Bahamas Hotel Association

THE Hotel Union president said yesterday that the organisation, while financially challenged, is attempting to position itself to sustain its members should the economy further affect employment in the industry.

Thirteen Bahamian students were presented with scholarship awards this week totaling $80,500 thanks to the generous financial support and fundraising activities of the Bahamas Hotel Association, the Bahamas Hotel Employers Association and the Caribbean Hotel Association Education Foundation and their members. The awards were presented to the students during a meeting of the Bahamas Hotel Association.

Caption: Recipients of the Patrick Bain Industry Partners Scholarship receive awards.

"Despite the economic challenges facing our industry, hoteliers, our travel partners, our allied members and others stepped up to the plate, donating sponsorship cash, vacations and other prizes for auctions and our annual golf tournament allowing us to award a record number of scholarships to deserving students wishing to pursue a career in our exciting and diverse industry" stated BHA Executive Vice President Frank Comito.

Through the support which BHA members provide to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) and that of their major corporate partners, regional awards were presented to four Bahamians totaling $56,500, a record annual amount for The Bahamas.

 Topping the regional list of Bahamas CHTAEF recipients was Alexis Hanna from New Providence who received a four year scholarship to attend Johnson and Wales University totaling $32,000, with half of that contributed by First Caribbean International Bank and the other half matched by the university.

BHA members have been expressing concern about a number of matters in recent months. BEC, tax increases, hotel licensing matters, overall state of the industry.  These and others will be discussed at Thursday's membership meeting.  We will also be joined by the recently selected recipients of a record 13 annual tourism scholarships for a brief presentation.  Many members have supported our fundraising events to make these education opportunities possible for our 'future employees'.  We trust you will be delighted to meet them and hope you can join us for this meeting where your input will be encouraged.

Board of Directors and Membership Meeting
Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 9:30am
Luciano's of Chicago
East Bay Street
Continental breakfast will be served
RSVP/Regrets 322-8381

 

The winner of an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded contract to install alternative energy technologies in several Bahamian homes has pledged to employ "a fully Bahamian workforce" and train others to work in the sector, unveiling plans to for launching an "accredited renewable energy school" accessible from this nation.