NEW YORK, NY (17 June 2019) – The Caribbean Foundation, originally launched in 1989, has been officially renamed the “CTO Scholarship Foundation.”            

“We renamed the Foundation to clarify the organization’s purpose in the public eye so that everyone will understand the goal of the Foundation is to provide scholarships to Caribbean nationals who are seeking to advance themselves in the various fields associated with tourism in the Caribbean,” said Sylma Brown, CTO Director USA and Treasurer for the Foundation.            

The CTO Scholarship Foundation is a 501(C)3 approved charity in the United States and “we wanted to ensure that potential donors knew that contributions are tax deductible under U.S. IRS laws,” Brown added.

The CTO Scholarship Foundation has the expressed aim of training and developing future leaders for the Caribbean tourism industry by funding studies in tourism and tourism-related subjects, hospitality and language. Since its inception, the foundation has generated over US$1 million in scholarship funds and has provided over 280 grants and scholarships. The money spent thus far has been raised from various fundraising efforts and through the very generous support of a few major corporations.            

All money generated through fundraising is used for scholarships. The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors, comprising private and public sector individuals, who dedicate their time and talent to support and guide the efforts of the Foundation.            

“We have been providing study grants and scholarships for more than 20 years and are very proud that the CTO Scholarship Foundation has made a difference in the lives of many Caribbean youth and working professionals and their respective families,” said Jacqueline Johnson, CTC, Chairperson of the CTO Scholarship Foundation and President of Global Bridal Group.           

 “As we further the education of Caribbean nationals in the tourism industry we equip them to lead their countries to greater prosperity in the future as tourism is the leading driver of GNP in the Region, Johnson said, adding: “There is nothing more important that one can do today than prepare for tomorrow.”The Foundation provides financial assistance to Caribbean nationals interested in pursuing studies in tourism and hospitality, and supports tourism employees wanting to improve their foreign language skills. Study grants are provided to persons studying at any level of certification and scholarships are provided to persons studying at a Master’s (post graduate) level. Persons granted these awards and scholarships must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.           

 The Bonita Morgan Memorial Scholarship, named for the woman who was a driving force behind the Scholarship program for 20 years, is one of several new scholarships introduced this year in an enhanced and expanded programme, which includes scholarships of up to $5,000 in public relations and communications; tourism education or human resources development; hotel, resort, or villa development, design and/or planning; and aviation or air transport technologies.            

Individuals who wish to make a contribution to the CTO Foundation can do so via its GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/cto-scholarship-foundation. Corporations interested in participating with the Scholarship program should contact Sylma Brown at CTO directly: Tel: (212) 635-9530; E-mail: [email protected].

About the Caribbean Tourism OrganizationThe Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados, offices in New York and London and representation in Canada, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. 

Among the benefits to its members the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology. 

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail:[email protected]; 

The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., Suite 3302, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; E-mail: [email protected]; 

The CTO’s London office is located at Suites 52A & 53, 5th Floor AMP House, Dingwall Road, Croydon CR0 2LX, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: [email protected]. 

CTO has representation in Canada; Tel: (905) 857-1986; Email:[email protected]. 

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization, please visitwww.OneCaribbean.org and follow CTO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.