The Mirage Conference Room at Sandals Halcyon Beach was filled with joy and excitement last week as tourism partners, government officials and families gathered for the 2025 Eileen Paul Scholarship Award Ceremony.
Now in its fifth year, the Eileen Paul Scholarship was launched by the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to provide support to secondary school students whose parents work in the hospitality industry, offering recipients EC$2000 annually for five years.
The scholarship is designed to be much more than a financial award.
The first recipient of the tertiary-level expansion is Krissy Joseph, who was presented with an EC$3,000 cheque towards completing her final year of A-levels.
While all previous cohorts included ten students, this year’s intake was increased to seventeen due to demand.
They are:
➤ Ernetta Mason (Choiseul Secondary School)
➤ Royanne Amedee (Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School- SCSS)
➤ Zena Jacob (Castries Comprehensive Secondary School- CCSS)
➤ Jabari Regis (SCSS)
➤ Jadiel Marcel (CCSS)
➤ Adrian Browne (Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School- LHCSS)
➤ Kharissa Nedd (LHCSS)
➤ Khloé Joseph (Entrepot Secondary School)
➤ Zakiya Alexander (CCSS)
➤ Delandra Lansiquot (CCSS)
➤ Malik Dariah (St. Mary’s College- SMC)
➤ Noah Fitz (CCSS)
➤ Jelani John (SMC)
➤ Enettus Marius (Beanfield Comprehensive Secondary School)
➤ Kervon Moise (Corinth Secondary School)
➤ Anaise Paul (CCSS)
➤ Aarianna St. Omer (CCSS)
“Congratulations to our 2025 Eileen Paul Scholars,” said TEF Chairman Dr. Winston Anderson. “We are excited to see how brilliantly you will shine! For five years, this scholarship has opened the doors of opportunity to the children of hospitality workers, ensuring that no dream is cut short by financial hardship. Today is a reminder that when we come together, employees, workers, guests and partners, we can transform not just individual lives, but the destiny of our amazing beautiful island of Saint Lucia.”
SLHTA President Erwin Louisy encouraged recipients to step into this chapter of their life with confidence, an open mind and make the most of every opportunity. “I knew Eileen Paul personally. She personified excellence, was curious, never stopped striving and asked questions. She also enjoyed life and helping to lift others up. I invite you to emulate her standards.”
Acting Minister for Education, Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere said that her Ministry and the government by extension were very pleased with this initiative. “We can never have enough resources to meet the demand for assistance from parents. And therefore, we wish to express heartfelt gratitude to the SLHTA and TEF for your ongoing commitment, not just to the hospitality industry but to the families and communities that form your backbone. Your continued investment in the education of employees’ children reflects a deep understanding that the true strength of any industry lies not just in its profits but in its people.”
Recipient Jadiel Marcel is eager to begin his secondary school journey at CCSS in September and expressed gratitude to officials. “I am deeply grateful for being selected to receive this scholarship. Your support has not only lightened my parents’ financial burden but also motivated me to work harder towards my goal. Thank you for believing in my potential and investing in my future.”