While speaking at recent “Open House” ceremony held at the school, the role being played by Ross was highlighted by the country’s Minister of Tourism, Richard Skerritt, who said “this Open House is a part of a larger program of activities which has been created to highlight the invaluable impact of tourism on the economic, social and cultural well-being of St. Kitts and Nevis, enabling us to create a friendly and safe environment for our visitors.”

Minister Skerritt continued, “Ross University has been a part of the landscape of St. Kitts for over twenty five years. But as we move forward in our efforts to strengthen local awareness of the value of tourism to our national economy, we must also recognize that the faculty and students of Ross University are also tourists who, not only become part of our communities, but also welcome friends and family during their stay on the island.”

More than 70 members of the tourism industry including the taxi associations, independent tour guides, media representatives and members of faculty and staff of the school attended the Open House, last Tuesday, which was specially organized to provide its visitors the opportunity to better understand the operations of the university. Visitors were able to tour the campus, learn about what it means to be a veterinarian and gain an inside look at the student experience.

Gilbert Burns, DVM, PhD, RUSVM interim dean said, “Veterinarians play an important role in society – from taking care of our pets; to ensuring the safety of the food we eat; to helping establish healthy productive agricultural systems. The 2011 Celebration of Tourism Awareness Month is significant as it is first year that RUSVM has been a part of the organizing committee responsible for designing and implementing its activities.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the role being played in the tourism sector by local taxi drivers. The event was held as part of the activities to celebrate Tourism Awareness Month in St. Kitts.