The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States recently launched the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Tourism (ECIT).

ECIT, by becoming a reputable regional institute that offers accredited programs in tourism and hospitality, is expected to create a significant impact on the competitiveness of the region’s tourism sector.

“ECIT is envisaged as a statutory inter-governmental, tourism and hospitality virtual training and educational institution serving all OECS member states. Its administration and co-ordination hub will be located at the Montserrat Community College, while tourism and hospitality training departments in each country will serve as the nodes for institutions that  concentrate on the particular area of specialization within the industry," Dr. Didicus Jules, Director General of the OECS explained.

"ECIT is expected to operate as a cohesive, self sustaining provider of tourism and hospitality education that serves the needs of the industry and the tourism sector. High quality bandwidth between the nodes will enable the delivery of services and expand the reach of the institution.

"ECIT’s focus is certificate, diploma and degree courses that are offered through a blended learning nodality. The curriculum will be outcome based - modelled on CVQs accredited by a central accreditation authority available to all OECS citizens and the wider global community.”

As part of the ceremonial launch, representatives of the partner colleges signed a partnership agreement.

Nigel Scott, Principal of the Saint Vincent and Grenadines Community College commented on the historic event.

“I think this ECIT and our efforts to harmonize hospitality and tourism programs is a major step that the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College is pleased to be a part of ," he said. "We look forward to the continued advancement of the ECIT and the continued development of this effort.”

Signatory colleges of ECIT include the Anguilla Community College, the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, the Dominica State College, the Montserrat Community College, the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia.