SEVERAL Bermudian students in the hospitality sector have received scholarships from one of the island's cruise lines totalling in excess of $100,000.

Takisha Steede, Cynthia Brangman, Amanda Durant, Malcolm Omarra, Sharika Robinson, Tianae Lodge, Jaja Millet, Michelle Sticca, Cindy Hooper, Christopher Northrop, Seona Barton, Adrian Lee, Aaron Swan, Garret Booth and Andre Waldron all were presented with scholarships in order to support their continuing education in the hospitality industry by Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean operates a cruises to Bermuda out of several East Coast cities.

Michael Roland, senior vice-president of Royal Caribbean, expressed his excitement at the presentation ceremony.

"This is something that we like to believe will help support in some small way in Bermuda by getting the word out to youngsters with an interest in tourism and being able to support them," he said. "So for us at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises it is indeed a pleasure to have the opportunity to be here again this year for the awards presentation. We hope to be able to provide economic support for those that make the effort and qualify and who want to extend their studies in tourism."

Judith Hall-Bean, Director of Tourism, fresh from a recent swim with turtles to promote her environmental tourism initiatives, thanked Royal Caribbean for their donations and outlined the importance of such contributions.

"I am very concerned and interested in what the young people are doing on this island, especially in hospitality which we are really trying to get going," she said. ". The Government is proud to be associated with the Royal Caribbean Hospitality Services Endowment Fund made available through the generosity of the Royal Caribbean cruise line and we are indeed grateful that the Royal Caribbean has seen fit to support the development of young Bermudians in the hospitality industry."

The students also recognised the importance of such programmes to their studies and the island as a whole. "To me this symbolises what Bermuda is able to offer its students - opportunities do exist that people are so quick to say aren't here," said Cindy Hooper, who is currently studying Hospitality Management at Florida International University. . "The opportunities certainly are out there. The door is always open, you just have to know where to look, and you have to want to look."

Ms Hooper is currently in the Fairmont Southampton Management Programme. When she completes her studies overseas, she will return to the island to gain on-the-job training at one of the hotel group's Bermuda properties. Through that experience she will be able to decide where in the organisation she wants to remain on a long-term basis.

Currently she is interested in increasing the number of conventions that come to our island and improving the experiences of those that already do.

Other students were more inclined towards promoting Bermuda as a whole. "I will want to end up working at the Department of Tourism promoting Bermuda," said Seona Barton. "I have known that I wanted to be in the hospitality industry almost as long as I can remember. I get it from my parents who both worked as part of the management for the Castle Harbour Marriott."

A wide range of talents were present as another student, Sharika Robinson made clear her plans as a chef. "I am studying at Bermuda College to become a chef," she said. "I want to open my own restaurant, but I really like all forms of cuisine, so I'm not sure what type of restaurant."

Despite their varying trades, Mrs. Hall-Bean had the same advice for all the hospitality prospects.

"To the successful students, congratulations, we remain encouraged by your dedication and commitment to pursue the many opportunities available to you," she said. "I know you all know that the windows of opportunity are open and they are large. Bermuda needs industrious people like yourselves especially in the hospitality industry, and we support you in your efforts. First make yourselves proud, first make yourselves proud, then your parents, and then Bermuda."