Royal Caribbean Group Foundation Hails Excellence in UB Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Graduates

19^th June 2026

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — The Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) Foundation has recognised the top-performing graduates of the University of The Bahamas (UB) College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management (THeCALM) Class of 2026, highlighting them as examples of the exceptional talent being developed for the nation’s leading industry.

At a special ceremony held at THeCALM, the graduates, who had already earned top awards from UB, were again honoured for their outstanding academic performance, leadership potential and overall success throughout their studies.

Leading the award recipients was Javan Johnson, who earned three of the college’s top honours: the Overall Academic Unit Award, the Overall Academic Unit Award for Academic Excellence, and the Academic Programme Award for the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Also recognised were Seante Rahming, who received the Academic Programme Award for the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, and Shadon Bain who earned the Academic Programme Award for the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts.

Cameron Gibson, Director of Business Integration at RCG Bahamas, congratulated the honourees and encouraged them to consider the breadth of career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry.

“As you prepare for the next chapter of your careers, I encourage you to think broadly about the possibilities before you,” said Mr. Gibson. “The tourism industry is evolving and continues to offer exciting opportunities for professional development, leadership and global exposure. Congratulations on your achievements. You should be proud of all that you have accomplished. We look forward to the impact you will make on our industry and our country.”

Mario Adderley, Dean of THeCALM, highlighted the value of industry partnerships.

“Today is particularly meaningful because it brings together two organisations that share a common commitment: investing in people,” said Dean Adderley. “UB and RCG Bahamas both understand that the future of our industry depends on developing talented, passionate and highly skilled professionals.”

He noted that THeCALM recognises both its nation-building responsibility and its obligation to the industry to produce graduates who are prepared to lead and excel.

“We take great pride in providing a transformative educational experience that prepares students not only for employment, but for leadership. Through rigorous academic instruction, hands-on experiential learning, industry engagement, internships and professional certifications, our students develop the knowledge, technical skills, professionalism and resilience required to excel in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

“The students we honour today represent the very best of that tradition. Their academic performance reflects discipline, determination, consistency and a genuine commitment to excellence. Achieving top academic standing is no small feat,” he said.

Johnson shared how his UB journey deeply impacted him.

“My journey at the University of The Bahamas has been one of growth, leadership and purpose. After beginning in the Bio-Chemistry [programme] and transitioning to Hospitality Management, I found my passion in creating meaningful experiences and leading with impact,” he noted.

He also acknowledged the role faculty and staff played in his overall success.

“Academically, the Hospitality Management programme equipped me with both business insight and hands-on industry experience through internships which prepared me to contribute meaningfully from day one. What truly set the programme apart for me, however, was the faculty and staff, whose mentorship, encouragement and commitment to student growth created an environment where I felt both supported and challenged to excel,” Johnson added.

Looking ahead, Johnson will gain global exposure as he furthers his education abroad. He thanked RCG Bahamas for the recognition. He will leave soon to pursue a master’s degree in Spain this fall and aims to eventually strengthen hospitality operations, elevate service standards and invest in people-centred servant leadership.

Rahming, meanwhile, reflected on her experience balancing full-time employment with academic studies and what RCG’s recognition means to her.

“Being recognised by a global leader in the tourism and hospitality industry is truly an honour and a testament that hard work, dedication and determination do not go unnoticed. Balancing full-time work in hospitality while pursuing my degree in Tourism Management was challenging, but it strengthened my resilience and deepened my passion for the tourism industry.

“I hope to contribute to the continued growth of the Bahamian tourism industry and highlight the importance of the blue, green and orange economies in driving sustainable tourism development.”

UB’s collaborations with industry partners like RCG are integral to student success and advancing community and economic impact by connecting academics with industry opportunity to develop a skilled, innovative and globally competitive workforce.