The Anguilla Community College held a closing ceremony on Friday 31st October 2014 for the first cohort of participants of the 10 day Hospitality Ambassador Recruitment Programme (HARP) sponsored by the Anguilla Tourist Board. The closing ceremony was organized by the seventeen participants. They played an active role in executing the programme by offering the opening prayer, welcome and introductory remarks, student reflections and vote of thanks.
A number of other persons participated in the closing ceremony. Miss Sharon Richardson, Director of Hospitality Studies and one of the facilitators gave an overview of the programme. Rev. Candis Niles, Director of the Anguilla Tourist Board admonished the participants to not settle for this level of competency but continuously strive for excellence. Hon. Haydn Hughes applauded the students for their decision to join the most dynamic industry in the world. Professor Delroy Louden, President of the Anguilla Community College encouraged the participants to continue to learn.
The HARP was designed in an effort to better prepare participants for employment in the hospitality industry. It is a two week intense programme that not only gives participants an overview of hospitality operations but also aims to enhance soft skills. The first week focused on developing student’s employability skills and included topics such as Creating a Good First Impression, Resume Writing, Professionalism, Protocol and Etiquette and Customer Service. The second week covered the Hospitality Industry, Tourism in Anguilla, Food & Beverage Preparation and Service, and the Front Office.
Additionally, the course exposed students to industry professionals as guest lecturers in the persons of
Dr. Phyllis Fleming Banks – Professionalism
Rev. Candis Niles – Tourism in Anguilla
Hon. Stanley Reid – Ethics
Mrs. Marissa Hughes – Diet and Exercise
Mrs. Karimah Carty – Food & beverage preparation and service
Mr. Delroy Lake – Hospitality
Mrs. Michal Romney – Communication
The programme culminated with a field trip to Viceroy Resort and Spa for a tour and lunch and a tour at La Vue Boutique Hotel.
For successful completion of the course, participants had to complete all assignments, the final examination and attend the field trip. Those who successfully completed the course were given a joint certificate from the Anguilla Community College and the Anguilla Tourist Board.
For more information about this programme and about the Anguilla Community College please visit us in George Hill (across from Rey’s Funeral Home) or via our website www.acc.edu.ai. You can also contact the College at 498-8395/497-2538 or via email at info@acc.edu.ai.
