There’s been a strong call for more French language training through organized exchange programs between English-speaking Caribbean countries and their French-speaking neighbors. It has come from Anesia Richards, the communications manager of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Tourism at the 3rd Tourism Human Resources Conference being held at the Arawak Hotel here.

Ms. Richards told delegates that language differences were a deterrent to better relationships between the people of the French and English speaking Caribbean, and the region’s tourism officials must promote greater emphasis on foreign language education in order to overcome the barriers.

“When I say foreign language education I don’t just mean in schools,” Ms Richards said in her contribution to a discussion on strengthening Franco-Caribbean relations in the tourism sector, “I want to talk about foreign language education in the form of more exchanges so that students get an opportunity to understand that while Martinique and Guadeloupe speak French they are really Caribbean.”

However, Jean-Louis Boucard, the director of European Affairs and Cooperation in Guadeloupe, while not challenging Ms. Richards’ contention, said that the French Caribbean’s political situation was getting in the way of closer cooperation with their English neighbors.

He said that the fact that these islands are run by France makes it appear they are not part of the Caribbean. But he said he remained confident the relationship would improve.

“When you change the natural course of a river, even after a hundred years the river returns to its natural course, and this is what will happen in terms of Franco-Caribbean relations. So do not despair, we will come together,” Mr. Boucard, one of the panelists, contended.

The plenary on Franco-Caribbean relations was one of several which will take place during the three day conference. Other issues being debated include changing patterns in the world of work; the present and future human resource needs; good practices in community based tourism; how to develop a tourism programme network and how to develop instructional material. A “Sharing Session” will also give delegates an opportunity to showcase innovative activities and programmes within and outside the region

More than 75 delegates from across the region are participating in the three-day conference, organised by the CTO in collaboration with the Guadeloupe Tourist Board, the Guadeloupe Hospitality Institute and the Regional Council of Guadeloupe.

Themed, “Leading Change in Tourism Within a Dynamic, Global Environment,” the 3rd Tourism Human Resources Conference targets tourism and hospitality educators, trainers, human resource professionals/consultants and managers with responsibility for human resources across the region.

It is funded in part by the European Union within the framework of the Caribbean Regional Sustainable Tourism Development Programme.