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**AmericanCollegeKid** » 2012-09-12 16:04

speaking as a past student of ABHTI, I see that the administration has gotten worst and the professionalism **!!!! This is suppose to be a Hospitality Institute but yet the staff do not even deliver one once of customer service to the students and/or public. First off how do youu send home students without notifying them before hand that a deadline is set and put it place for the payment of fees. THIS IS TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL! !!! secondly any institution of higher learning should have some form of payment plan set up for students who are unable to pay fees up front. The ABHTI is an institution that xxxxxxs its students and faculty and give no apologies for it! Check out there staff turnover rate! the longest staffed personnel present is prob Miss Dowdie, Miss Warner and Mr. Ambrose himself! The school board need serious review and the polices governing the institution too!

LM » 2012-05-14 10:33

No! Not Antiguan born or bred, but an educated "fool". Try not to use the veil of the internet to berate people who do not agree with you foolish ideas and stupid comments. Bottom line, if you do not pay for the cost of your education, how to do you expect the school to continue to be run. Use common sense, but then all on your sense is not that "common".

**Antiguan Blogger** » 2012-05-09 01:14

Your account at what is happening at UWI is inaccurate. The student association actually fought to have students who owed to have the ability to write their exams. In the end a compromise was met. Compromise is a dirty word at ABHTI if it involves faculty assisting students but compromise is what they expect the students to do with their academic future by cutting cl** to go and cook and serve in a restaurant for free for the school's profit

**Antiguan Blogger** » 2012-05-09 00:51

Patience you are missing the point deliberately. The wages paid to the lecturers is not commensurate to the salaries paid to workers in the hotel industry. Though you are earning a good wage now(after Monroe College) how many of your fellow graduates are earning at that rate?

**Patience** » 2012-05-01 12:31

Well, I smiled this morning as I listened to the Observer Radio when an Antiguan student studying @ none other than UWI - Mona Campus in Jamaica - she reported ::::: (in a nut shell) no tuition - no exams!

To: ABHTI students and supporters of nonsense ... do you now understand? if tuition is not paid how can you attend? Must everything be for free ... come on man - this is your life, your education - take it seriously - pay your tuition - it is not forever

**Reader** » 2012-04-30 13:24

You're a FOOL. Must be Antiguan born and bred!!

**John French II** » 2012-04-30 01:09

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. joe joe, thanks for pemitting the written words to bring you some enjoyment.
Please do not be mistaken, there is a lot more coordination between the Hon Dr Min of Ed, The Hon Min. of Tourism, The Education Advisory Bd, The Ministries of Ed and Tourism, The ABHTI Board and Administration than you are aware of. Are they pursuing the most appropriate Strategic Plan is the question.
That you are blessed with more relevant information should not lead you to focus your energies on the personal. With your insight, you are definitely a force for good. Focus your energies on Transformation. Respect.

LM » 2012-04-27 13:15

Obviously your tuition is paid up, because it it unlikely that any other institution of higher learning will allow you to enter without paying your tuition in advance or having some payment plan in place. How is the institution expected to take care of the mice and roach problem if they have no money (your tuition) to pay the exterminator. Get rid of your arrogance. The response to non payment you may not like, but you were aware the tuition was due.

**Patience** » 2012-04-26 15:08

I am a graduate of abhti and I am working in the industry for the past 2 years at $14.50 an hour. I paid my tuition, went to school, learned my lesson, graduated from abhti, went to Monroe, paid my tuition, went to school, learned my lesson, graduated from Monroe, returned home and now am gainfully employed within the tourism industry, loving it, and making money that supports me in a comfortable lifestyle. I see myself attaining heights in this industry, and with heights come dollars. You better believe that, so take yourself seriously, pay tour tuition, go to school and learn your lesson.

