Nassau, The Bahamas – Hundreds of students gathered at the Geoffrey Brown Auditorium at Queen’s College on Monday, October 25 to participate in a one-day conference.
Held under the theme, “How Strong is Your Parachute… How Soft Will Your Landing Be… Will a Commitment to Life-Long Learning Help?,’ the objective of the event was to expose students to the many career opportunities available in the hospitality industry.
The event was a joint-venture among several partners including The Ministry of Education, Johnson & Wales University, Queen’s College, The Bahamas Hotel Association & Associated Industry and Education Partners. Acting Minister of Education, the Hon. Hubert Minnis, told the students that ‘tourism is everybody’s business.
“Remember, tourism is a highly competitive market that demands quality services and products. This in turn demands a trained, skilled workforce. We must understand that the beauty of our islands alone is not enough to keep us the front runner. Rather, the beauty of our islands has to be coupled with quality service and the right attitude.
Mr. Minnis said that it is only through preparation and training can one achieve ‘the feat of a soft landing.’ “That kind of preparation and training is ongoing and can be equated to the commitment to lifelong learning that life in the twenty-first century demands.”
During the conference, presentations were made on several topics including:
Hospitality Careers & You; How to find Fulfilment through Education & your Career; How to Manage Relationships; Sports Entertainment & Events Management; and Fashion & Merchandising;
Minister Minnis also thanked the partners for having the event.
“I also commend the Ministry of Education and its partners; Johnson & Wales University (North Miami Campus), the Bahamas Hotel Association, and Queen’s College. Thank you for putting on this event. Thank you for the exposure you are affording our students in terms of the diverse careers the industry offers and the educational opportunities available through Johnson & Wales University.”
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas Information Services
