Adriana Sylvestre (second right) with Keith Franca (left), Human Resources Manager Carmen Barran, and General Manager of Simpson Bay Resort and Marina Marcel Javois (right). (Photo Robert Luckock)
MARIGOT–The French-side’s 2014-15 Junior Minister of Tourism Adriana Sylvestre, on Wednesday, took the opportunity to thank individuals for facilitating her studies and the management of Simpson Bay Resort and Marina where she completed a tourism internship.
Sylvestre (22) passed her Brevet Téchnique Supérieur (BTS) in tourism studies in May in Martinique. She explained normally for the final exam she would have had to give a presentation in front of a jury about the island where she was on, but she decided to take the risk and talk about St. Martin/St. Maarten. Needless to say, her presentation on social media networks and the hotels on the island was well received.
During her two years of study she completed two internships – one in Martinique and one in London where she spent three months. For the latter, she had to pass a language test and ended up getting the highest marks of all students.
“That’s the benefit from living on this beautiful, multi-cultural, multi-lingual island,” she said.
Her final internship was spent in the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina.
“I’m here to say thank you to the general manager Marcel Javois for giving me the opportunity to learn about hotel operations and more on tourism, and to present them with a copy of my two-year study presentation for the exam,” she added. “I’m going to continue my studies in tourism, hopefully to obtain a Bachelors and Masters.”
She also thanked Keith Franca, Director of the St. Maarten Development Fund, who was instrumental in securing the internship placement for her at the resort.
“Her father asked me if I could help find an internship placement for her,” Franca explained. “I didn’t hesitate because in my days in the hospitality industry and managing hotels rarely would you see a local child studying abroad and wanting an internship. I knew exactly who to call and I wanted a large property.”
Marcel Javois said the resort was pleased to provide the internship. “We work with different schools. Students get to work in the departments of the hotel for the practical experience. One of the key points is for them to present a project on how to improve services at the resort. By doing that it makes them part of the resort’s organisation.”
Also present was Adriana’s father, Calypso icon “Emperor Brat”, who was clearly proud of his daughter’s achievement. “Every parent wants to see their child shine,” he said.
When not studying Adriana can be found as a host on Facebook, Adriana TL Sylvestre. She hosts a Friday night live show “Tishalita 3X EYYY.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79401-tourism-student-adriana-sylvestre-thanks-simpson-bay-resort-marina-for-internship
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