Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association contribution helps CTO Foundation establish memorial scholarship

NEW YORK – The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association has made a contribution of $10,000 to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Foundation, Inc. to help establish a scholarship in honor of the late Arley Sobers, CTO’s former Interim Secretary General and Director of Information Management and Research. Sobers’ recent sudden passing was mourned throughout the tourism industry in the Caribbean.

Sobers, who was born in St. Michael, Barbados, devoted more than 20 years of his life to the CTO. Through his commitment towards research and information management, Sobers helped the CTO to become a driving force for tourism in the region.

With the FCCA’s recent donation, the CTO will establish the Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship to be granted annually to Caribbean nationals who work in the tourism industry and show dedication to enhancing their skills in the research and statistics field. The CTO plans to approach its public and private sector membership for additional funding in order to grow this fund and grant one scholarship annually.

“On behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Member Lines, we are pleased to establish the ‘Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship’ giving Caribbean nationals the opportunity to pursue career opportunities in the tourism industry,” stated Michele Paige, president of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. “Arley’s commitment to the Caribbean region was immeasurable and we’re honored to be able to give back in his name.”

“Arley was such a positive asset to the Caribbean and made valuable information and statistics on the Caribbean tourism readily accessible for all members of the CTO,” said Hugh Riley, interim secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and co-chief operating officer for the Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC). “We accept this gracious contribution in his name and will strive to continue the Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship benefiting individuals who have a passion for Caribbean tourism.”

About The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation, Inc.

The aim of the CTO Foundation, Inc. is to provide opportunities for Caribbean nationals to pursue studies in the areas of tourism, hospitality and language training. The Foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism.

The Foundation offers two types of assistance:

· Scholarships of up to US$20,000 to individuals wanting to study tourism or hospitality at the Master’s (post graduate) level

· Study grants of up to US$2,500 to individuals pursing tourism/hospitality studies at the certificate, diploma, associate degree or first degree level, and to industry personnel who want to gain proficiency in a second language to assist them in their job.

Studies can be pursued both within and outside the region. The CTO Foundation Inc. accepts applications for scholarships and study grants from Caribbean nationals in CTO member countries. Application forms are downloadable at www.onecaribbean.org.