Monroe College Celebrates First Graduating Class at New International Hospitality Training Institute in St. Lucia
CASTRIES,
ST. LUCIA, January 24, 2019 – Monroe
College, the U.S.-based institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree
programs from its campus in Castries, today held a graduation exercise for the
first class of students to complete their programs at the new International
Hospitality Training Institute in the southern town of Vieux Fort.
Working with St. Lucia’s
National Apprenticeship Programme, the College created the Training Institute
to provide a pathway for local residents to train for entry-level hospitality
and tourism sector jobs, a mainstay of the country’s economy. The
Honorable Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre, President of the Senate in St. Lucia, cut
the ceremonial ribbon at a reception to open the facility last October.
Marc Jerome, president of
Monroe College, led the 10:00 am graduation ceremony, which was held on-site at
the Training Institute. The Honorable Guy Joseph, the Acting Prime Minister of
St. Lucia, addressed the graduates and guests. Mr. Kendall Khodra, Chief
Planning Officer for the Ministry of Education, also spoke. Cabinet Secretary
Benjamin Emmanuel and Oracia Denbow-Bullen, Mayor of Vieux Fort, were also
among local dignitaries in attendance.
There were 131 students in the Institute’s
inaugural class; many have already secured entry-level jobs within their area
of study. A light reception was held after the ceremony to congratulate the
students on their accomplishments.
“It is an honor to be here
today with our esteemed guests as we celebrate the first class of graduates
from our new Training Institute,” said President Jerome. “They leave here with
the confidence of knowing they have the skills and professional training
required to do well as they begin their hospitality careers. Such a career-ready
workforce will no doubt be of great interest and benefit to the growing number
of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cruise ships operating in St. Lucia and
throughout the Caribbean.”
The Institute offers five certificate
programs, with training on professionalism and the essential “soft skills” that
hospitality employers demand incorporated into each track. The available
programs are: Bartending, Event Planning
and Logistics, Front Office / Guest Services, Food & Beverage Service, and Housekeeping.
The second cohort of students
admitted into the program began classes this week. Applications are now being accepted for the
next class term, which begins May 21, 2019. The Training Institute is open to
residents throughout the Caribbean region, with priority admission granted to
St. Lucia residents.
Monroe College’s International Hospitality Training Institute is located at the
Industrial Estate complex on Vieux Fort Laborie Highway in Vieux Fort, St.
Lucia. For more information and to apply, please contact:
National Apprenticeship Programme
Office of the Prime Minister
2nd Floor, Chitolie Building
Beanefield, Vieux Fort (Saint Lucia)
Information is also available by calling the National Apprenticeship Programme
at 718-454-8263 or the International Hospitality Training Institute at
758-456-3239.
Monroe College celebrated its
tenth anniversary in St. Lucia last year. The St. Lucia campus, located on Vide
Boutielle Highway in Castries, offers students from the Caribbean a broad array
of educational opportunities through programs offered through Monroe’s Schools
of Allied Health Professions, Business & Accounting, Criminal Justice,
Hospitality Management and the Culinary Institute of New York, and Information
Technology.