**Jag** » 2012-04-26 14:58

I want to know something. When you go to the store do get the goods to take home and then pay in your own time?

when you enroll in school and that school has fees to be paid and you are told that fees are due on the first day of of each term; if your education is important to you don't you get the fees paid so you can attend school?

when you enroll in college overseas and you have to pay tuition, do you tell the the bursar's office that you will pay when you get the money?...or do you pay before you enter.

Our people will get no where in life until they begin to prioritize their lives. We live in a culture that everything must be free or done on our terms. My dum Antigua people, you need a little exposure, go live in a big city and ah bet y bottom dollar that you adhere to every rule that is tossed at you or you will see some jail time. People ... Get a Grip!

**joe joe** » 2012-04-26 12:02

John French II, I enjoyed your provocative analysis of the entire situation of Hospitality/Tou rism training in Antigua and Barbuda. The Ministry of Tourism and Education need to play a more active role at that school. Policies should not be created merely at the discretion of an Academic Director/Execut ive Director or the Board of Directors. The students are the customers who upon graduation are expected to serve our nation's tourism customers so what lesson are we teaching them if a school does not respect them. There is a disdain towards the students by the Management of this place so much so that they are actively trying to xxxx students. I do not know whose interest this serves though.

**John French II** » 2012-04-26 01:58

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. That A&B's Tourism Industry Is owned and managed by Foreigners is not to be gainsaid. Ours is an industry cotrolled and managed by the North Atlantic Buccaneers of which group the Sandaled Privateer is a full fledged member. The old practices of Executive, Managerial and Technical Privileges are legion throughout. The Sandaled Privateer is the chief Buccaneer of this practice throughout his reach in the Caribbean Seas. When we do not provide the Human Capacity, it makes the Buccaneers' tasks easier to import their hired staff from elsewhere. Quote:

Following a recent article in the Jamaica Observer, which is owned by Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, who also owns the Sandals/Beaches resorts group, claiming that a total of 500 Jamaican workers are to be employed by the Beaches Resort in the TCI, the disclosure of a previously secret development agreement has generated considerable controversy locally.

www.tcinewsnow.com/headline-Controversy-erupts-over-secret-development-agreement-5224.html Our Students and Industry must be Protected. Use Them or Lose it all. Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda.

**John French II** » 2012-04-26 01:36

Notes From A native Son of the Rock. Take a critical look at ABHTI's partners: Monroe College, UWI Hosting Program, (AHTA) Antigua Hotel & Tourism Assoc.
(CHA) Caribbean Hotel Association, (CTO) Caribbean Tourism Organisation, (UCC) University College of the Caribbean? "Duh u c eny ting fe feel gud?" Remember UCC's debacle with the Min of Ed? Where are the A&B Business Merchants, Traders & Bankers? Sandals just opened their University dedicated to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
Some say that ABHTI has the mandate from the OECS to be the School of Excellence for the OECS? How is that being effected?
Higher Education Institutions in the Developed World find every means available to retain and graduate students whether they have a National and Regional Mandate, which clearly ABHTI has.
In Barbados, education from primary to Higher Education is provided by the Government. Is this not a high enough priority to ensure that while Living in the IMF's NEST, A&B students who enter this institution will be afforded every opportunity to bring about the success of the National Priority and Building the Human Capacity for our Vital Industry?

**John French II** » 2012-04-26 01:13

Notes From A Native Son Of the Rock. Begin at the Begin: Quote:

When the dubious regulations of slavery were lifted while its real abuses remained, The British Government's Negro Education Grant, which spanned a decade from 1835-1845 expanded existing missionary facilities so that during the apprenticeship period 1834-38, the ex-slaves could be satisfactorily prepared for freedom. This preparation intended that they comprehend the skills, qualities and virtues requisite for taking upon themselves the apparently onerous burden of their emancipation, thus becoming a "grateful peasantry". - A scramble for Souls: The Impact of Negro Education Grant on Evangelical Missionaries in the British West Indies. P. Rooke

Antigua missed out on the Apprenticeship Program. Fast Forward to 2012? What has changed. The EU provided some funds supplemented by GoAB. Is there a shared Vision of Tourism and its Major Role in the Lives of The People? Are we still stuck in the vision of one late Parliamentarian who suggested that the level of education for the Industry should not be to tertiary education. Can you now understand where the Nation is headed? Nation Building?

