This Week at the SLHTA, May 16th, 2014

Friday, May 16th, 2014  
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In This Week’s Edition
Food Safety Training Programme
Customer Service Excellence Training Workshop
More Opportunity for Training and Employment
Essential Tips for Going Green
SLHTA/SLDB Job Fair
JetBlue Launches New Seasonal Caribbean and Latin America Routes
SLHTA Welcome New Member Jus Sail Ltd
Outstanding Employee Lennita Constable of Cbay Resort
DIGICEL Introduces 4G SPEED
LUCELEC Shareholders approve establishment of subsidiary company
Progress on Caribbean Tourism Marketing
Upcoming SLHTA Events/Meetings
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 Food Safety Training Programme 

 

Springboard Training & Development Centre offers both certificated and UK accredited Food Safety training programmes including qualifications, as an approved training centre, for the RSPH (Royal Society for Public Health) which is the leading UK accreditation body in this area.  Its certificated Food Safety, Sanitation Standards and HACCP training course has attracted significant attention among member properties and has already been rolled out to over 340 kitchen, restaurant and bar staff.  Springboard has taken a very practical approach in the delivery of its food safety course in recognition of the varying learning abilities of food handlers and the impending Food Safety Act.

The course covers key food safety matters from food delivery and food preparation through to table service. The programme can also be customised to take account of any specific food safety concerns member properties may have however Springboard ensures that the core programme always meets the requirements of the Level 2 – Food Safety certificate which is the minimum level of learning required in most countries that have mandatory training requirements for food handlers.  The total programme requires the completion of 6 guided learning hours which is usually delivered during one full day.    Springboard can offer its programmes at member properties or at its dedicated training centre in Massade Gros Islet.

The programme is currently being delivered at the BodyHoliday LeSport in the North of the island and a few places are still available on the following days: May 17th, 18th, 23rd, 34th and 30th in addition to June 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th.   The cost of the programme is $165 ECD per person and includes lunch, hand-outs and certification.

To book places on this programme please email Springboard at 

Customer Service Excellence 
Training Workshop
The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is pleased to offer a customer services workshop, specifically tailored for customer services managers, supervisors, team leaders and key staff and delivered by professional trainer Mr. Noorani Azeez, SLHTA’s Executive Vice President.

The aim is to ensure participants have the opportunity to learn how customers think and the key steps required to increase customer satisfaction – both face to face and over the phone. In addition delegates will learn new techniques to handle stressful customer service experiences and environments.

The day will also ensure participants have an opportunity to discuss and share their motivational needs, job de-motivators and to give delegates the tools and techniques to help maintain motivation within a customer service role.

In addition they will learn new skills techniques to handle work stress and inject some new ideas to put the smile back into their working and personal lives.  This training day represents excellent value for money, with seminar fees being only $250 EC per person. This includes lunch, refreshments, and training materials.

As places are limited, early booking is recommended.  Interested Members are asked to contact Wendel George by replying to this email address or at 453 1811/719 1010.  Please note that the training workshop will be held at the Bay Gardens Hotel on Thursday May 29th 2014 and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 More Opportunity for Training and Employment

 

The Government of Saint Lucia has announced a three million dollar “Cruise Sector Training and Employment Programme” to provide access to funding for approximately 550 young Saint Lucians, seeking employment in the cruise sector. This programme is an expansion of a $400,000.00 pilot version which was introduced under the NICE programme in the last fiscal year.

Over the past year, approximately 229 unemployed Saint Lucians got job offers, 35 percent of which, benefited from the pilot financing facility set up with the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB). As such, the Government of Saint Lucia has partnered with a training institute, a cruise line and the SLDB, to expand the facility and provide more opportunities to unemployed youth. This year, three million dollars will be obtained from the National Insurance Corporation…Read More

Essential Tips for Going Green
Buying only what you need is the first step to go green, but when you buy, looking for greener products and using products in ways that respect the environment can have a big impact on the health of your family, pets and the planet.

By making greener product choices you are saving money on utilities and fuel, supporting companies that are driving change and most importantly, you are joining millions of people helping to protect public health and the environment.

You can also choose to buy organic or locally produced food and eco-friendly clothing.There are no national standards for organic clothing, but some fabrics to consider include organic cotton, bark cloth, bamboo, and organic wool.

Along with buying greener products, you can make a big impact by using the products you buy in ways that respect the environment by: using fewer products and following instructions for product use; conserving energy, water, and materials; recycling items made of materials such as glass, metal, plastic, or paper or disposing of products properly.  More Information on Green Tips

The SLHTA/SLDB Job Fair

The Saint Lucia Development Bank in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association conducted a Job Fair on Tuesday 10th May at the Bay Gardens Hotel for students who graduated from Monroe College’s Hospitality Training Programme.

The idea of the Job Fair was a collaborative endeavor between the SLDB and SLHTA in an effort to give students the opportunity to impress the various Human Resources representatives who were in attendance.  The Job Fair was well attended with seven hotels and approximately fifty students; as a result it turned out to be a very successful event.  The various hotel representatives also took the time after the interviews to discuss the proceeding and offer recommendations on available opportunities for various skill sets and training.  Project Coordinator from the SLDB Jeannevieve Matthew, heaped praises on the activity and suggested more of such collaborations in the future.

The Hospitality Training Programme offered by Monroe College is geared at strengthening the competences of participants thereby preparing them for employment within the Tourism Industry. The course covers a range of topics such as Food & Beverage, Rooms Division and House Keeping to mention a few.

 
JetBlue has announced new non-stop winter season routes from Boston Logan International Airport to Latin America and the Caribbean, startingNovember 1.

The new routes will fly to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR);Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP); and Hewanorra International Airport in Saint Lucia (UVF).

