The Courtleigh Hospitality Group (CHG) Academy celebrated its inaugural cohort in a graduation ceremony at Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Friday, January 30. Of the 57 initial participants, 54 staff members successfully secured Level Three Supervisory Management diplomas. The four-month programme, which began in February 2025 in partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust, equipped graduates with essential skills in planning, organising, and operations management.

Representing both the Courtleigh and Jamaica Pegasus hotels, the CHG Academy initiative provides a structured pathway for staff to earn professional certifications, directly supporting their career progression within the hospitality sector.

While addressing the ceremony, HEART/NSTA Trust Managing Director Dr Taneisha Ingleton offered congratulations to the class, noting the significant leadership qualities fostered by their participation in the programme.

“This achievement represents discipline, commitment and the willingness to go beyond technical competencies into leadership capabilities. When supervisors are strong organisations become stable, consistent and resilient,” Ingleton said.

Standing in for Caribbean Maritime University President Andrew Spencer, who was unavoidably absent, CHG Sales and Marketing Director Nicola Madden-Greig delivered the keynote address.

Underscoring the need for adaptability, Madden-Greig highlighted that a changing world demands a higher level of ingenuity, urging graduates to view their development as a key contribution to maintaining the excellence and reputation of the Jamaican tourism sector.

“We understand the headwinds that are hitting us and we have to make sure that our tourism product continues to not only strive but thrive. And to thrive we need to invest in ourselves,” Madden-Greig explained.

Delivering the valedictory address, Jamaica Pegasus Assistant Accountant Michael Williams and Banquet Server Lucette McLean offered their gratitude to families and lecturers for their unwavering encouragement. They also affirmed their determination to apply the knowledge gained to future professional endeavours.

“To our families, you have been a tower of strength cheering us on from the sidelines, celebrating our wins and comforting us through our hard times. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed,” McLean shared. “We have grown together, shaped by each other’s perspectives, dreams and values. As we move forward, let us carry these lessons and friendships with us, as they are a true extent of our shared experience,” Williams added.

Photographer: Garfield Robinson

CHG Academy graduates Rolston Ricketts (second left) and Christopher Simmonds (second right) were congratulated by Jamaica Pegasus General Manager Brian Sang, Courtleigh Hotels General Manager Kate Hendrickson-Chin (centre) and Courtleigh Hospitality Group director Melissa Hendrickson McGrane. Garfield Robinson

CHG Sales and Marketing Director Nicola Madden-Greig delivered the keynote address. Garfield Robinson

Jamaica Pegasus Banquet Server Lucette McLean and Assistant Accountant Michael Williams delivered the valedictory address. Garfield Robinson

Proudly displaying their Supervisory Management Level Three diplomas were CHG team members (from left) Georgia Tucker, Stephaun Farquharson, Jermaine Wright, Azul Richardson, Patrice Hussey-Malcolm, Renee Bennett-Smikle, and Peggy Nelson. Garfield Robinson

CHG Sales and Reservations Manager Maurice Bryan (standing) conducted the CHG Academy Graduating Class during their rendition of Hall of Fame by The Script. Garfield Robinson

Jamaica Pegasus General Manager Brian Sang shared a warm moment with HEART/NSTA Trust Managing Director Dr Taneisha Ingleton after the ceremony. Garfield Robinson