Grenadian wins CHA scholarship

Grenadian Maxine Pierre was named the winner of the 2008 Virgin Holidays Academic Scholarship, awarded by the Caribbean Hotel Association Education Foundation (CHAEF).

CHAEF partnered with Virgin Holidays to present Maxine Pierre with US$30,000 in tuition fees, paid for in three years.

Pierre will attend Florida International University (FIU) to study for a bachelor's degree in international tourism and hospitality management.

The prestigious award was given to Pierre as a result of her impressive entry essay, which stood out from more than 80 other applicants in the Caribbean region. Pierre plans to work in her home country of Grenada to develop new efficient marketing initiatives so Grenadians and tourists can experience the tropical wonders and rich cultural history Grenada has to offer.

step up and serve

"I will learn as much as I can at FIU and on my working vacations," said the ambitious Pierre. "I'll return home and be ready to step up and serve Grenada's tourism's 'big picture' by really developing and promoting nature and cultural tourism opportunities," she added.

Clive Barnes, CHAEF trustee, believes Pierre is the perfect recipient for the 2008 Virgin Holidays Scholarship and will bring huge success and exposure to Grenada.

"Your passionate belief that tourism can improve the economic development of the country, coupled with acknowledging that brain drain is an issue, yet you don't wish to live anywhere else, is excellent news for Grenada," Barnes told Pierre.

The Virgin Holidays Tourism Management Scholarship of US$10,000 a year for three years was the first corporate scholarship programme established by the CHAEF.

delighted

"Virgin Holidays is delighted to award this scholarship to Maxine," said Jonathan Winfield, responsible business executive, Virgin Holidays UK. "Virgin Holidays has a long-term interest in the further economic development of the Caribbean and is proud to be able to support this successful programme which will empower young people to be able to take a leading role in the region's tourism agency," said Winfield.

In 2007, CHAEF awarded 26 academic scholarships totalling US$86,500 to promising Caribbean students and industry professionals from 13 Caribbean nations. Applications were received from candidates across the region, with a wide variety of educational interests and industry backgrounds. Among the successful candidates were high school graduates pursuing associate and bachelor's degrees in tourism and hospitality, hotel personnel committed to their professional development, and tourism and hospitality university graduates looking forward to advanced degrees and certifications.