CHEVON HARRIS - CLIMBING THE TOURISM LADDER
T
here is no opportunity that Chevon Harris will allow to pass him, which may be
the reason he has been excelling and making strides in the tourism sector. At
only 22 years old, Chevon has already realized the possibilities that can arise
from being persistent, determined and fully involved in any task. His willing-
ness to explore new frontiers has deepened his relationship with the reliable tourism
sector and this love seems to be growing and strengthening as each day passes.
The Greenwood, Montego Bay resident who was recently offered an extension to
his internship at Sandals Montego Bay, impressed his employers while on work ex-
perience provided by the new and improved TPDCo Tourism Summer Internship
Programme (TSIP)/ Housing Opportunity Production and Employment (HOPE) col-
laboration.
The TSIP/HOPE programme he expressed “helped to widen my perspective of tour-
ism, provided clarity and allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge and earn
while doing something I am passionate about, it’s a win win.”
No stranger to hard work, Chevon strongly believes that this opportunity was also
made possible by his upbringing in an extended family that passed on principles
which helped him to improve daily as well as the sound education he received.
It is no surprise then that Chevon served as Head Boy at Irwin High school and was
part of the 4H club, the athletics club and track and field. He then moved on to
the Montego Bay Community College (MBCC) where he obtained an Associates
Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Using the knowledge he garnered at MBCC, Chevon worked at an impressive stan-
dard in the Cost Control department as the Store Room Attendant at Sandals Royal
Caribbean where he was placed. His tasks included issuing and receiving goods to
and from the kitchen, completing reports on items issued and documenting items
that the hotel would need to supply guests.
“The staff was friendly, polite and respected the interns. It was a complete experi-
ence; I got to see tourism at the practical level, had little to no issues and got the
chance to interact with vibrant, energetic and just happy people. The potential
there seems endless; I was quite impressed to see that there was so much room for
growth.”
The willing and able Chevon was then transferred to Sandals Montego Bay where
he currently serves as the Gas Station Operator, a role that involves receiving and
issuing gas and helping to maintain the transportation aspect of the property.
How did he manage to land such an opportunity? His work ethics he says quite
easily
“Focus brings results. I was dedicated to all my tasks, spent the time to ensure that I
executed all tasks, big or small to the best of my ability.”
He adds that being sociable, punctual, polite and open minded helped him to get
through his days.
It’s quite amazing, however that tourism was not love at first sight, his dream was
to become an Immigrations Officer, but after encountering difficulties beyond his
control, he refocused and explored Tourism Management, giving it 100% of his time
and effort.
“It took hard-work, focus and dedication, blessings and divine intervention” he says
Programmes like TSIP/HOPE; he says “help to make the journey worthwhile, as it
gives students a fair chance to prove themselves.”
He advises other participants to “remain focused and never despise a humble
beginning, as one has to start somewhere before they can reach higher heights.”
The pool game lover, movie fanatic and self-declared chef also believes in bal-
ance, and is more than happy to enjoy himself when he sees the results. In a few
years, Chevon Harris says that he hopes to become a Food and Beverage Director
and sets his lens on the pathway to becoming a General Manager in a local hotel.
Other students like Chevon, with the right attitude are climbing upwards and achiev-
ing their goals through hard-work and determination, with the help of programmes
such as TPDCo’s TSIP/ HOPE.