Caribbean Hotelier Receives International Honour

For Immediate Release

Contact: Samira Cherrouk 202 296-9676
              scherrouk@counterpart.org

Photographs at end of release 

CARIBBEAN HOTELIER RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HONOUR

WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2003) – Counterpart International, the Washington 
DC-based development NGO, praises the recent achievements of Caribbean 
Hotelier of the Year, Berthia Parle, as a victory for women from small island 
and developing nations.

Speaking to reporters following a visit to Europe, Mr. Lelei LeLaulu, 
president of the 38 year-old development organisation, said he was elated to 
learn that St. Lucian Parle received the regional hotelier award and was 
elected President of the San Juan-based Caribbean Hotel Association – the 
first woman to lead the regional body.

"Berthia Parle's combination of brains, grace and style is extraordinary, and 
we're looking forward to seeing the magic that she will weave for the peoples 
of the Caribbean during her two year-presidency when it begins next June," 
said LeLaulu. He noted that Parle has undoubtedly added lustre to the ranks 
of eminent Caribbean women who have made their mark, such as former Dominica 
Prime Minister Dame Eugenia Charles, Caribbean-American Shirley Chisholm (the 
first Black woman elected to US Congress), St. Lucia's Governor General Dame 
Pearlette Louisy, and the late Dame Nita Barrow, former Governor General of 
Barbados.

LeLaulu said Berthia has played a major role in educating Caribbean people – 
especially young girls and women – about women's empowerment and gender 
equality issues. He also hailed her unwavering support of the 
Counterpart-sponsored series of media symposia (Caribbean Media Exchange on 
Sustainable Tourism – CMEx) which encourage and arm Caribbean reporters and 
editors to educate the region about the importance of sustainable tourism 
development.

Speaking on New York radio (1190 AM WLIB), Parle, who also serves as 
president of the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, said of her 
accolades: "I think I have done it for all small islands and the Caribbean in 
particular, not to mention the women of this region who for years have toiled 
and are trying to make a difference to ensure that all people benefit from 
this very vital industry."

The general manager of Bay Gardens Hotel in St. Lucia, Parle is heartened by 
the number of young people in the Caribbean who are taking up tourism studies 
and investigating careers in the sector. "Tourism is no longer an expatriate 
industry and a number of students are now seeing that there are other careers 
within the industry, besides a waiter, housekeeper or maid. We now have 
hundreds of career opportunities. With the advent of technology, the internet 
and spa vacations, the industry is ... much more attractive.”

CAPTIONS:
 
1) Photograph of Berthia Parle Available at: 
http://www.mediaexchange.info/tmp/DSC4580.jpg
Berthia Parle (second from left) with the hierarchy of the Caribbean Hotel 
Association. From left: Chairman Ralph Taylor, President Simón Suárez and 
Director-General, Alec Sanguinetti.

2) Photograph of Lelei LeLaulu Available at: 
http://www.mediaexchange.info/tmp/ll.asp

ENDS