**John French II** » 2012-04-26 00:41

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. It is abundantly clear that this institution had its genesis in Nation Building and The Tourism Industry. The subject Title is from its Home Page. Most Institutions of Higher Learning have as their Priority Quality Service and Excellence to their Customers - STUDENTS. Lack of or Failing students for whatever reason is a failed Institution. Take a peek at the reported numbers even though the sample size is small. Approx 75% of the sample size had to leave. What To Do?
Remove the delinquent paying students say some commentors. Some commentors blame the Administrators. The Journalists, Opinion Framers and TV Radio Personalities do no analysis and the readers are left just as bewildered as the electorate.
Tourism is the Revenue generator and engine for the A&B Economy. How do you build the Human Capacity to Lead and Manage so vital a component?
Where is the Education Advisory Board and Intellectuals? Where are The Hon Dr. Min of Ed, Hon Min Of Tourism, Hon Min of Fin? Where is The Good Hon. Dr. PM? Where is the Cabinet? Where is Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition? Where are the Venerable Senators of Sober Second Thoughts?

**John French II** » 2012-04-25 23:48

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! This article caused so much anguish and despair that not only courage but the calm before the storm was summoned to point the way forward. What is known of ABHTI: Quote:

Vision To be the premier Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and wider Caribbean.
Mission To produce a quality skilled workforce and professionals for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and to provide training and education with a commitment to excellence and to equip persons to work in the hospitality and tourism industry with a high degree of professionalism.
Motto Training for Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality.

Who is responsible for Policies at this Institution: Quote:

ABHTI is a statutory body of the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Environment and Culture. It is run by a 9 member board of directors

Fact: Quote:

The growth of the tourism industry led to the upgrade of the Center to meet the needs of industrWith assistance of the European Union through its European Development Fund (E.D.F.) and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda

**joe joe** » 2012-04-25 22:26

We need to be realistic. A Hospitality school is never going to be a major revenue generator because unlike a medical school, hospitality jobs are low paying jobs. Therefore we need to remove the board and like ABIIT return it to a fully ministry of education run school with lower salary scales. Stop using the students and giving them xxxx expectations. Stop enxixhing lecturers and directors for doing nothing.

**Osbert R. Frederick** » 2012-04-25 21:51

It is a sign of the depressed economy of Antigua/Barbuda . Did Harold Lovell read this article. Heaven help us if the economy is on the way to recovery and yet parents cannot afford to pay tuition for their children,

**A Student** » 2012-04-25 21:48

I have graduated from this place but the problems still go on. They are sending home students who have paid $700 of a $1000 school fee so that they can pay an Executive Director $11,000 a month and a new "Academic" Director $10,000 a month. The school has a well paid Director of Finance who also teaches the subject Accounts in the evening. In addition to the Director of Finance there is an Accountant. WHY? There is also a Human Resource Manager and a Director of Marketing. All of these grand salaries and positions for a school with 200 students who will enter and industry to earn $7.50 and hour?

**Student** » 2012-04-25 18:12

One thing i've learned from one dedicated teacher at that school was; the importance of PROFESSOIONALIZ M. This school is unprofesional in many aspect and if something isnt done immidiately then this institute will be a total failure. Lack of RESPECT is one of the biggest issues i have with this institute. They are inconciderate and if they were so desperate for the funds these people are ridiculous, they need to also remember the state in which the economy is in. So many flaws are there. The head says there's a channel of command you go through if you have a problem but when this is done nothing isresolved. It appears that this "Student Council" is created as a show. This is the reason why students have to voice their issues through the media. As stated in an earlier comment, ABHTI has been in the spot light for quite some time yet they couldn't care less.

