For several years, Mykerline Stéphane Brice had her heart set on pursuing studies in tourism management, but at every turn, a lack of funding got in the way. Having already completed a bachelor’s degree in business management and public administration in 2016, Mykerline, who discovered her passion for tourism at the age of 20, had been wanting to do an advanced diploma programme in hospitality and tourism management, but had been unable to afford the tuition.
“I discovered my passion for the tourism field in 2014 and I have been struggling to enroll in my dream study in tourism since 2019,” she explained.
Just as she began to question whether she would get to fulfil her dream, she came across the request for application for scholarships and grants from the CTO Foundation in April 2022. She applied and was awarded the Bonita Morgan Memorial Scholarship – a scholarship introduced in 2019 in memory of Bonita Morgan, the former Caribbean Tourism Organization human resources director who died of cancer in 2018 at the age of 61.
“I am highly grateful to the CTO Scholarship Foundation for this great opportunity they are giving to me. More than a scholarship, I consider it as a demonstration of trust in my career development in the tourism field. This study will help me gain relevant skills and knowledge in the field to keep working on meaningful touristic projects in my country, Haiti, and to contribute to the development of the tourism industry in the Caribbean region,” said the elated 28-year-old.
Mykerline is the first Haitian ever to apply for, or granted, a scholarship in the foundation’s 25-year history, a period during which it has provided over 280 scholarships and grants to Caribbean nationals pursuing further education in tourism and related subjects. She was one of three students to received funding through the Bonita Morgan Memorial Scholarship after Bonita’s son, Jonathan, raised over US$6500 in May by running a mile an hour for 24 hours.
The foundation is able to support these Caribbean nationals because of donors like Jonathan and sponsors such as Adya Global, Delta Air Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Blue Group Media. However, times have been quite difficult lately, and funding sources are contracting. Therefore, after assisting a record 12 students for the 2022/23 academic year, the charity faces the possibility of not being able to support more individuals like Mykerline next year without further donations.
“The foundation board feels that it has an inherent responsibility to set an example and provide support to develop the Caribbean tourism industry and is working hard to ensure that we provide scholarships to as many students as possible to build capacity in the sector. We believe that we also have an obligation to continue to provide opportunities for those who, without our assistance, would not achieve their dream of a career in the tourism industry –many young, talented and ambitious individuals whose accomplishments continue to make us proud,” said Jacqueline Johnson, the CTO Foundation chairman.
“Many of you are aware of the financial challenges we face, but we push forward with optimism that your generosity will provide the resources we need to meet these challenges. We ask you to be faithful to the cause. We welcome your generosity and support. Your efforts will position us to do more,” added Johnson.
Those who wish to donate to the foundation may do so at https://bit.ly/30t75m0 or by contacting Sylma Brown at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Cheques may be sent to CTOSF, 14 Fairview Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079.
