Pedro Hernandez (The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Human Resources) presents student Semaiah Smith with her completion certificate at close of the Summer Employment Program. Photo Credit: USVIHTA
The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association’s Education & Training Committee closed its nineteenth year of the Summer Employment Program on Aug. 5 with 19 students completing the program fully, a release issued late Saturday has made known.
The objective of the six-week program, in collaboration with the USVI Department of Labor and participating senators of the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, is to provide a meaningful learning experience for Virgin Islands high school and college students while stimulating interest in careers in the hospitality and tourism industry, USVIHTA said.
“We’re elated to celebrate another successful year of our Summer Employment Program,” said USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton. “It’s an honor to be a part of shaping the leaders of tomorrow as we watch students’ passion grow each day they’re in the program.”
According to the release, the program kicked off on June 17 with interviews for student placement and orientation. Students are interviewed by a team of human resources professionals and placed based on their career interests. During orientation, students learn from local stakeholders what the program entails and the importance of their roles. The first day of work for students was June 21.
The program kicked off on June 17 with interviews for student placement and orientation. Students are interviewed by a team of human resources professionals and placed based on their career interests. During orientation, students learn from local stakeholders what the program entails and the importance of their roles. The first day of work for students was June 21.
“The students had a great time interacting with guests and learned the ropes of offering a satisfactory guest experience. All in all, the experience was very fulfilling for both the students and our staff. We look forward to hosting more students next summer,” said Alana Scarbriel Bolongo Bay Beach Resort Human Resources.
Students are required to work six hours a day for four days a week for six weeks with a maximum of 144 hours and are on a split basis between the Department of Labor/senators, responsible for three weeks, and the employer, also responsible for three weeks. Although the association was unable to host an official closing ceremony due to the program ending right before school resumed, small certificate ceremonies were held for students by some businesses and participating senators.
In a letter to the association, Sen. Dwayne DeGraff said, “I appreciate your organization’s willingness to provide valuable training and work experience for our interns…The opportunity to learn new skills and network with others is extremely important for our youth.”
USVIHTA congratulated to the following students for completing the program: Department of Labor students - Jnique Rambaran, Alondra Henry, Amunique Francis, Sher’niah Freeman, Shrayne Martin, Omahri Allamby, Destinee Martin, Je’Raya Pickering, Jnaejah Scatliffe, Semaiah Smith, J’herisa Taylor and Torien Martin; Sen. Carla Joseph student - Corine Christian; Sen. Marvin Blyden students - Amoia Abraham, A’nijah Mills and Jaheem Letang. Sen. Dwayne DeGraff students - Steven Webster and Shirlyn Charter; Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory student - Nikaya Nibbs.
USVIHTA also thanked participating businesses that assisted with placement of the students in the program. Businesses include: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground, Cruz Bay Watersports, Emerald Beach Resort, Lindbergh Bay Hotel & Villas, MLB Creative, Secret Harbour Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, and Spenceley Office Equipment. We would also like to thank the USVI Department of Labor and participating senators, Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, Sen. Carla Joseph, Sen. Marvin Blyden and Sen. Dwayne DeGraff.
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