The Ministry of Tourism and International Transport has donated two park benches to the Lawrence T. Gay Memorial School as part of its All About Tourism School Awareness Programme.
During a brief presentation at the Spooners Hill, St. Michael school, Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill said the initiative aims to help students better understand the significance of tourism in Barbados.
“Tourism for us in Barbados is not only an opportunity for us to build out career opportunities, but it’s also an opportunity for us to earn from the sector, and ensure it be reinvested in not only the educational system, but across Barbados as an economy…. I encourage all of you to always remember that tourism is our business and we shall continue to play our part,” he stated.
Mr. Gooding-Edghill added that the benches were intended for the students’ enjoyment and to encourage interest in tourism-related careers.
“This morning’s presentation of the benches…is meant not only for you to relax and enjoy during your breaks, but…to discuss ideas and…think about what you will have in mind as a future….
“I hope it reminds you that tourism is also very critical…and if tourism continues to be that critical link in our economy, it therefore would resonate with you that you should pursue careers in tourism,” he said.
Chief Product Development Officer at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Marsha Alleyne, noted that the programme helps primary students understand tourism’s career possibilities and its link to national development.
“We want to ensure that…we share with our youth…what tourism is all about, so that they too can think about tourism as a viable career,” she explained.
Since launching at the school in February 2025, the awareness programme has reached 37 primary schools, with plans to expand to all 75 by 2026.
Principal Brent Blackett thanked the Ministry and the BTMI, noting that the donation “lent in a very meaningful way to the legacy of our school”.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg