Hospitality Award Scholarships Presented
Yesterday [July 5] Minister of Business Development and Tourism, Wayne Furbert presented the 2012 Royal Caribbean International (RCI) Hospitality Awards on board the Celebrity Ship MV Summit.
Joining Minister Furbert were MV Summit Captain Theodoros Zakkas, Michael Ronan, Vice President, Government Relations – Caribbean, Latin America and Asia for Royal Caribbean, and Business Development and Tourism Acting Permanent Secretary Rosemary Tyrell and Director of Tourism William “Billy” Griffith.
Also in attendance were the scholarship interview committee which included Gary Phillips, Chairman and consultant to RCI, Graham Mawer, Bermuda Department of Tourism, Barbara O’Shaughnessy of the Bermuda College, and Pandora Glassford, Director of the National Training Board. Also on the interview committee but not in attendance was Kelli-Ann Smith of the Bermuda Hotel Association.
The Scholarship winners were Dwayne Fubler who received $10,000 and is studying at the Florida International University, Simon Benevides, who received $5,000 and is attending the University Of Guelph, Ontario, Canada and Nikhil Hassell, who also received $5,000 and is studying at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte North Carolina.
Minister Furbert said, “The Government of Bermuda believes that the future of Tourism lies with our youth and the Department of Tourism takes its role very seriously in doing its part to develop our future leaders of the Tourism industry.
“Over the past several years we have showcased this commitment by pioneering several initiatives aimed at supporting members of our community who wish to embark on careers associated with the hospitality industry.”
Minister Furbert said the David Allen Memorial Internship is one such example and the Royal Caribbean Hospitality Endowment Fund is another initiative the Government is proud to be a part of.
“To date, this programme has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to 65 young Bermudians to assist them in tourism related studies,” said the Minister. “I am pleased to join with Royal Caribbean in awarding three deserving young Bermudians with scholarships.”
William Griffith, MV Summit Captain Theodoros Zakkas, Nikhil Hassell, Minister Furbert, Dwayne Fubler, Simon Benevides, Joliza Vanderpool and Michael Ronan are pictured on board the MV Summit:
The Minister concluded by saying the Government is committed to helping young Bermudians achieve excellence in the hospitality industry. “This initiative celebrates that achievement and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line International for their significant contribution and support that they continue to share.”
Joliza Vanderpool, previous winner of the Hospitality Endowment fund in 2010 and 2011 also attended to give words of encouragement to this year’s recipients.
Ms Vanderpool said: “We are all here today to celebrate three special individuals Nikhil, Simon & Dawayne and it is my great honor to give them a few words of encouragement.
“With the help & support of my family and friends, as well as the support of the gracious individuals that now believe in you and are giving you the opportunity to help you reach your goals, I recently just graduated from Niagara College in Ontario Canada with my Culinary Management certification which includes Basic chefs skills, Professional Baking Fundamentals and Modern Pastry Craft.
“For me it wasn’t difficult to complete the first step to reaching my end goal. My second goal includes attending Johnson & Whales University to get my Bachelors in Baking & Pastry and Food Service Management and later my Masters in Teaching.”
Ms Vanderpool’s concluded by saying: “With all of the support that I see here today, I have no doubt that you will overcome any obstacles that arise while reaching your goals. Just remember, that there will always be help when it is needed, especially when it is asked for.
“So today, I encourage you to never be afraid to ask for help, and no matter what circumstances may arise good or bad, never give up on what you believe in. Good luck to you all in your endeavors, and thank you for sharing with me the beginning of your new success.”
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