Government has reaffirmed its commitment to putting Bermudians back into the hospitality industry.

Labour Minister Paula Cox said Government will enhance prospects for those who wanted a career in tourism and will help those already in the industry.

The Super Stars programme -- to run in conjunction with eight hotels -- will spotlight workers who show their dedication to the trade by taking on extra duties, mentoring staff or taking training to exemplify their careers.

Shemel Dickinson, of the Castle Harbour hotel, and Marva Trott, of the Southampton Princess, were the first to receive recognition for their efforts.

Ms Cox applauded the two, and said they had led by example in their work and by guiding others around them and said it was important to live-up to the industry challenge. But she lamented the dearth of men involved in the scheme.

And she said it was important that the hotels came together to make the scheme work.

From now on, each month employees will be nominated by their peers for Super Stars, run in part with the Bermuda Association of Human Resource Development.

Lorita Tucker-Simmons, human resource director at Castle Harbour, said there was a need to offer training and development to workers, who often went into hospitality as a second choice.

Shemel Dickinson, she said, was focused on what she wanted to do and had worked through the ranks to be a front desk supervisor.

Elaine Charles, human resource director of the Southampton Princess, applauded Marva Trott's 26 years in the industry. She had been a role model for many people entering the trade, she added.

Rising stars: Labour and Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox meets with the first two hospitality workers to receieve the "Training Super Stars'' award. (L-R) they are Shemel Dickinson and Marva Trott.