Building a Better Jamaica

Published: Friday | July 23, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner Barrington Flemming

WESTERN BUREAU:

The economic crunch has forced the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to slash its budget by $5 million for the 2010 Tourism Summer Intern Programme.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett made the disclosure following the recent launch of the 2010 programme at the Tourism Centre in Montego Bay, St James.

"Last year, we had a budget of $15 million. This year, based on the economic situation, we have had to reduce our budget to $10 million, " Bartlett explained.

Just more than 800 young people from across the island will be placed in this year's programme, with 38 per cent of the participants drawn from the tourism Mecca of Montego Bay.

Interactive programme

Project coordinator for Spruce up Jamaica, Marline Stephenson-Dalley, said the participants had engaged in training and orientation programme, before placement.

"We have taken them on a very interactive programme which covered customer service, security awareness, tourism organisations and their roles and functions, and cultural sensitivity."

She explained that each participant would be employed for a three-week period and will receive a weekly stipend.

Lorna Newsome, training officer with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), indicated that more than 400 students were exposed to training, noting that a number of them have already been reporting that the preparation programme has been rewarding for them.

"The experience is great. The TPDCo has done a wonderful thing for students who are on holiday and cannot be employed anywhere else," said participant Tracey Ann Leslie, who has been placed at Sandals Montego Bay.

Randy McTyson described the summer work programme as very good.

"I've never really had an interest in tourism but after having had this experience, I will definitely pursue a career in this field."

Former intern Tiano Allen, who was employed to Captain's Water Sports immediately following his internship in 2009, fully endorses the programme.

"I was an intern since 2009, and July will be a year now since I have been employed. It has been a great experience," he said.

"The tourist industry has been doing a good job and TPDCo, with this programme, has been doing a great job for the youth. I am happy to be back to share with these interns for 2010 about how their lives will be impacted."