The second segment of the Community Tourism Sensitization Programme administered by Countrystyle Community Tourism Network was presented in Culloden, Westmoreland and Lucea in Hanover and was well received. Nearly two hundred persons were exposed to this creative approach to tourism in which rural Jamaica can participate and realize the potential for the involvement of small communities in the industry..

Three additional segments of the Hospitality Training Component were completed. The first involved training in Food and Beverage Service and Food Preparation conducted in Lucea. The second was delivered under the new Competency Based Programme introduced by the HEART Trust/NTA and included training in Housekeeping and Food Preparation. This involves the assessment of workers on the job with a view to certifying them in their areas of competence. Those who failed to reach the standards were offered additional training and then re-accessed. This was a very successful programme and is one that should be supported. At the request of CPEC, the programme was extended to include three special workshops in Culinary Skills and Baking conducted by Mr. Bill Moore, an International consultant in these disciplines. There were offered in Treasure Beach Hotel in St. Elizabeth, the Runaway Bay HEART Academy in St. Ann and the Kenilworth HEART Academy in Sandy Bay, Hanover. These were attended by hospitality personnel from across the island and were facilitated by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.

The Skills Bank has been established but it is a learning process as we develop the tools and the methods to meet the needs of our clientele. There has been a demand for the service, but employers sometimes fail to follow through to meet their commitments once their needs have been satisfied. In addition, there have been instances when the pool of applicants is unable to supply the demand in specific categories and so new methods of promotion are being developed. This system has the potential to provide a well-needed service to Negril as well as to provide an income of the Chamber.

Other deliverables completed include training in project management, association management, the development of strategic business plans, the development of a destination marketing plan for Negril, training in occupational health and safety, information technology, tour guiding, and conversational Spanish and German.

The organization was further strengthened through this project with the acquisition of a computer and software for the accounting section and training for the staff. This has significantly enhanced our ability to maintain our records and to provide the information needed. This, together with the photocopier and laptop computer acquired in 2003 is greatly appreciated.

We thank the Committee chaired by Chamber Director, Miss Grace Lee, and Mr. Andre Dhanpaul ( JHTA), Mrs. Leonie Dunwell of the Kenilworth HEART Academy, Mr. Donalsdon Bernard of the Rusea’s High School, Miss Simone Williams of the Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust (NEPT) and Miss Dawn Lemonius of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) who served on the Committee.

We place on record our appreciation to Miss Deniece Dortch, Peace Corps Volunteer, who coordinated the project efficiently. Miss Dortch was responsible for the day to day administration of the project and enabled its successful completion.

The project benefited a wide cross section of persons in Hanover and Westmoreland, both those employed in the tourism industry and others who were given the information and guidelines for participation in various aspects of the industry. It also provided valuable strengthening for the Chamber and has had a positive impact on the operations of the Secretariat.