Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 26, 2015 (SKNIS): As St. Kitts and Nevis moves towards high-end tourism, it is essential that there are persons who can deliver quality service. This, said Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, will be achieved through the establishment of a School of Excellence.
“My remit within this five years is to ensure our School of Excellence is used to train every single person who is in our industry. That is, our School of Excellence should be able to train the receptionist, persons who clean the pool, landscapers, housekeepers, chefs, those in hospitality management and every facet of the industry we are going to ensure is trained.”
Minister Grant stated that St. Kitts and Nevis operates in a competitive market in terms of the high-end industry.
“People expect when they come into a country that is saying that they are delivering high end tourism, they must get top-notch service and quality service,” he said. “So that is what we have to deliver.”
The minister stated that there have already been discussions with the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) that is improving its curriculum to ensure that present day standards are met.
The School of Excellence is expected to not only train nationals but persons across the region.
The minister assured that every person who is trained will receive certification that will be recognized in various regional countries.
“If you are a chef, you will have some form of certification indicating your level in terms of being a chef,” the minister explained. “If you are a house keeper, you are also going to get a certificate. If you are a receptionist, you will get a certificate. So, whatever facet you’re in we are going to ensure that the system delivers to you a certificate because it is only from the certificate will you get mobility.”
About 1,500 jobs will be created over the next 24 months. Minister Grant stated that these jobs should not be just filled, but filled with quality staff delivering quality service.
The minister stated that the school is in its planning stages.