**Concern** » 2012-04-25 15:02

As we know the ABHIT has a bunch of none professional running it and most of the instructors don't know how to teach. I don't know why we are letting these people teach that's why our industry is suffering so much because of this institute when will it change? I hope before 2014 when the UPP goverment is gone from Antigua.

**joe joe** » 2012-04-25 14:21

I have said it before and am saying it again - think this is an issue of poor management. If it gets to the point that 50% of the school is failing to pay fees in a timely manner it speaks to poor administrative practices. Also the school officials need to realize that the students are their customers and need to be treated with more respect. Advanced notice should have been given using the school's internal email system. Times are hard now and students who have genuine difficulties should be allowed to pay on a 50% now and 50% at mid term basis. Isn't some of the money better than none at all?

**Common Sense** » 2012-04-25 13:59

It seems that "rumour mongering" has become the order of the day for some news agencies. It's hard to take this news article seriously when all they can do is quote "one student" who does not even properly cover up the events leading up to the alleged sending home, along with a few anonymous lectureres. After seeing some of the previous articles on ABHTI, I can see how Mr. Ambrose would be afraid to give an interview to Caribarena for fear that they may twist his words. This is really a "non-issue" until there is further information coming to light

**Reader** » 2012-04-25 12:56

antigua IS a socialist country. may even be a communist dictatorship!

And no, school shouldn't be free, but there SHOULD be a process in place to handle non-payments. Not simply "GO HOME".

**wadadlineko** » 2012-04-25 12:29

I guess its a charity school they running or a welfare institution they running why they should allow persons to attend cl** without paying. I didn't know we were a socialist country now. :-|

**wadadlineko** » 2012-04-25 12:25

You are a hundred percent correct. UWI and other institutions does it all the time. Imagine being able to access your notes online one day and during the same day it says visit the IT office. You visit the IT office and they tell you to visit the admin office. You visit the admin office and they tell you that you owe them money and until you pay up or work out some sort of payment plan you won't be able to access the notes online, login to the online system, plus they automatically de-register you from the system. Ask any student that went UWI Cavehill or Mona how many people they know this happened to and you will be surprised to hear the answer.

**Reader** » 2012-04-25 12:15

What a bunch of back water idiots running this country. What happened to putting students on notice, with a clear understanding of the ramifications should payment not be made in full. Included in the notice should be a time frame for which payment must be submitted in.

Instead, someone woke up on Monday and decided that students would be removed that same day. WHAT A SHAME!! If I were any one of the affected persons, I'd take this as a heads to go and get training at another institution. Period - end of story. Lets see how much monies the school will garner then!

With the rat and roach problem that's been highly publicized, I think the administrators of this poorly run school have bigger things to worry about.

**chuptz** » 2012-04-25 10:56

This must be a slow news day for this national enquirer wanna be to publish this non story. Private schools bar students from entering class when they do not pay their tuition all the time and it has never been an issue. Where in the world are students allowed in class when tuition is not paid. As usual caribenquirer is just stirring up mischief and trying to put a political spin on this non-issue. One big chuptz.

**annoyed** » 2012-04-25 10:40

Calvin Ambrose has the same attitude as Dr Mansoor, both men think Antigua is their own business and they can do whatever they want. :-x

**tenman** » 2012-04-25 07:31

Quote:

Contacted on Tuesday, the school's executive director, Calvin Ambrose, said, "That is an internal policy. Your newspaper have nothing to do but meddle in our internal policy. I would suggest that ... if you want a comment on that, speak to the chair."

I find the above statement idiotic. Is this institution not a public institution? His sentiment seem similar to the Chinese Ambassador regarding the Lone Wolf protestors. Clearly the situation at ABHTI is too much for Mr. Ambrose.
..

**In Las Vegas** » 2012-04-25 06:58

Quote:

Lecturers, who spoke on condition of anonymity,'...

What is wrong whit these folks who are always afraid to speak out?

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