NASSAU, Bahamas – Sounds of cheers filled the air as hundreds congregated at the William Thompson Auditorium to celebrate the fall 2019 BahamasHost graduates. Graduates who successfully completed the program proudly marched into the auditorium to the sweet rhythmic sounds of Bahamian music, relishing their newly obtained accomplishment.

Director of Industry Training, Kirkland Pratt, acknowledged the number of graduates who participated in the ceremony and commended the various trainers for a job well done.

He said, “For the fall 2019 cohort, Industry Training has recorded a total of 659 participants. On a granular scale, that works out this way: 302 public service drivers and 220 corporate participants, including Bridge Authority, Airport Authority, Nassau Flight Services, Comfort Suites, Baha Mar and Warwick. There are also 20 jet ski operators and 52 participants from the Train the Trainer initiative.”

He further stated, “The Family of Islands have participants in this ceremony as well. The Governors Harbour office recorded 102 participants; The Berry Islands, 22; Mayaguana, 27; Andros, 21; Exuma, 61; and lastly, Abaco has recorded 65. These individuals could not have reached this milestone, however, without the persistent encouragement from their facilitators who have helped them along the way.” 

The BahamaHost graduation ceremony is held twice a year – June and December in Nassau and Grand Bahama after sessions in the Family Islands have been completed. On the successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded a personal Certificate of Achievement and a name badge to designate the recipient a certified “BahamaHost.”

This training program is designed to familiarize participants with the country’s history, culture and geography. It is also a customer-based program, which places emphasis on service excellence.

Corrie Bethel, graduate, said the program was “life changing.”

“I wasn’t aware that the history of our country was so in-depth. While there were some things I knew, the courses really brought light to a lot I didn’t know. What I appreciated most, however, was the attention our facilitators placed on good customer service in the Tourism Industry and why it is critical to our number one industry.”

Keynote speaker Simone Bowe, Director of Human Resources, further commended the graduates for completing their various programs.

She stated, “Tourism is a team enterprise. We need all hands to build the economy of our beloved nation and to create a Bahamas where all of our citizens can make an equitable living. Graduates may I express how pleased we are that you stayed the course, you stuck with it, you completed your certification as BahamasHost Ambassadors.” 

The BahamaHost program has a bright future and aims to elevate the level of service delivery throughout our islands, which will ultimately positively influence the visitor experience.