Announcing the twelve newest student interns in the Tourism Ministry?s internship programme, Minister Renee Webb last Thursday officially dedicated the international programme to its founder ? late Tourism Minister, David Allen.

?The students chosen for this programme are among the Islands best and brightest. They are ambitious, they are enthusiastic and they have demonstrated a genuine commitment to our tourism industry. ?said Minister Webb at a luncheon Thursday:

Congratulating the selected students, Minister Webb said: ?After weathering the storm for quite some time, I am happy to say that with initiatives such as the Summer Internship Programme, and the calibre of students participating, the forecast for our tourism industry is extremely reassuring.?

This year?s successful interns are Nekeisha Tyrell, Kate Riihiluoma, Zakia Thomas, Sarah Taylor, Frances Trott, Jaja Millet, Nichelle Sticca, Jereme Tamsay, Sionna Barton, Katie Flath, Mia Chambray and Neitra Dill.

The 12 college students and recent graduateswho were selected from over 30 applicantswill travel to one of several US cities, Toronto or London where they will receive hands on experience in promoting Bermuda with the Department of Tourism?s overseas agency partners. Each intern will be placed in a top advertising, marketing or public relations firm, where, Minister Webb said, ?the interns will gain a greater understanding of Bermuda?s tourism product, exposure to the North American and European markets and greater awareness of the marketing and sales initiatives of the Bermuda Department of Tourism.

Premier Alex Scott, who was also attended the luncheon, framed the programme as a ?sterling example? of former Tourism Minister David Allen?s legacy to Bermuda. Citing the enthusiasm of the new interns, Premier Scott said he was excited to see such talented young people dedicating themselves to the tourism industry to which Mr. Allen had given so much of his life.

Mr Allen, who died in September 2002, established the programme in 1999 to promote Bermudians? career opportunities in tourism.

?We have decided to dedicate this initiative to the memory of David Allen, because he was the one who originally launched this project as a way to involve young Bermudians in the hospitality industry; and I could not think of a better and more fitting tribute to a man who has done so much for Bermuda?s Tourism industry,? said Minister Webb, christening the initiative The David Allen Memorial Internship Programme.

Since its founding, the Ministry has witnessed an expansion in the programme both in the number of interns, increasing from only eight in 2003, as well as participating firms. New this years will be Bermuda?s recently appointed African American marketing agency in Atlanta?Images USA? and BET in Washington, which will promote and produce The Bermuda Music Festival.

Outlining his ambitions for his Atlanta internship with Image USA, Jereme Tamsay, said that he was excited about being able to contribute to the firm?s campaign to attract American minorities to the Island.

All the interns, who will begin their internships at the end of this month, will receive a weekly salary as well as a per diem allowance. The Department of Tourism will also underwrite the cost of return air fare and provide accommodations for the entire two month period.