ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HOTELS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation Awards Scholarships to Three Antiguan and Barbudan Hospitality Professionals

Antigua and Barbuda, July 2, 2024: The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association is thrilled to announce that three distinguished hospitality professionals from Antigua and Barbuda have been awarded scholarships by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) to advance their careers in the hospitality industry.

The scholarship recipients are:

• Chef Olvanah Richardson-Burnette, Executive Sous Chef at Blue Waters Resort & Spa, who will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management at Southern New Hampshire University.
• Ms. Careena Eastwood, Events Coordinator at Trade Winds Hotel, who will study for a Bachelor of Science in Management (Tourism & Hospitality Management) at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
• Ms. Kerissa Henry Rooms Division Coordinator at Trade Winds Hotel, who will continue her studies towards a Bachelor of Science in Management (Tourism & Hospitality Management) at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

Established in 1986, the CHTAEF is a charitable organization that offers scholarships and special assistance for the education of Caribbean tourism industry personnel and students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality. The foundation raises awareness of the varied career opportunities within the industry and provides technical and professional development throughout the Caribbean region. The CHTAEF volunteer trustees manage one of the largest scholarship programs available in the Caribbean Hospitality & Tourism Industry, funded through corporate sponsorships, benefit auctions, and special events.

Chef Olvanah Richardson-Burnette, expressed her gratitude: “Continuous learning is extremely important to me, and I am elated to receive a scholarship from the CHTAEF for the third time. I want to impress upon my colleagues that learning is continuous and that they should never stop, no matter their age, to better themselves. My educational journey will allow me to continue to give back and make a difference in someone else’s life.”

Karen Whitehead, Human Resources Manager at Blue Waters Resort & Spa, remarked: “Mrs. Olvanah Richardson-Burnette has made everyone proud at Blue Waters Resort & Spa by receiving this scholarship. We wish her enormous success as she continues to seek higher achievements. Mrs. Richardson-Burnette is a role model for both the culinary team and all female employees at the resort. This demonstrates how having a goal and determination can lead to great accomplishments—the sky is the limit!”

Trade Winds Hotel is also delighted to have two team members receive scholarships presented by the CHTAEF.

Careena Eastwood shared her excitement: “I am thrilled to be a proud recipient of the CHTAEF Scholarship Fund. I want to thank the Almighty Father and my family and friends who have been a major support to me in this journey. This scholarship will help me achieve my ultimate career goal and fulfill my dream of becoming a valuable contributor to my country’s leading industry, tourism. I aim to set high standards for my two boys, showing them that achieving a good education is essential for a bright future. By using this opportunity, I hope to set an example for them: if Mommy can do it, so can they. This is just the first step towards my future; the next step is up to me to put my best foot forward and ensure I aim for nothing less than my best.”

Kerissa Henry expressed her gratitude: “Receiving this scholarship is a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey, and I am deeply grateful to the CHTAEF for this incredible opportunity. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey, believing in my potential and helping me achieve my goals. Together, we are not just investing in my future but also in the future of the hospitality and tourism sector, which plays a vital role in our community and beyond.”

Linda Watkins, Hotel Director at Trade Winds Hotel, expressed her delight: “We are truly honored to celebrate the achievement of two successful recipients of the CHTA scholarship. Congratulations to Careena Eastwood, the Events Coordinator at Trade Winds Hotel, and Kerissa Henry, our Rooms Division Coordinator at Trade Winds Hotel. As recipients of the esteemed CHTAEF scholarship, we extend our best wishes for their educational journey ahead. We wish them both continued success and look forward to them realizing all their dreams!”

The ABHTA congratulates all scholarship recipients and wishes them the best of luck as they pursue higher education.

ABOUT THE ABHTA

The ABHTA collectively represents the hospitality industry by educating, advocating and promoting to increase visitation and the economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The primary focus is on the needs and best interests of the members of the Association. The membership of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association is open to all hotels, restaurants, airlines, and companies directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Joining the Association is a way of showing your support of the island’s tourism product and helping us to further develop our tourism industry.