Graduates urged to adapt to changes

Janet Silvera, Coordinator Hospitality Jamaica

THE FIRST batch of hospitality professionals that graduated from the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies have been charged with taking the lead role in recognising and adapting to the changes in the industry

Carol Walters head of Hospitality Department at the Montego Bay Community College (left), accepts her Masters in Hospitality Management with Distinction from Principal of Birmingham College Eddie McIntyre during the schools' graduation at the Half Moon Hotel on Sunday.

The call came from executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Michael Muirhead, who was keynote speaker at the Master of Arts (M.A.) in hospitality management graduation ceremony at Half Moon Montego Bay, recently.

The course offered by the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCCJ) via distance learning with the highly reputable Birmingham University awarded 15 females and one male with certificates and honours ranging from distinction to merit.

Mr. Muirhead who spoke on behalf of Minister of Industry and Tourism, Aloun N'dombet Assamba, told the group that as beneficiaries of the programme, it was their responsibility, as educators and industry practitioners, to guide hospitality managers of the future, in operational and training skills necessary to achieve the competencies required to enhance the island's position as a player in world tourism.

"We look to persons such as you to prepare our young people for the new rules of globalisation with the cessation of elements of state control, free access to once protected markets and near to open competition with vastly larger neighbours," he told the graduates.

Noting that employment in tourism was expected to increase nearly six per cent annually to reach 130,000 by the end of the decade, the TPDCo head said it was important for tourism planners, educators and hospitality professionals to understand the new demands being made by tourists.

"It is now well recognised that the modern traveler increasingly wants a merger of information, education and entertainment to provide a rewarding visitor experience," he stated.

The programme, which is being hailed as an important milestone and which has the cooperation of the CCJ and the English-based institution, aims to help in the furthering of careers and prospects of Jamaicans.

"Ability plus effort equal worth," was how principal of Birmingham College, Eddie McIntyre addressed the graduates. "You must regard your presence here today as formal confirmation that you do indeed have ability; that you have demonstrated the necessary effort to succeed and you are now in a position to prove your worth."

The event was attended by vice-principal of Birmingham College, Dr. David Luke and his team consisting of Beverly McMahon and Melvyn Pryer; principal of Montego Bay Community College, Dr. Angella Samuels, and Miss Myrtle Dwyer, who represented the Hon. Clarence Nelson, custos of St. James.