 

With the launch of the new routes, JetBlue will offer the only nonstop service between Boston and both Costa Rica and Saint Lucia, the airline said.

 

“JetBlue offers more nonstop flights to the Caribbean than any other airline. With three new routes to the Caribbean and Latin America, Bostonians will have even more options for their well-deserved vacations,” said JetBlue president Robin Hayes…Click Here for full details and Shedule.

Allied Member Feature: Jus Sail 
Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) introduces yet another member to its family –  Jus Sail St Lucia.  The Association is elated about the progress it has been making in attracting new members and pledges its commitment to effectively representing and lobbying on behalf of its membership.

About Jus Sail
Your first choice in St Lucia for authentic sailing tours, private sailing charters and day sailing experiences.

Jus’ Sail offers unique Caribbean sailing experiences and romantic sunset cruises aboard our lovingly restored Carriacou Sloop~ Good Expectation quite simply the most comfortable and relaxing way to enjoy a sail along St Lucia’s stunning coastline.

For over 150 years these colourful, hand built, wooden sailing vessels traded everything across the West Indies from spices to rum. A once regular sight between the islands… for decades lost… Jus’ Sail is proud to put this unique piece of West Indian history back to work and we believe you will love the experience of sailing aboard as much as we do…Visit their website, click here.

SLHTA Outstanding Employee Feature: 
Ms Lennita Constable
Born on 19th September, 1993 and raised in a nuclear family with her mother, father, two elder sisters and a younger brother, Ms. Lennita Constable, like the rest of the Constable clan, was raised to reach for the stars. From young, her parents emphasized on the importance of Education and how it can make a difference in an individual’s life by broadening their horizons and increasing their opportunities in life.

Lennita is quite the adventurous person who enjoys a challenge. Her favorite past times include zipling, hiking, and climbing the pitons. At 5ft 1, Lennita proves that nothing is too much for a determined person to attain! Furthermore, she is a self motivated and highly driven individual who lives by her favorite quote by Napoleon Bonaparte- “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”

Shortly after graduating from VFCSS, Lennita gained employment at Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa where she worked temporarily as a Boutique Attendant. A month later, she was transferred to the Front Office Department- where her warm, jubilant demeanor would have both guest and co-workers raving about her unbelievingly sweet caliber. Apart from her charming personality, Lennita also demonstrated good work ethic and a passion for her job. Her persona along with her dedication and determination to succeed, landed her the title “Rookie of the Year”, as well as “Best Smile of the Year” at Coconut Bay’s 2012 annual Staff Awards Ceremony. The recognition was truly an overwhelming experience and contributed to her being promoted to a permanent employee. The award definitely motivated her in becoming even better at what she did. It’s no surprise that the following year, she was Awarded Employee of the Year 2013 for the Front of the House!

In the future, Lennita would like to pursue a career in Hotel Management in order to fulfill her goal of becoming a General Manager for one of the top resorts in Bahamas. In addition, Lennita is also interested in constructing an animal shelter to rescue and care for all the stray animals in St. Lucia. With her ambition and zeal for experiencing new things, Lennita is more than capable of achieving whatever her heart desires!

Digicel, a leading global telecommunications service provider with operations in 30 countries across the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific, on Thursday launched its pre-paid and post-paid 4G service to its customers in St Lucia.

The very latest in innovation, Digicel 4G Broadband is super-fast, accessible, affordable and reliable – and is underpinned by Digicel’s commitment to best value, best network, best service and most innovative.

Sandals Grand St Lucia Spa and Beach Resort was transformed into the ultra-fast zone as speed was the main highlight of the evening.  Officially launching its 4G services- cooperate St Lucia got to experience firsthand the future in data speed with Digicel. Giving leverage to the most advanced 4G technology, Digicel will deliver superfast access to data services for customers to stream High Definition (HD) videos, enjoy multiple chat forums, instantly upload photos, fast downloads and much more islandwide…More

LUCELEC Shareholders approve establishment of subsidiary company

 

St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) has been grantedapproval by its shareholders to establish a subsidiary company. The decision came at the end of a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on Friday, May 9, 2014.

The subsidiary company will allow LUCELEC to explore new business opportunities separate from what it is currently engaged in which is the generation and sale of electricity. And while it will be wholly owned by LUCELEC, this new entity will be financially, legally and operationally separate from the regulated electricity company. This is to ensure good governance, business transparency and a clear separation of activities associated with electricity generation and sale from activities that the subsidiary company may be engaged in…Full Details, Click Here.

PROGRESS ON CARIBBEAN TOURISM MARKETING
The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC)’s website CaribbeanTravel.com is making significant strides in promoting the region to the world.

Meeting in Miami this month the CTDC board learned that 28 percent of visitors to its consumer website took the next steps and were tracked as leads, either to the destination or to specific hotels or tourism business websites.

“These early wins are encouraging as we ramp up,” said Beverly Nicolson Doty, co-Chairman of the board, “and we look forward to more successes as our strategic development unfolds.”

The CTDC is a cooperative marketing and business development initiative of the inter-governmental Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the private sector driven Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

Board members were also encouraged to learn that 100 percent of CTO destination members are listed on CaribbeanTravel.com with more than 600 CHTA members on the site.

“We will be encouraging members…Read More

Upcoming SLHTA Events/Meetings
  • SLHTA Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday 22nd May 2014
  • SLHTA Sports Committee Meeting on Thursday 22nd May 2014 at 2:00pm
  • Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) Annual General Meeting on June 18th 2014 at Sandals Grande St Lucia Spa & Beach Resort
  • Meeting with Calabash Mountain Villas on Tuesday 20th May 2014 at the SLHTA Office
  • Customer Service Excellence Training workshop on Thursday 29th May 2014 at Bay Gardens Hotel.
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