In a brief, impressive ceremony at the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Institute (THTI) Campus at Blenheim, a class of 47 Tour Guides graduated after three and a half months of intensive training.

The group was addressed by Wayne Pierre – CEO (THTI), Sherma Mc Dougall- Williams – Product Development and Destination Manager, Division of Tourism & Transportation and the Feature Address was delivered by the Division's Secretary- Oswald Williams.

The Secretary reminded the graduates that: 'the Tour Guide is an important part of the face of Tobago, and Tobago is known for the warmth and friendliness of the people.'

The Most Outstanding Tour Guide was Claude Cowie (retired Tobago Divisional Fire Officer) who was also the Valedictorian. Most Improved Tour Guide was Lindell Winchester of Parlatuvier.

The chairman of the Tobago Tour Guides Association Harris Mc Donald indicated that previously Guides were trained by different agencies and this was the first step towards bringing them all under one umbrella.

Course lecturer William Trim informed Tobago News that this training was in keeping with the policy of the Division of Tourism to have all Tour Guides who were previously trained and those who had no training before, to have a uniform approach to the critical area of Tour guiding and to be TTIC Certified. Present for the ceremony, were members of the newly-appointed THTI board of directors including the chairperson, Dr Verleen Bobb- Lewis.