(L-R) Talking Points Co-host Damion C. Grant, Co-host Elvin Grange, HLSCC’s Director of Culinary and Hospitality Studies Mrs Keisha Davis-Barnes, HLSCC’s Dean of the Workforce Training Division Mrs Marva Wheatley-Dawson, and Manager of the Centre for Professional Development Mrs Veronique Forbes-King on Talking Points on March 17, 2025. Photo: Facebook

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is introduing a new program where students can earn an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Planning, Spa Management or Sports Tourism. Photo: HLSCC

Mrs Davis-Barnes, along with some of her colleagues, were guests on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, March 18, 2025, where she discussed the developments of her department.

She revealed that HLSCC is in the process of redirecting its associate’s degree in hotel management.

“What we have found is education has changed. COVID has shown us that there’s so many different things that you can do to become educated, and we have to learn how to change with that,” Mrs Davis-Barnes said. 

HLSCC, according to Davis-Barnes, has been able to look at what other colleges and universities are doing differently in attracting students. 

HLSCC may soon have a Hospitality & Tourism Institute

“I don’t only want this to be locally, I want this to also have that regional competition, and I would like probably in the next two years for us to have an institute.”

This institute would provide the necessary training and development in hospitality and tourism. 

“We do not have the human resources necessary to ensure that we propel good service in this country when it comes to tourism and hospitality and everybody talk about it…and we want to be able to ensure that we retransition and be able to produce a student that’s very solid,” she explained. 

Students enrolled in the new programme can earn an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Planning, Spa Management or Sports Tourism. 

“So there’s so many different areas and tracks that you would be able to choose [from],” Mrs Davis-Barnes added. 

Certification available through a partnership with US institute

The Director of Culinary and Hospitality Studies also revealed that the HLSCC has partnered with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute to provide certification. 

She said if, for any reason “life happens” and a student has to drop out, there is no reason for that student to leave with nothing. 

“So you come and you take one of our classes, you could become a certified Front Desk Representative, a certified Guestroom Attendant, so there are so many tracks that you can take that you can leave with something” Mrs Davis-Barnes stated. 

Short courses in Front Office Management, Rooms Management, Service Management, and related areas are being worked on also in partnership with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, adding “value” to what the college is giving.