SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Aug. 10, 2012) - CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank sponsored one of the eight CHTA Education Foundation (CHTAEF) scholarships − collectively totaling $28,900 − presented at the Antiguan award ceremony, July 23, 2012 at Curtain Bluff in Antigua.

Seventeen-year-old scholar Jan Joseph, regarded as a 'focused and driven individual', was presented with the $3,000 CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank sponsored award under the CHTAEF. Joseph is entering her second year at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute with later plans to become a pastry chef and open her own business.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the Caribbean communities in which we operate, and congratulate the CHTAEF for another successful effort in developing the persons committed to working in our vital tourism industry," said Michael Spencer, Country Manager of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank. "We were proud to offer an educational grant of US$3,000 to Ms. Jan Joseph, who is pursuing an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute," Spencer added.

In 2012, the CHTAEF awarded a total of 35 scholarships after receiving 70 applications covering 15 Caribbean countries and totaling $215,100.

Scholarship recipients range in age from 17 to 29 years − each planning to continue or commence studies in various specialities in the hospitality industry.

Applicants for this scholarship opportunity were requested to write an essay describing why they were most deserving of the scholarships, how the scholarships would change their lives and in what ways they would contribute to the growth and development of the tourism sector in their respective country.

CHTA Education Foundation
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) was established in 1987 as a stand-alone non-profit / tax-exempt organization, through which scholarships and special assistance would be made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing careers in tourism.

As part of its mission, the Education Foundation provides people throughout the Caribbean region with an awareness of the industry's varied career opportunities, as well as technical and professional development.

Since 1987, the Education Foundation has awarded over US$1.6 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry.

The Education Foundation is also active in supporting Haitian students & industry personnel following the devasting earthquake in January 2010 by facilitating a holistic Spoken English/ Practical Hospitality Skills training project in Port au Prince, leading to Haitian students moving to various Caribbean colleges to study for their Assocaites and Bachelors degrees, so able to return home and be major catalysts in the uplift of Haitian tourism.

For more information, visit www.chtaeducationfoundation.com and find the Foundation on facebook at CHTA Education Foundation. Email [email protected] or call (305) 767 - 4211 to speak with a representative.

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) facilitates the full potential of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry by serving members' needs and building partnerships in a socially responsible and sustainable manner.  Celebrating its Golden Jubilee in 2012, CHTA is the voice of the Caribbean hospitality industry for the development of the region in the highly competitive and sophisticated environment of international tourism. Today, tourism is widely recognized as a pivotal industry in the economy of the region - and CHTA functions as the common denominator for this industry in a region of diverse nationalities, languages and styles, identifying mutual problems and marshaling the resources of the active and allied members to devise solutions. CHTA represents all facets of the hospitality industry with more than 725 member hotels and 375 allied members.

For more information, visit http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.
Follow CHTA on Facebook www.Facebook.com/CaribbeanHotelandTourismAssociation and Twitter www.Twitter.com/CHTAFeeds .