The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) has named Neil Forrester, Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association, to the Board of Trustees where he will be involved with awarding scholarships to Caribbean nationals pursuing higher education and professional development in the tourism and hospitality field. Additionally, he will cultivate relationships with potential corporate and individual donors.
“I would like to welcome Neil Forrester to the CHTA Education Foundation Board of Trustees and look forward to working with him to expand the CHTAEF scholarship program,” said Richard S. Kahn, chairman of CHTAEF. “Neil’s experience in the hospitality industry will be an asset to the Board as we seek our next generation of tourism leaders. Education and training are essential in order to be successful in any work field and through the CHTAEF scholarship program we are providing the financial means for individuals to prepare for their future in the hospitality and tourism industry.”
“I look forward to doing my part in promoting and expanding the scholarship program for Caribbean students and consider this as a honor to serve on the Board of Trustees for this important Foundation,” said Neil Forrester.
The CHTAEF Board of Trustees is comprised of 15 individuals from all sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry including:
• Richard S. Kahn, CHTAEF chairman and president, KTCpr (New York)
• James Weitkamp, CHTAEF deputy chairman, Harbor Linen (Tampa)
• Ernest Dwight, CHTAEF auction committee chair, SouthWood Corp. (North Carolina)
• Nadine Rankin, AMG Limited (UK)
• Anthony Bowen, Sun Group Barbados (Barbados)
• Richard J. Doumeng, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (St. Thomas)
• Loreen Chant, Johnson & Wales University (Florida)
• Lauren Funke, New York Times (Miami)
• Gaizka Fraser, Virgin Holidays (UK)
• Jan Wyatt Falk, Interval International (Miami)
• Neil Forrester, Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association (Antigua)
• Rachael Nathaniel, Hyatt Regency (Trinidad)
• Mark Ozawa, Windjammer Landing Resort (St. Lucia)
• Omar Robinson, Round Hill Hotel & Villas (Jamaica)
• Gilda Gumbs-Samuel, Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association (Anguilla)
CHTAEF is currently supported by longtime partners Virgin Holidays, Interval International, Johnson & Wales University and Florida International University. Other major donors include OBMI and Green Globe.
CHTAEF awards worthy Caribbean nationals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hospitality and tourism industry with scholarship money to enhance or further their expertise. This includes academic tuition scholarships, short-course professional development tuition scholarships, work experience placement opportunities, and grants for tourism and hospitality teachers for furthering their education or to gain industry work experience. Scholarships and grants are awarded to any college or university in North America and Europe as well as in the Caribbean including local community colleges.
In 2014, CHTAEF awarded US$136,308 in scholarships to 29 Caribbean nationals pursuing a higher education or professional development in hospitality and tourism after receiving more than 60 applications. Since 1987, CHTAEF has awarded approximately US$2 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry.
For additional information about CHTAEF or to become a corporate partner, email foundation@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com or call 571-436-4386.
CHTA Education Foundation
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) was established in 1987 as a stand-alone non-profit / tax-exempt organization, through which scholarships and special assistance would be made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing careers in tourism.
As part of its mission, the Education Foundation provides people throughout the Caribbean region with an awareness of the industry’s varied career opportunities, as well as technical and professional development.
The Education Foundation is also active in supporting Haitian students & industry personnel following the devastating earthquake in January 2010 by facilitating a holistic Spoken English / Practical Hospitality Skills training project in Port au Prince, leading to Haitian students moving to various Caribbean colleges to study for their Associates and Bachelors degrees, so able to return home and be major catalysts in the uplift of Haitian tourism.
For more information, visit www.chtaeducationfoundation.com or www.Facebook.com/CHTAEducationFoundation, call (571) 436-4386 or email foundation@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.