Ms Siobhan O'Leary (left) during the training session with the staff of the Product Department of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB). Photo: VINO

Deputy Director of the BVITB, Ms Malcia Smith-Hamilton. Photo: VINO

The training was not a certificate programme, however, because of the competence exhibited during the training of trainers workshop, Ms O'Leary said she is highly recommending that the Director and other senior responsible authorities seriously consider the staff for certification as trainers.

"I can't remember the last time I worked with a group of people that was so committed to a project and so completely intelligent and passionate about something. They are extremely motivating to work with," said Ms O'Leary.

She told Virgin Islands News Online that since she has worked with countless groups, entities and companies training in various areas, the BVITB team has been above normal in terms of the commitment and knowledge. "They have the vision better than anybody and they are driving it upwards and outwards at the same time and they are given the latitude to do that."

According to Ms O'Leary, they have had discussions on the ground as to how to make certain certification for layers of the programme as she feels it will go a long way. "I feel that could even be marketed to other tourist industry councils. I think it’s an amazing pilot all around that could be marketed as they are trendsetters," said Ms O'Leary. "For sure this should be a certification programme."

At the time of making the recommendation, Ms O'Leary was the facilitator of a one-day training of trainers workshop for staff of the BVITB.

Deputy Director of the BVITB, Ms Malcia Smith-Hamilton said the workshop was an exercise to strengthen the internal arms of the department as part of the “We are one BVI Campaign”.  She said the BVITB thought it necessary for staff to be equipped with the knowledge of how to effectively work with industry partners and government agencies to get the message across. "We want to go into to the various establishments and meet them where they are," said Ms Smith-Hamilton.

She said the internal training was thought to have been necessary since they were of the view that while persons may have the knowledge of a particular topic, they might not have known how to effectively teach that topic. "This workshop is geared to show us exactly how to do just that. We have the knowledge but we want to be effective in transmitting that knowledge," said Ms Smith-Hamilton.

The BVITB hopes to have ongoing training similar to what was just concluded.