Africa-Press – Gambia. The Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) and the Western Hospitality Institute (WHI) of Jamaica have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the relevance, quality, and global connectivity of professional training in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The historic agreement, signed virtually on Tuesday, 5th August 2025, by Dr. Cecil Cornwall, Founding President and Executive Chairman of WHI, and Dr. Adama Bah, Board Chairman of ITTOG, marks a major step forward in international collaboration in education and capacity-building.
The partnership stems from strategic engagements during the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting and the Africa-Caribbean Business and Cultural Forum, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in July 2025.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, hailed the initiative as a milestone.
“This occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of excellence in tourism and hospitality education,” she said. “The agreement reflects ITTOG’s commitment to international collaboration and quality professional development.”
She noted that the MOU aligns with MoHERST’s transformative agenda to expand access, elevate quality, and promote innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), ultimately driving The Gambia toward a knowledge-based economy.
Ambassador Jagne expressed optimism that the collaboration will foster innovation, cross-cultural learning, and create meaningful opportunities for youth across The Gambia, Jamaica, and beyond.
“MoHERST remains committed to supporting initiatives that nurture a generation of skilled professionals capable of contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism and hospitality industry, locally and globally.”
In his remarks, Dr. Adama Bah, ITTOG Board Chairman, described the partnership as a bridge between two nations with shared values, emphasizing its deeper significance beyond a formal agreement.
“This is more than a document—it is a strategic collaboration to shape the next generation of hospitality professionals, equipped with global awareness and cultural sensitivity.”
Dr. Bah highlighted areas of collaboration, including joint programs, faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development, and shared research, all contributing to South-South cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
“The Caribbean and West Africa are connected not just by history, but by potential,” he said. “This collaboration cements our shared heritage and brings us closer through education.”
Sheikh Ahmet Tejan Nyang, Head of ITTOG, expressed gratitude and pride as he co-chaired the virtual signing ceremony. He praised Dr. Cecil Cornwall for his vision and dedication to educational development.
“This partnership was born from a chance radio interview—and today, it becomes a powerful tool for youth empowerment and transformation.”
Referencing Nelson Mandela’s words that “education is the most powerful weapon to change the world,” Nyang emphasized that the MOU is a foundation for creating meaningful livelihoods and building resilient, knowledgeable societies.
He also recalled cultural ties between the two nations, including the 2008 visit of reggae artist Sizzla to The Gambia, which served as a powerful symbol of African-Caribbean unity.
“Today, we reaffirm and strengthen those bonds, not just through music and culture, but through education. We are united by purpose, driven by vision, and bound by history.”
Despite being on different continents, both The Gambia and Jamaica share striking similarities, including – British colonial history and Commonwealth membership, English as the official language, Strong tourism industries, Rich cultural traditions, music, and storytelling, Youthful populations and vibrant diasporas, Shared values of religious tolerance and community
These commonalities form the foundation of a partnership designed to empower youth, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable development in both regions.
The MOU between ITTOG and WHI is expected to serve as a model for international academic partnerships, advancing the tourism and hospitality sectors in both The Gambia and Jamaica while contributing to broader regional cooperation across the Global South.
As the event concluded, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing global citizens and building a better future through shared knowledge, skills, and values.
However, Dr. Deanne Williams, CHE Board Chairman, Western Hospitality Institute, gave a welcoming remark while Dr Cecil Cornwall, CHE, Founding President and Executive Chairman of WHI, delivered a vote of thanks.
The signing was punctuated with the recitation of the National Anthems of Jamaica and The Gambia, and was attended virtually by scores of people.
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