From TCI Weekly News

Students from the TCI Community College have emerged victorious from the annual student colloquium in New York during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Caribbean week.

The competition challenges students to present creative ideas for sustainable tourism projects or business initiatives in the Caribbean.

This year’s competition saw four countries battling for the top prize with the TCI snagging the first place prize in the end.

St. Lucia came in second, with the Bahamas and Jamaica with third and fourth places respectively.

The local team presented on the lionfish and its effects on the tourism industry, particularly the coral reefs.

Students proposed that a lionfish festival would be an ideal event, to address the impact of these creatures.

Judges were very impressed with the TCI’s performance stating: “Whilst the presentation was an original, it is one that should garner the attention of the Caribbean region.”

Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture, Porsha Stubbs-Smith who travelled to New York City to attend Caribbean Week commented on the win.

“All teams were creative, passionate and represented their countries well, however, I must express a huge congratulations to team TCI, I am immensely proud of the job they’ve done and continue to look forward to our future participation in events such as these as we continue to bring recognition to the TCI.”

She also expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts between the Ministries of Tourism and Education, and the Tourist Board and the TCI Community College.

“When we all work together as a team anything can be accomplished,” she said.

The minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Desiree Lewis, and Director of Tourism, Ralph Higgs.

The delegation returns to the TCI on Saturday (June 6).

Caribbean week is the largest and most effective event on the Caribbean/NYC calendar.

It is a celebration of the sights, sounds and unique vacation experiences and business offerings that the region offers.
For more on this story go to: http://tcweeklynews.com/tci-wins-caribbean-tourism-organisation-student-symposium-p6229-127.ht