(CMR) The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) has announced the successful completion of its pilot Tour Guide Training Program, which saw 18 participants receive certificates as tour guides.
The intensive three-day course was held from 3rd-5th August 2022 at the NTCI Clubhouse in Dart Park. The program was offered to residents, particularly business professionals in the Tourism industry, such as hotel concierges and tour guides.
Sponsors R3 Foundation Cayman and Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) have been credited for making this pilot program a success.
“The National Trust is thrilled to continue its partnership with R3 Cayman Foundation and WORC to build pilot programs that allow us to engage and educate our community on our treasured environment and built heritage. Our hope is that the participants feel excited and proud to share what they learn with visitors, family, and friends and build a greater community appreciation for our work,” said Annick Jackman, NTCI Executive Director.
The participants who attended the NTCI Tour Guide Training had the opportunity to participate in
engaging lectures covering topics such as Cayman's Culture and Heritage and Environmental topics ranging from endemic wildlife to Climate Change. Participants were given in-depth tours of NTCI Heritage Sites and the Blue Iguana Conservation facility.
Guest lecturers who shared their expertise and passion with the participants included Catherine Childs, NTCI Environmental Programs Manager; Stuart Wilson, NTCI Historic Programs Manager; Luke Harding, Operations Manager, Blue Iguana Conservation; Dr. Ben Stading, Lonny Coote, and Arthurlyn Pedley.
“R3 Cayman Foundation recognized the importance of sustainability and green growth within the
tourism industry as part of our recovery from the Pandemic. We were pleased to sponsor the National Trust's tour guide training program. We are happy that the program was so well received with 18 participants, including two from Cayman Brac,” said Carla Reid, R3 Cayman Foundation.
Dianne Connolly, Manager of National Training & Development at WORC, stated: “The Department of Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman is once again excited to partner with the National Trust of the Cayman Islands and R3 Cayman Foundation to get Caymanians trained and certified with entry-level tour guide skills.”
“The National Trust Tour Guide Training Program allows our Caymanians the opportunity to not only improve on or learn this trade but gain a greater appreciation of the Cayman Islands environment and historically significant sites. WORC continues to invest in training opportunities where Caymanians can learn about local cultural, environmental, and historical resources and share this with knowledge with locals and visitors to our islands,” she added.
The NTCI was pleased to award 18 participation certificates to those who attended the full three-day intensive course. A small graduation ceremony was held at Grand Old House on 5th August 2022, with special guest, Honourable Chris Saunders, MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Finance & Economic Development, and Minister for Border Control & Labour, who handed out certificates to the graduates.
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