ST JAMES, Jamaica — A $14.5 million donation from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has enabled the Montego Bay Community College to upgrade and outfit its hospitality, housekeeping and dining room laboratories to world standards.

The financial commitment was made through the TEF initiated Centres of Excellence programme, which prepares students from participating schools for meaningful employment in the local tourism sector.

The upgraded laboratories, officially handed over by TEF Executive Director Dr Carey Wallace last week, replicate high standards of equipment and service in the hospitality industry to ensure students are adequately trained for employment in the various sectors of the tourism industry upon completion of their course of study in Tourism and Hospitality at the college.

Training is offered at the standards of the Bachelor of Science and Associate Degrees in Hospitality & Tourism Management, Certificate and Associate Degrees in Culinary Arts, Associate Degree in Clothing & Fashion, and Associate Degree in Spa & Salon Management.

In pursuit of their academic goals, over 200 students at the colleges Montego Bay and Frome campuses are utilising the laboratories which provide world-class training consistent with national and international hospitality and tourism industry standards.

Speaking to the importance of developing the human capital, Dr Wallace implored students to recognise the potential they had inside them and make good use of the facilities in pursuit of their development.  

“We at TEF provide you with the resources through funding of the facilities to afford you the creative development, but there is something else that’s inside of you that will make all the difference,” he said.