AHTA DONATES TO HAITI FUND Monday 12th November 2012
Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) have been made available by the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (AHTA) to assist students from the earthquake-raved country of Haiti.
The monies were given to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) Haiti Fund which is targeting US$ 80,000 to finance a two year associate’s degree program at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute for the ten Haitian students who were enrolled in September.
Members of AHTA, ABHTI and the CHTAEF Haiti Fund team came together last Thursday where the gift was handed over.
Chairman of the AHTA, Andrew Hedley, in presenting the cheque, congratulated the students for their endeavours and hard work, adding that they are shining examples to many in their communities. He indicated that the funds were made possible through the AHTA Tourism Development Fund, which “invites visitors in supporting hotels to donate a dollar-a-day during their stay”. As a result of the programme, Hedley states that, “We have been able to put together significant funds which are focused on the development of the tourism product, not only here but, clearly on this occasion, we are delighted to be able to share some of the benefits with those who obviously have been impacted by the earthquake.”
The Chairman says AHTA sees the gesture as “an opportunity to ensure that the students’ studies continue so that they can thrive and prosper in the hospitality institute.”
Project Leader of the CHTAEF Haiti Fund, Louise John is grateful for the contribution which she said came as a surprise. “We have been raising funds for over a year and have had generous donations from the government of Antigua and Barbuda. We are now thrilled and delighted to receive this very much unexpected windfall from AHTA towards the development of these young, bright Haitian earthquake survivors”. She says, “The funds will go towards the students’ tuition and e-books cost”.
Celene, one of the beneficiary Haitian students, expressed appreciation to the Hotels and Tourist Association for assisting in their educational development. “We want to thank the AHTA for this huge donation, as it allows us to pursue our studies without pressure and problems. We want to promise to always be on top and give the best of ourselves so that we can elevate the level of tourism when we get back to Haiti”.
Also present at the handing over was Executive Director of the ABHTI, Calvin Ambrose and General Manager of AHTA, Neil Forrester.
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