Bonita, who had been with the CTO since April 1996, was “a consummate professional who had a profoundly positive impact on those with whom she worked or interacted, and touched hearts in the most fundamental ways,” according to the CTO.
The statement continues, “Her calm and comforting demeanor, her penchant for providing a listening ear, her respect for colleagues, her welcoming embrace, and her selflessness were exemplary.”
Morgan introduced many impactful projects and programs during her tenure at the CTO, including the development of harmonized curricula for the associate degree tourism/hospitality program across the region, tourism education materials for primary and secondary schools, showcasing careers in tourism through a variety of media, organizing an annual tourism youth congress and biennial tourism human resources conference, and being the driving force behind the CTO Foundation, according to the CTO.
“Bonita was also very instrumental in bringing to the Caribbean in 2007 the internationally recognized Hospitality Assured certification program, which promotes a culture of quality, service excellence and continuous improvement within the tourism and hospitality sector in the region,” according to the CTO statement.
Morgan was also credited with raising funds for needy families through the “Yes We Care” program at Baobab Tower, the building at which the CTO headquarters is housed in Barbados.
By encouraging members of staff of the various offices to contribute $1 each month, the program helped at-risk families, as well as the Caribbean Dyslexia Association, and collected supplies for Dominica after the passage of Hurricane Maria last year.
“Throughout her battle with cancer, Bonita displayed her characteristic determination and bravery,” according to the CTO. “Never was her spirit crushed, her will weakened or her resolved shattered. She faced the challenge without a complaint and with an upbeat attitude. But that was Bonita through and through – always positive, always believing.
“Her passing is a tremendous loss, not just to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, but to the entire Caribbean region, and we all will miss her perspective, knowledge and her deep understanding of tourism and human capital development.”
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