The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TEACHERS and students from Fleming Island High School in Jacksonville, Florida visited Grand Bahama as part of a travelling classroom experience.

The group of 36 travelled onboard the Carnival Elation and arrived in Freeport on Friday. They attended a presentation held by the Ministry of Tourism and were taken on a city tour.

The students experienced a Junkanoo rush-out, and also got the opportunity to meet Junior Minister of Tourism Gabriel Josephs, who won the regional title last year.

Laura Kirk, hospitality and tourism teacher at Fleming High School, said the group has cruised for the last four years. She said they try to teach the class with hands on experiences.

Tourism in the Bahamas was the topic of focus for the students. This was their first visit to Grand Bahama.

Ms Kirk believes that it is important to learn about different tourism sectors outside of the United States. She said that it is very beneficial to the students’ learning process in terms of selecting possible career fields.

The students learned about the history of the islands; how to travel, where to stay, and about all the fun-filled activities that the island has to offer.

Karenda Swain, the Ministry of Tourism’s assistant manager of training and education for Grand Bahama, said that the visit was important for the group and helped the students to see and experience the different aspects of tourism offered outside of their country.

Mr Josephs also weighed in on the trip.

“The students had the unique opportunity to see, and to walk around, and to know that every person that they meet is deeply affected by our tourism industry, and that’s a unique proposition,” he said.

The group ended the day with a tour of the island, visiting the candle and perfume factories, and the Port Lucaya Market Place to experience authentic Bahamian cuisine.

Fleming Island High School went on to New Providence on Saturday as part their second day of adventures in the country.