22 New Recipients Join Eileen Paul Scholarship Programme, Bringing Total Beneficiaries to 79

(Castries, Saint Lucia –Friday, 21st August 2026)- The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) on Thursday, August 20, 2026, welcomed twenty-two new students to the Eileen Paul Scholarship Programme, bringing the total number of students to benefit from the initiative since its launch to seventy-nine.

Established in 2021 in honour of Eileen Paul, the SLHTA’s longest-serving employee, the programme reflects the TEF’s commitment to supporting the children of those who work in Saint Lucia’s tourism sector. The scholarship provides EC$2,000 annually for five years towards secondary education. Beyond the financial assistance provided, students also have access to counselling and developmental support to help them navigate the academic, social and personal challenges of their secondary-school years.

The annual cohort has increased from ten in previous years to seventeen in 2025, with a further increase to twenty students in 2026 as the TEF responds to continued demand. On top of this year’s cohort of twenty, two additional students nominated by the Southern Taxi Association also received scholarships from the TEF, in recognition of the Association’s 50th anniversary and its longstanding contribution to the tourism transportation sector.

Thursday’s award ceremony, held at Sandals Halcyon Beach, brought together tourism officials, students, parents and guardians for a morning of celebration and recognition.

Chairman of the TEF, Dr. Winston Anderson encouraged recipients to be studious and put their best foot forward. “Your parents work tirelessly in Saint Lucia’s leading sector, helping to showcase our country to the world. This scholarship is one small way of saying thank you to them, while also providing support that will make your journey a little easier and bring you one step closer to achieving your dreams. Last year, this programme was expanded to the tertiary level, and three of your peers, who performed well and showcased their determination, received support. You too may have that opportunity, but you must first ensure that you play your part.”

SLHTA President Erwin Louisy noted that the strength of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry depends on the strength of its people. “The SLHTA’s decision to establish the TEF was rooted in a simple belief: that tourism should play a meaningful role in improving lives and strengthening communities across Saint Lucia. Through the TEF, support is provided in areas such as education, youth development, human resource development and the environment. From scholarships and educational programmes to initiatives that protect our natural resources, these efforts demonstrate that the tourism industry’s contribution extends well beyond employment and the visitor experience. Eileen Paul was a remarkable woman who was known for her determination, her commitment to excellence and the care she showed for others. As recipients of a scholarship that bears her name, I encourage you to embody those qualities in your own lives and let them guide you as you move forward. Strive to be excellent at what you do, be a shining light, be an example of being the very best.”

In delivering the feature address, SLHTA Honorary Member Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson urged students to make the most of the opportunity and develop good character. “You cannot afford to waste this opportunity. This scholarship is not free; you have to pay with success! Character is not only not breaking the law, character also involves discipline, commitment and focus. Your country needs people with degrees, it needs people who are educated, but the country also needs many people with good character,” he said.

Leslie Prospere, nephew of the late Eileen Paul, thanked the TEF for investing in the education and mentorship of young people, an area to which Eileen dedicated much of her life. “She gave life to her training and devotion in teaching to create and implement programmes for the mentoring and coaching of Saint Lucians desirous of having a career in tourism. We, Ms. Paul’s family, are deeply appreciative that this legacy of work and sacrifice is indeed recognized and that her dream for the Association and the industry continues to bear fruit in the achievements of recipients,” he said.

This year’s recipients are:

• Megan Alexander — St Joseph Convent (SJC)
• Taylor Alexander — SJC
• Skyla Charlemagne — Corinth Secondary School (CSS)
• Lake Delice — Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School (SISS)
• Jedd V Desir — CSS
• Dannel Connel Jr. Dusauzay — Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS)
• Jeremiah Francis — SISS
• Nasha Gopal — Entrepot Secondary School (ESS)
• Adriel Henry — Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS)
• Liam Henry — CCSS
• Trina Henry — Choisuel Secondary School
• Xalbadora James — ESS
• Jai-Eyan Jean — Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS)
• Isabella Joseph — VFCSS
• Randal Joseph — CCSS
• Shernika Joseph — Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (LHCSS)
• Ashelle Phillip — LHCSS
• Tayshawn Simeina — CCSS
• Tejeanny St Cyr — SJC
• Loyphea Vitalis — SCSS

The recipients nominated by the Southern Taxi Association are:

• Nahamani Jn. Charles — Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School
• Aiden Daniel — Beanefield Comprehensive Secondary School

The Tourism Enhancement Fund wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the visitors who donate to the Fund, as well as the contributing companies that make initiatives such as this possible.

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