The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has announced the successful completion of two training programmes that brought the 2025 Professional Learning Series to a close.
The 6-Week Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course and the 8-Week Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance, equipping participants across the sector with strengthened skills, enhanced competencies, and renewed professional confidence.
Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course
Hosted virtually, the Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course delivered six weeks of essential and interactive training, led by Shirlene Nibbs, a respected tourism and hospitality training expert with over 30 years of industry experience.
Participants explored vital leadership competencies including leadership, effective communication, managing workplace relationships, performance management and other core supervisory competencies.
Zorah Beazer, participant of the Supervisory Course and Claims Manager – Life & Medical Division at State Insurance Company Limited, shared her experience: “Participating in this Supervisory Management course has been an invaluable experience. I must admit that, at first, I was unsure of what to expect and initially thought the course would involve “a lot of reading.” However, nothing compares to the opportunity to view workplace challenges from new perspectives and to become better equipped to address them effectively when they arise.”
Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, course facilitator, shared her reflections of the course: “As the facilitator of the ABHTA Supervisory Management Leadership programme, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and challenge of facilitating this year’s record number of participants. It was a journey of passion and enthusiasm by all participants. We were able to raise the bar on this product as it had immense value to a wide cross section of business sectors.”
Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance
ABHTA also successfully concluded its 8-Week Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance, held at the Sandals Merrick Fray Training & Development Centre. This hands-on programme was facilitated by Kim Burdon, an aircraft maintenance engineer with more than 35 years of experience in aviation and facility management. Throughout the course, participants engaged in core areas of basic Electricity & Magnetism, Motor Theory, Wiring & Circuit Controls, Refrigeration Basics, and practical Testing & Troubleshooting.
Donald Bennett, participant of this course and Maintenance Technician at Curtain Bluff Antigua, reflected on the experience as expressed: “I found the course very informative and worthwhile to me as a Maintenance Technician. Mr. Burdon often encouraged us to take our skills to the next level. His guidance and hands on teaching made the sessions clear and engaging.
Mr. Burdon, course facilitator, shared his thoughts: “Maintenance is a fascinating subject which covers so many subjects. These past two months have been enjoyable, sharing what I know with others.
These two programmes officially conclude the ABHTA’s 2025 Professional Learning Series, which delivered comprehensive training opportunities aimed at elevating industry standards and strengthening workforce excellence across the tourism sector.
