Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) representatives congratulate newly certified TATP Caribcert graduates at the graduation ceremony at the Westin Governor’s Ballroom on 20 September. (From left to right) Graduate Edith Passley-Mattis; Kim Garrahan Pisano, CITA Events Coordinator and Caribcert Administrator; graduate Princess Lloyd; Karie Bergstrom, of CITA Board of Directors; graduate Bethany Ebanks; and Trina Christian, CITA Executive Director.

Fourteen Caymanians have gained professional hospitality certification through the CaribCert programme run locally by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA).

According to both organisations, they recognised the need to generate a greater supply of highly qualified Caymanian workers who will raise the level of professional competency within the tourism workforce.

The training will bring distinct cultural flavour to local tourism products and services, and give much needed stability to the industry, said MoT and CITA.

Administered by the CITA, CaribCert is a knowledge and skill development programme that culminates in professional recognition for tourism workers in 50 occupations. To date, the CaribCert programme has been implemented in Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St Maarten and Curacao.

Apprentices are placed at various CITA member hotels and restaurants throughout the Island where skilled professionals mentor them as they further develop their skills and competencies.

“It is truly a great opportunity to be a mentor in a hospitality program where the students receive real hands on experience,” said Steven Hayes, General Manager of Breezes by the Bay.

Dan Sydlowski, CITA Board Member and Co-Chairman of the Tourism Apprenticeship Training Advisory Council, placed several apprentices at the Westin Casuarina where his managerial staff took on the role of personal supervisor, accessing their performance using a checklist of CaribCert standards.

“It is great to see existing associates in the hospitality industry have the opportunity to advance in their careers through this programme,” Mr Sydlowski said.

“It is also encouraging and rewarding to get local students involved in hospitality. We provide the work experience opportunity to prepare them for the workplace environment once they have completed the Caribcert Programme. They are better prepared to succeed than if they had classroom only curriculums.”

The following students achieved CaribCert certifications which are recognised throughout the Caribbean:

Edith Passley-Mattis - Certified Reservations Agent, Front Desk Agent, and Concierge
Beeko Smith – Certified Food Preparation (Cook)
Desiree Ebanks – Certified Food Preparation (Cook)
Kayleigh McCoy – Certified Food Preparation (Cook)
Bethany Ebanks – Certified Food Preparation (Cook)
Princess Lloyd – Certified Senior Waitress, Hostess, and Food and Beverage Cashier
Velma Maitland – Certified Senior Waitress, Hostess, and Food and Beverage Cashier
Strisand Bryan – Certified Food and Beverage Cashier and Senior Waitress
Petagaye Dillion – Certified Senior Waitress, Bartender, and Hostess
Hyacinth Williams – Certified Housekeeping Supervisor
Erica Eden – Certified Housekeeping Supervisor
Herman Harris - Certified Housekeeping Supervisor
Susan Solomon – Certified Housekeeping Supervisor
Yvonne McLean - Certified Housekeeping Supervisor

As the local programme implementation agency for CaribCert, the CITA provides the opportunity for Caymanians in the tourism industry to become CaribCert certified in their particular fields. For more information about enrolling to become CaribCert certified, contact Kim Pisano 949-8522 or by email at kimpisano@cita.ky.