57 Students awarded Eileen Paul Scholarships as programme expands to new heights

(Castries, Saint Lucia – August 19, 2025) — The Mirage Conference Room at Sandals Halcyon Beach was filled with joy and excitement on Monday, 18th August 2025, as tourism partners, government officials and families gathered for the 2025 Eileen Paul Scholarship Award Ceremony.

Now in its fifth year, the Eileen Paul Scholarship was launched by the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to provide support to secondary school students whose parents work in the hospitality industry, offering recipients EC$2000 annually for five years.

The scholarship is designed to be much more than a financial award. TEF Programme Donette Ismael noted, “Numbers alone do not tell the full story. What makes this programme powerful is the depth of care. We expect excellence, but when our scholars stumble — as children sometimes do — we do not withdraw support. This year, we are proud to introduce a new professional assessment pathway, ensuring that psychosocial counsellors are available to students who may fall behind, helping them get back on track. From next year each cohort will include twenty recipients. The programme has also been extended to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, allowing qualifying students already in the initiative to continue their studies.”

The first recipient of the tertiary-level expansion is Krissy Joseph, who was presented with an EC$3,000 cheque towards completing her final year of A-levels.

While all previous cohorts included ten students, this year’s intake was increased to seventeen due to demand.

They are:

Ernetta Mason (Choiseul Secondary School)
Royanne Amedee (Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School- SCSS)
Zena Jacob (Castries Comprehensive Secondary School- CCSS)
Jabari Regis (SCSS)
Jadiel Marcel (CCSS)
Adrian Browne (Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School- LHCSS)
Kharissa Nedd (LHCSS)
Khloé Joseph (Entrepot Secondary School)
Zakiya Alexander (CCSS)
Delandra Lansiquot (CCSS)
Malik Dariah (St. Mary’s College- SMC)
Noah Fitz (CCSS)
Jelani John (SMC)
Enettus Marius (Beanfield Comprehensive Secondary School)
Kervon Moise (Corinth Secondary School)
Anaise Paul (CCSS)
Rayshad Edmund (LHCSS)

TEF Chairman Dr. Winston Anderson and Krissy Joseph

“Congratulations to our 2025 Eileen Paul Scholars,” said TEF Chairman Dr. Winston Anderson. “We are excited to see how brilliantly you will shine! For five years, this scholarship has opened the doors of opportunity to the children of hospitality workers, ensuring that no dream is cut short by financial hardship. Today is a reminder that when we come together, employees, workers, guests and partners, we can transform not just individual lives, but the destiny of our amazing beautiful island of Saint Lucia.”

SLHTA President Erwin Louisy encouraged recipients to step into this chapter of their life with confidence, an open mind and make the most of every opportunity. “I knew Eileen Paul personally. She personified excellence, was curious, never stopped striving and asked questions. She also enjoyed life and helping to lift others up. I invite you to emulate her standards.”

Louisy added: “In 2013, we proudly launched the TEF, giving the industry a structured way to contribute directly to the sustainable development of Saint Lucia. Since then, I have been truly inspired by how far the Fund has come, and the many lives and communities that have been touched through its timely and powerful initiatives. Congratulations to all of today’s recipients. Give your best in all that you do, and know that we are supporting and cheering you on along the way.”

Acting Minister for Education, Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere said that her Ministry and the government by extension were very pleased with this initiative. “We can never have enough resources to meet the demand for assistance from parents. And therefore, we wish to express heartfelt gratitude to the SLHTA and TEF for your ongoing commitment, not just to the hospitality industry but to the families and communities that form your backbone. Your continued investment in the education of employees’ children reflects a deep understanding that the true strength of any industry lies not just in its profits but in its people.”

Recipient Jadiel Marcel is eager to begin his secondary school journey at CCSS in September and expressed gratitude to officials. “I am deeply grateful for being selected to receive this scholarship. Your support has not only lightened my parents’ financial burden but also motivated me to work harder towards my goal. Thank you for believing in my potential and investing in my future.”

The TEF wishes to once again thank all contributing companies and visitors for making initiatives like this possible.