An estimated 600 persons converged on the job fair organized by the Antigua and
Barbuda Hotels and Tourist Association in collaboration with the Antigua and
Barbuda Tourism Authority.
Executive Director of the ABHTA, Patrice Simon, said the organizers were quite
pleased with the turnout, as this signaled a desire by many in the society, to
become a part of the country’s main industry, hospitality and tourism.
“We decided to hold the job fair on September 27, World Tourism Day, and to use
to opportunity to assist our members to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
We therefore reached out to all our members and the response was really good.
There were twenty-seven exhibitors including hotels, catering companies, and tour
operators among others. We registered six hundred persons who applied for jobs in
our industry,” Simon reported.
The job fair ran from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as the organizers wanted to ensure that
everyone who came, had an opportunity to speak directly with the exhibitors.
Simon stated that one of the central themes of World Tourism Day is ‘Investing in
People’ and this was quite appropriate for them to hold the job fair on that day, as
it marks an ‘investment’ in the people who were likely to be taking up future
employment in this critical industry.
A brief opening ceremony was held at the start of the job fair and remarks were
made by the Director of Planning and Policy in the Ministry of Tourism, St. Clair
Soleyn, representing Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez. He said the ministry is
happy to partner with any entity to achieve the key aim of expanding and
developing the professionalism of local people, to take advantage of the
opportunities that will arise in the industry.
“This will ultimately lead to the development of the nation’s health and education
sectors among others, as well as lead to the well-being of the citizens and residents
of Antigua and Barbuda,” he remarked.
Brief remarks were also made by ABHTA board member, Cathy-Ann Edwards-
Joseph and City Manager for the St. John’s Development Corporation, Carolyn
Thomas-Parker.