The Tribune

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and its partners have honoured John Ronald Darville, a public officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, as July's 'Tourism Champion'.

This is the first time a representative from the public sector has been awarded the title. Mr Darville began his career at Atlantis, Paradise Island, and credited the resort for providing him with a solid foundation.

Since joining the civil service on November 1, 2006, Mr Darville has served as National Youth Ambassador to the Caribbean Community; acting youth representative to the Organisation of American States; Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps; executive director of Junior Achievement Bahamas; project co-ordinator for the American Red Cross Caribbean HIV and AIDS project, in Association with the Bahamas Red Cross.

He is currently responsible for Youth in Governance programmes, and acts as co-ordinator of the International Desk on youth matters. Mr Darville was awarded National Public Service Officer of the Year in February 2017.

"John Darville's appointment as Tourism Champion exemplifies the fact that tourism is everybody's business", said Carlton Russell, BHTA president. "This accomplished young man is proof that we all have the capacity to positively influence the largest contributor to our economy; regardless of where or how we are employed.

"Each one of us has the power to impact our own environment through our work ethic, the way we treat our colleagues, ourselves and our visitors. The philosophy of consistently deploying diligence, and respect in whatever we do, will inevitably translate to our being able to proudly, consistently represent ourselves as a premier, authentic, uniquely Bahamian destination of choice"

The BHTA has partnered with Walden University, global leaders in student-centred online education, to recognise individuals who show the highest level of service and performance in their varying capacities of employment.

Tourism Champions are honoured at a luncheon hosted by Walden University, where fellow employees, peers and management gather to congratulate their respective Tourism Champion. Each 'Champion' is awarded a $ 2,500 Walden University scholarship, and employees of BHTA member organisations are offered a 25 per cent discount on Walden University online courses.

CAPTION:

Pictured from L to R: Charlotte Knowles Thompson, executive administrator, BHTA; Dr Lessie Lee junior; faculty thought leader, Walden University; Nellie Walkes, human resource manager, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; John Ronald Darville, Tourism Champion, July 2017; Suzanne Pattusch, executive vice-president, BHTA; Kaydian Boothe-Matthews, manager, strategic alliances, Walden University