Five local students were yesterday the first to receive scholarships of what is to be an ongoing partnership between Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and the Department of Tourism's endowment fund.

The scholarship is geared towards students interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry.

Yesterdays presentations took place on board the Royal Caribbean's Nordic Empress.

The scholarship winners included Kamila Bean and Catherine Bell, who received scholarships of $3,000 each, Jamal Smith and O'Shea Tucker, who received awards of merit worth $5,000 each, and this year's top award recipient was Teneika Eve, who was awarded a scholarship worth $15,000.

After receiving her scholarship, Miss Eve said in a brief speech that she thanked the Department and said she would continue to do her best in inspiration to others.

She added: "If you have a passion for whatever you do, you will be successful."

The recipients were joined by Minister of Tourism David Allen, tourism officials, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips, family members and the members of the ship's crew.

Mr. Allen commented that the endowment was the perfect opportunity for students interested in hospitality.

"Government is very keen, through the Ministry of Tourism, in putting a lot of emphasis on development of human resources - getting people reenergised about getting back into the hospitality industry.

"When we look at getting Bermudians back into the hospitality industry, this is where it has to start.

"We've put Bermudian interns in office in New York, as well as in our advertising agencies, public relation agency, Internet marketing agency and even our European firm," he said.

"We're not calling on our partners to do anything we are not doing ourselves."

Mr. Allen said the endowment was formed more than a year ago as the Ministry of Tourism was renegotiating the contract with Royal Caribbean.

Through the negotiations, the $1 million plan was developed in which the cruise liner contributed to the endowment.

He said that it will be ongoing and will fuel scholarships for years to come.

"Any young Bermudian who may see these reports, think about your place in the hospitality industry.

"There are incredible opportunities out there.

"The young Bermudians who may be seniors in secondary schools now or at the Bermuda College making their next step towards studies overseas or further studies at the Bermuda College - this is the time to start thinking down the road.

"These scholarships are going to be given every year and we will increase the number."