STA’s best performers recognised for their achievements   |01 October 2021

Minister Radegonde addressing the past students (Photos: Thomas Meriton)

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, yesterday afternoon met with this year’s best performers from the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA).

The aim of the meeting held at the tourism head office, Botanical House, was for the minister to personally congratulate the students on their efforts, devotion, dedication, achievements and sacrifices made during their studies at the academy and to succeed.

It was also for the minister to encourage them to stay on the career path they have chosen.

Among the eleven best performers present were Darryl Hibonne who won the President’s Cup for the most outstanding student, Elsa Azemia, Jessica Freminot and Jessica Raoul, who won the Minister’s Award, and Jill Euphrasie and Savio Didon, who were awarded with the Director’s Award.

Also present at the meeting were the principal secretary for tourism, Sherin Francis; the director of STA, Terrence Max; and other senior staff of the ministry and STA.

Addressing the past students, Minister Radegonde said the country and the industry are proud of their success and that they have chosen tourism as a career. He urged them to continue in the profession, although they might face challenges along the way like in any other jobs, as the country needs young Seychellois to fill the gap in the industry.

“I wish that you stay on the journey you have chosen and although it will be a long and difficult one, the industry has a lot of potentials for Seychellois to take positions and to progress in the career,” Minister Radegonde said, noting that they are the pillars of tomorrow’s tourism industry.

“Tomorrow I would like to see you in charge of a hotel, a kitchen, food and beverage, among others and for that to happen you have to continue to push and persevere,” he added.

Minister Radegonde called on them to use the network available to reach out for support and further training.

He said he expects to meet up with them on his familiarisation tours of tourism establishments and that the ministry will continue to give them support.

He further said that the ministry will continue with this initiative to recognise the best performers after each academic year.

As a show of appreciation, he presented each student with a voucher to spend one day as a group at Hilton Labriz Silhouette (sponsored by the establishment) and a gunny bag sponsored by the tourism department.

Most of the best performers are in employment and a few are taking a break before seeking for work.

On behalf of his fellow colleagues, the President’s Cup winner, Darryl Hibonne, thanked the minister for the initiative to recognise their success and along with the ministry, the academy and the different work attachment places for supporting them in their studies. He is employed as a waiter at the Four Seasons Hotel Seychelles, Baie Lazare, after graduating with an Advanced Certificate in restaurant and bar.

The best performers were among the two hundred past students who graduated from the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) for the year 2021. They had graduated with Certificate and Advance certificate in Restaurant and Bar, Food Preparation and Culinary Arts, Tourism & Tour Guiding, Reception Operations & Services, Wellness & Spa, Accommodation Operations & Services, Food & Beverage and Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management. The graduation was held virtually.

Patrick Joubert