Ten outstanding Belizean students received scholarship awards from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, during a joint award ceremony held at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel.
This year’s BTB scholarship recipients include Glenroy Godwin Fermin and Roney Adali Espinosa, who will pursue their Bachelor’s Degrees at the University of Belize and Hugh Rodney Hulse who will pursue a Culinary Degree at Stratford University in the United States.
This year’s Jean Shaw Scholarship award went to Jennifer Araceli Padilla, who will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Belize. The Jean Shaw Tourism Scholarship was established in memory of the late Jean Ursilla Shaw, a renowned tourism pioneer who played an integral part in the development of Belize’s tourism industry in her lifetime. The Scholarship was established by the BTB to support the development of qualified Belizean females pursuing a career in tourism. This scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees.
In congratulating the scholarship recipients, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation said, “Belize is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but we have to compete with many countries in order to promote and market our tourism product. Today, I urge you to take advantage of this wonderful educational opportunity. Prepare yourself. Work hard and you will succeed. Continue to place the name of Belize upfront. Make our country proud.”
The BTB Scholarship Program, aims to provide financial assistance to students interested in pursuing studies in the areas of tourism and hospitality. As part of the program, the BTB selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and leadership and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Belize’s tourism industry. Since its establishment in 2005, over 90young Belizeans have benefitted from the program. This morning’s three BTB’s scholarship awards are valued at $33,700.00 and are for two years respectively.
During the ceremony, BHA Board Director, Roanne Badillo,also presented scholarships to 6 deserving Belizean students, who will pursue their high school diplomas as follows: These include:
Jocellyn Martinez -Valley of Peace SDA Academy, Cayo District
Selene Almendarez -Independence High School –Independence Village
Maria Tillett -Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Cayo District
Blythe Thompson -St. Catherine Academy, Belize City.
Kianna Dawson –Eden SDA High School, Cayo district
In addition, Kyarah Williams will pursue her Associate’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Belize.
The BHA established its scholarship fund in 2011 with the purpose to provide educational funding for the children of employees working with the BHA member hotels/businesses that are unable to meet the financial obligations for their children’s education. The scholarship awards represent both BTB’s and BHA’s unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of our dynamic tourism industry while at the same time fostering educational opportunities for young Belizeans.
