Hon. Bertrand Joseph, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs [view photo]

Last Wednesday evening (July 9th), twenty-eight (28) students representing seven secondary schools graduated on completion of the one-year programme of the Antigua Barbuda Tourism Cadet Corps (ABTCC). The Graduands displayed passion, knowledge, courage, and talents and expressed a sense of gratitude and thankfulness to the Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Sponsor Caribbean Union Bank, Programme Facilitators Mrs. Cynthia G Simon and Mrs. Violet Richardson and their parents, among others.

Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony, the Minister of Education, Hon. Bertrand Joseph commended the programme and highlighted the organization's theme: "Journey to Distinction". Minister Joseph called for Antiguans and Barbudans to develop and embrace a national culture of excellence. He challenged the graduands to take the lead as they perform their role as Youth Tourism Ambassadors. Continuing he said, " In addition, share your experiences (gained through the tourism cadet Corps Programme) with your peers and your community. We must work together to bring about an appreciation for, and to ensure an understanding of, the importance of a successful tourism sector to our nation's growth and development."

The Graduands were prominently featured on the evening's programme having taken the responsibility for most of the agenda items: the singing of the National Anthem by Aquiene Bishop and Amanda Faria; Prayers by Joshua Williams; Welcome Remarks by Junior Plummer; Report of the Year under review in the form of Reflections of the Journey by Rochelle Harris and Shawn Thomas; special selections in the form of pan music, song and self-crafted poems and the Response by Phoebe Benta.

Minister of Education, Hon. Bertrand Joseph encourages 2008 Graduates of the Tourism Cadet Corps to act as Youth Tourism Ambassadors

Rochelle Harris of the Antigua Girls High School was announced as Tourism Cadet of the Year, 2007/2008 while Kevon Dick-Grant of the Antigua Grammar School was named Most Improved Tourism Cadet (2007/2008). Several of the Tourism Cadets will pursue industry internships over the next four weeks commencing July 14th. Sponsor of the ABTCC, Caribbean Union Bank and several hotels including Carlisle Bay Resort, Curtain Bluff Resort, Rex Halcyon Cove, Hawksbill By Rex Resorts, Coconut Beach Club and HBK Villa Rentals will host the Tourism Cadets Interns.

The ABTCC programme re-convenes during the early part of the 2008/2009 academic school year. Youths between the ages of 15-18 years old are invited to complete and submit an application form. Forms can be collected from the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Culture and Environment on Queen Elizabeth Highway.