Trio of Cayman Brac youth gains hospitality experience after completing Le Soleil dOr internship

Le Soleil d’Or graduates stand with Joanne Lawson, Dianne Conolly

Three Caymanian teenagers have completed a three-month internship at Le Soleil d’Or, Cayman Brac’s premier resort. 

Jia Hydes, Tad McFarlane and Litzy Walton-Valera were exposed to all aspects of hospitality and hotel operations during the internship, which is part of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme. They were provided with a minimum of 30 hours of training per week with an hourly stipend and health insurance coverage.

“I have developed a newfound respect and admiration for those who work in hotels and the tourism industry,” said Hydes as she reflected on her experience during a graduation luncheon at the resort in early September. “It really does take a special type of person to work within this industry. I aspire to be as hardworking and pleasant as my mentors – thank you for your patience and the wealth of knowledge you shared with us during our training.” 

Tad McFarlane was awarded for exemplary performance.

Tad McFarlane was recognised for consistently demonstrating exemplary performance throughout the internship and was offered a full-time position that will see him working across multiple departments. 

“It’s important to ensure that all young Caymanians have opportunities to explore and experience the hospitality industry. By extending this internship to the Cayman Brac, it has given the younger residents something to work towards and even consider as a career,” said Dianne Conolly, who manages the Dart Hospitality Training Programme.

The trio benefitted from direct interactions with staff at the beachside farm-to-table resort and have made a lasting positive impression on Le Soleil d’Or management and staff.

“It has been a pleasure to mentor and work alongside Tad, Litzy and Jia these past few months,” said Amar Thottathil, Le Soleil d’Or hotel manager. “Having such a small group of interns enabled us to tailor the mentorship and guidance that the trainees were able to receive.”

Le Soleil d’Or Resort

He noted that the interns made exceptional strides during the internship. “It was a pleasure to watch them grow and we look forward to welcoming them all to the Le Soleil d’Or team when the time is right.” 

This internship is the latest example of Dart’s commitment to providing opportunities for young Caymanians to get structured training and exposure to the hospitality industry. Since 2022, over 35 participants have graduated from the Dart Hospitality Training Programme in Grand Cayman that included in-class lessons and on-the-job training at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman. 

Another Le Soleil d’Or internship is planned to begin in May next year with the application period opening on 3 March 2025. For more information about the internship and the Dart Hospitality Training Programme, visit dart.ky/hospitality.