The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is pleased to announce the successful completion of two training programmes that brought the 2025 Professional Learning Series to a close.
The 6-Week Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course and the 8-Week Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance, equipping participants across the sector with strengthened skills, enhanced competencies, and renewed professional confidence.
Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course
Hosted virtually, the Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course delivered six weeks of essential and interactive training, led by Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, a respected tourism and hospitality training expert with over 30 years of industry experience.
Participants explored vital leadership competencies including leadership, effective communication, managing workplace relationships, performance management and other core supervisory competencies.
Zorah Beazer, participant of the Supervisory Course and Claims Manager – Life & Medical Division at State Insurance Company Limited, shared her experience: “Participating in this Supervisory Management course has been an invaluable experience.
I must admit that, at first, I was unsure of what to expect and initially thought the course would involve “a lot of reading.
” However, nothing compares to the opportunity to view workplace challenges from new perspectives and to become better equipped to address them effectively when they arise.
Ms. Nibbs did an exceptional job in delivering the content and facilitating discussions that encouraged us to consider multiple viewpoints, not only from her expertise but also from the shared experiences of my classmates.
Without a doubt, I can say that I learned a great deal, and I intend to apply these insights in any role I undertake.”
Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, course facilitator, shared her reflections of the course: “As the facilitator of the ABHTA Supervisory Management Leadership programme, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and challenge of facilitating this year’s record number of participants.
It was a journey of passion and enthusiasm by all participants. We were able to raise the bar on this product as it had immense value to a wide cross section of business sectors.
Throughout the (6) weeks, the participants were highly motivated and demonstrated this throughout the period. Their feedback at the last session, presented in poetry, PowerPoint and team presentations, highlighted positive experiences of observable behaviours and development.
The participants were a high standard that put in the work to achieve success. Sincere thanks to Ms. Anthea Watkins and her support team for providing the administrative and logistic support that exemplify collaborative excellence.”
Participants-and-Kim-Burdon-troubleshooting-an-Air-Conditioners-Unit-at-ABHTA-Maintenance-Workshop
Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance
ABHTA also successfully concluded its 8-Week Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance, held at the Sandals Merrick Fray Training & Development Centre.
This hands-on programme was facilitated by Mr. Kim Burdon, an aircraft maintenance engineer with more than 35 years of experience in aviation and facility management.
Throughout the course, participants engaged in core areas of basic Electricity & Magnetism, Motor Theory, Wiring & Circuit Controls, Refrigeration Basics, and practical Testing & Troubleshooting.
Donald Bennett, participant of this course and Maintenance Technician at Curtain Bluff Antigua, reflected on the experience as expressed: “I found the course very informative and worthwhile to me as a Maintenance Technician.
Mr. Burdon often encouraged us to take our skills to the next level. His guidance and hands on teaching made the sessions clear and engaging. I am looking forward to more training with Mr. Burdon in the future.”
Mr. Burdon, course facilitator, shared his thoughts: “Maintenance is a fascinating subject which covers so many subjects. These past two months have been enjoyable, sharing what I know with others.
With God’s will, we can do more diverse courses covering a wider spectrum of facilities and equipment maintenance.
I enjoy teaching and as the graveyard is a great repository of lost knowledge, I intend to part with all I have before that time comes.”
These two programmes officially conclude the ABHTA’s 2025 Professional Learning Series, which delivered comprehensive training opportunities aimed at elevating industry standards and strengthening workforce excellence across the tourism sector.
The ABHTA extends sincere appreciation to the facilitators, to the management and staff at Sandals Grande Antigua, and to Carlene Spencer, of Sandals Grande Antigua, for her support with the Maintenance Course.
Appreciation is also extended to all participants and member properties who contributed to the success of these training initiatives.
The Association remains committed to fostering continuous professional development and looks forward to expanding its training offerings in the coming year.
For more information, please contact the ABHTA Office at 462-0374 / 4928 or email [email protected] for training inquiries.
ABOUT THE ABHTA
The ABHTA collectively represents the hospitality industry by educating, advocating and promoting to increase visitation and the economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The primary focus is on the needs and best interests of the members of the Association. The membership of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association is open to all hotels, restaurants, airlines, and companies directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Joining the Association is a way of showing your support of the island’s tourism product and helping us to further develop our tourism industry.
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