GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Government and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association met recently to discuss issues raised in relation to getting Caymanians employment in the tourism sector.

Those at the Wednesday, 4 March, 2015, meeting developed the following goals:

• All students that complete the training offered by the Hospitality School are placed in jobs in Cayman’s Tourism Industry.
• All awardees of Ministry of Tourism and National Scholarships that have a tourism focus are to be connected to someone in the Industry when they receive their scholarship. The objective is that all returning students should have either an internship or job offer in place upon their return.
• The job drive is to be redefined with an effective communication plan agreed in advance.
• Training gaps for NWDA clients will be identified and, where possible, the Tourism Industry will step up and provide necessary training.
• The NWDA should become the national clearinghouse for jobs giving job seekers, immigration, labour and employers a completely transparent view of the employment situation and allowing Caymanians access to opportunities that would otherwise become work-permits.

“I am very encouraged by the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by everyone and I have every confidence that we will be able to address the concerns that many Caymanians have with regard to being a part of the Tourism Industry. I look forward to working with CITA and the NWDA to make it a reality,” said MLA Alva Suckoo.

While Mr. Ken Hydes’ tenure as President of CITA ends in a few short months, he has committed to supporting the above efforts and to ensuring that this commitment continues into the new administration.

“From CITA’s prospective we have a really amazing opportunity to make progress on a national topic and we are committed to do so,” he said.

Minister for Tourism and Deputy Premier Hon. Moses Kirkconnell said projected increases in the number of visitors coming to the Cayman Islands means there will be more jobs coming on line in the industry.

“I wholeheartedly support CITA and the NWDA’s desire to work together to ensure that Caymanians get jobs in the Tourism Industry,” he said. “When people travel to a foreign country it is the locals they want driving the taxis, serving them in restaurants and greeting them at hotels.”