TTHTI celebrating 20 years

The institute is also seeking to review its curriculum to include catering for sport tourism in keeping with the country’s development agenda, she said.

Butcher made her remarks yesterday at the TTHTI’s interfaith service and long service awards ceremony held to mark the 20th anniversary of the institute’s existence at its location in Chaguaramas in which she noted the steady progress achieved in spite of challenges faced. Leading the interfaith service were Albon Dean Daniel of the Christian community, Dr Hemlata Singh of the Hindu community and Haji Imtiaz Ali of the Muslim community.

They all prayed for peace and the success of the TTHTI in meeting its aims and objectives.

On the need to have a physical presence in east and central Trinidad, Butcher noted that many potential students from those areas, including south Trinidad were being left out, or were inconvenienced due to access to the TTHTI’s only presence at Chaguaramas in north west Trinidad.

Making its presence felt countrywide, she said, would assist the institute in meeting its mandate to develop an industry driven education and training system for the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Increased focus was also being placed on customer service, she noted.

Noting that the Tourism Development Company was also focusing on cultural and sport tourism, in addition to other traditional sectors, Butcher said, the TTHTI was reviewing its curriculum to include sport tourism.

Noting the strides that the TTHTI has made in terms of its curriculum providing certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degree in culinary management, she said, it was now further upgrading its offers to master’s degrees and doctorates in the culinary arts.

Meanwhile Deputy Chairman of the TTHTI Board of Governors Ingrid Lashley, who has been on the board of directors for as long as it has been in existence, congratulated the long service awardees for their dedication and service. Among them was Butcher, the longest serving awardee, and first Executive Director.

Twenty-nine employees were presented with plaques to mark over ten years of service. Those marking over 15 years of service were Butcher, 20 years; Nalini Paul and Marina Ramjohn, 19 years; David Patrick, Lennie Tyson and Daren Wilson, 17 years; Ingrid John, Janelle Mendoza, Andrew Phillip and Nigel Preito, 16 years; and Mignon Walters, 15 years.