Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Harrison Thompson encouraged over 350 new Bahama Host graduates to take the country's tourism product to new heights.
Thompson spoke during the graduation ceremony that included professionals from the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Immigration, Nassau Airport Development Company, Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), tour guide operators and high school students at the William Thompson Auditorium on December 1.
"You are joining a noble profession, and you must help move this country to the next level," said Thompson. "We want all of you to make considerable effort to ensure that whatever you do, it is the best that you can give. Treat every tourist as your bread and butter. Bahama Host ensures that you develop a passion for the country. Listening to the testimonies earlier, it is clear that your passion and your commitment will ensure that The Bahamas remains on the cutting edge."
Thompson told the graduates that he looks forward to their excellent service and taking the country to higher heights.
"This graduation tonight is just the beginning. You are starting anew. We at the Ministry of Tourism welcome you. There is much work to be done, and we need all hands on deck, because tourism is everyone's business," he said.
Bahama Host is a training program designed to familiarize participants with the country's history, culture and geography. It is also a customer-based program, which places emphasis on service excellence.
The Ministry of Tourism's Industry Training Department spent all year training professionals.
Michael Miller, an entrepreneur who graduated from the program, said it "touched him" and was an "eye opener".
"I took the course to acquire a tour permit, but after being in the course and seeing what the course is, it became a training process for life," he said. "It enhanced me as a Bahamian. It opened my eyes to see the importance of service. It made me understand the coat of arms, the flag etc."
Miller said he's signing up next year for the advanced course and has his brother and a few friends signing up as well.
Benjamin Hoffer, of Bay West Adventures, said his company placed five of its captains in the course.
"We thought it was in our best interest," he said. "We had to shut business down for a week, but it was definitely worth it. Shane Thompson and Diana Brooks are good people to be around. We learned so much from them."
Darron Bethel, a Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officer, said he was among 20 officers to take part in the course.
"There was a lot of information passed on to us about the tourism sector and how to better yourself. It is going to help us to be better stewards," said Bethel.
Director of Industry Training Ian Ferguson said it was a busy year for Bahama Host.
"We were able to partner with the Urban Renewal Centre, the Department of Public Health, Ms. Terice Curry of the Marjorie Davis Institute and Mr. David Curry of the Ministry of Finance to provide for a period of three weeks a Bahama Host and life skills program to unemployed youth in that inner-city community," said Ferguson. "We have already engaged the Urban Renewal Centers in Bain and Grants Town and Fox Hill to begin those community Bahama Host sessions at the immediate turn of 2017."
Ferguson said Bahama Host held a certification program in 14 schools on New Providence, four in Grand Bahama and throughout the Family Islands in 2016.
"Additionally, we were able to begin a pilot program for two cohorts of ninth grade students at the L.W. Young for the first time, exposing a younger audience to the certification."
Ferguson said the program has a bright future and aims to cover the islands of The Bahamas

with relevant and impactful talent development initiatives that will ultimately positively influence the visitor experience.

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