SLHTA and DeVry University Announce Landmark Educational Partnership
(Castries, Saint Lucia – July 31, 2025) — The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and DeVry University have officially signed an agreement aimed at expanding access to educational opportunities for tourism professionals in Saint Lucia.
The partnership, launched on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at the Bay Gardens Marina Haven, featured representatives of SLHTA and DeVry University, hoteliers and human resource professionals. This partnership will provide access to DeVry University’s online bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, with eligible students receiving 50% tuition savings and a waived application fee through DeVry’s Caribbean Bridge to Brilliance initiative.
Employees of SLHTA member companies, as well as Independent SLHTA members, can apply under this initiative.
“To our colleagues at DeVry University, thank you for your vision and partnership in bringing this opportunity to our shores,” said SLHTA President Erwin Louisy. “For years, the SLHTA has been deliberate in forging partnerships that expand educational and training opportunities for our industry professionals. But today, we are raising the bar. This agreement with DeVry University introduces a new dimension—one that goes beyond operational certifications to include degree and diploma programs in areas critical to the future of hospitality. These include not only hospitality management but also technology, human resource management, business administration and other fields.”
“We are preparing the next generation of leaders,” added Scarlett Howery, vice president of public workforce solutions at DeVry University. “This official launch with SLHTA marks a meaningful moment for us. Education has the power to transform lives. It’s about breaking down barriers to education. Our programs allow employees to build real-world skills that they can apply in a global economy. Access to a quality online education, especially for learners juggling life, family and work obligations, is a critical step.”
Louisy noted that this initiative supports the government’s call for a university graduate in every household and will grow Saint Lucia’s talent pool.
“Through this partnership, employees will benefit from flexible, online learning modalities, ensuring that their education can proceed alongside their professional commitments,” Louisy said. “It will create opportunities for upward mobility, personal empowerment and career diversification—all of which strengthen not just individual livelihoods but also the resilience of the tourism industry as a whole. We will see stronger leaders emerge in our hotels, restaurants and service companies. We will see employees able to transition into managerial, technological and specialized roles that would have otherwise required them to migrate or step outside the industry.”
At the signing ceremony Wednesday, Howery encouraged private sector leaders to join the movement.
“Let’s work together to identify your most urgent talent needs and curate and create solutions that help your organizations grow stronger from the inside out. We believe in the people of Saint Lucia. We’re proud to partner with you and together, we’re ready to build a bridge that is brilliant.”
Interested persons are encouraged to visit slhta.com/devry or follow the SLHTA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for further updates.
(ENDS)
About the SLHTA
As the principal tourism private sector agency in Saint Lucia, the SLHTA is responsible for facilitating tourism sector development and management in Saint Lucia. The SLHTA is a private non-profit membership organization that functions as the “official organization and national spokesperson” for the hospitality industry and its wide membership.
About DeVry University
DeVry University strives to close society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online in Business, Healthcare and Technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission.org/). The university’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. To learn more, visit devry.edu
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