaine Sharpe iscurrently studying at the University of South Florida, where ishe pursuing a Bachelors of Business majoring in Marketing.
Like Hiliary, Jermaine anticipates graduatingin May 2003. Jermaine was a 2001 recipient of the Tourism Scholarshipand hopes to be employed within the industry when he returns home.
His hobbies and special interests includereading, diving, basketball, travel and music. He is a memberof Cayman Against Substance Abuse and a Duke of Edinburgh Participant.He is currently doing the Youth Flex broadcast on Radio Caymanon Wednesdays during the summer.
Twenty-year-old Kristen Smith, is a 2000part recipient of the Ministry for Tourism annual scholarship.Kristen is presently at the University of Surrey in the UK, pursuinga Bachelor's of Science Degree in Tourism Management.
She has an anticipated graduation date ofMay 2003.
Kristen, who has interned with the DOT inthe past, said about her return: "I would like to learn moreabout tourism and gain a more in-depth perspective of the industrywithin which I hope to work upon my return to the island."
Kristen's interests include cultural activitiesand traveling. She is interested in the environment and sustainabledevelopment.
While working at DOT this summer, the internswill gain an insight into the functioning of the various unitsin the department which promote and market the country.
Each of the interns will be rotated throughthe marketing, public relations, tourism development services,and finance units, assisting the permanent staff and assistingwith special projects.
Director of Tourism, Mrs. Lania Rittenhouse,said: "We are thrilled to have three enthusiastic young Caymanians,who have shown such keen interest for the tourism industry, joinus for the summer. They have been a great help to the departmentas we are short staffed in some areas and are striving to growour industry with limited resources. I wish them each well inthe future."
Public Relations Manger at DOT,dustry, Mrs.Nikki McCoy remarked: "I am extremely pleased to see youngCaymanians interested in pursuing courses of study that can leadto their eventual employment within the Tourism industry. We needthese people at all levels of our service industry as we strivefor long-term sustainability."
Within the last few months the DOT has alsoemployed three graduates. These young Caymanians bring not onlytheir knowledge and qualifications but also a high level of determinationand dedication to become involved and contribute to the growthof the tourism industry.
Twenty-two year old Cassandra Hibbert, graduatedmagna Cum Laude in May 2002 from Johnson & Wales University,with a Bachelors Degree in International Hotel & Tourism Management.While at Johnson & Wales, this 1999 Ministry for Tourism Scholarshiprecipient was also a member of the International Hospitality ManagementHonour Society. She is presently employed as the Tourism ServicesOfficer and works with the Marketing and Public Relations Unitcoordinating the visiting journalists and travel agent familiarizationstrips to the destination. Cassandra enthusiastically explainsher interest in tourism, "I am excited about the abilityto represent and market my country and its offerings."
Emma Hislop, a 22-year-old graduate of FloridaInternational University majored in Hospitality Management andis employed within the Finance Unit at the Department of Tourism.Emma's ambitions are to continue her education within this disciplineby obtaining a Masters Degree. Emma hopes to continue her contributionsto the DOT team and advance within the Department.
Finally, Rhea Dixon, 22, is a graduate ofFlorida International University with Bachelor of Science in HospitalityManagement. Rhea is currently employed as a Hotel Inspector withthe Tourism Development Services Unit at DOT. Her involvementstems from her personal pride in her home country. Rhea comments,"I take great pride in Cayman and want to become involvedin the future development of Cayman's tourism." Her aspirationsare also to return to school to pursue a Master's degree in Travel& Tourism and excel within the tourism industry. She enjoysreading, exercising, and meeting new people.
The Department of Tourism is setting theexample by striving to employ as many young Caymanians and encouragingtheir entry into the tourism industry whether it is within theprivate or public sector.
Acting Tourism Development Services Manager,Ishwar Persad remarked "We are fortunate that there are intelligentand qualified young Caymanians returning to the country to taketheir place in the tourism industry. The long term success andsustainability of the tourism sector is predicated on these youngpersons taking up the mantle of managing the tourism sector."