In a small meeting room at the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) office, the conversation is buzzing. A front desk clerk is practicing how to greet a guest with confidence and warmth. Across the room, a department supervisor is learning how to give constructive feedback without discouraging her team. Over in the corner, a young entrepreneur is being coached on how to read nonverbal cues during a board meeting.
It’s all part of a bigger mission, one that goes beyond check-in counters and boardroom tables. The SHTA Academy’s October 2025 training series, sponsored by Progressional People Caribbean, is designed with a clear goal: To elevate the island’s service culture by investing in its people.
SHTA is once again rolling out a set of skill-building workshops aimed squarely at St. Maarten’s hospitality and business professionals. These October sessions offer accessible, affordable training opportunities that strengthen the island’s workforce and, in turn, support its growing service economy.
The upcoming series, which runs from October 20 to 23, is divided into three one-day masterclasses: Supervisor Training, Customer Service Training, and Business Etiquette 101. Each course is designed as a practical, interactive workshop with a strong emphasis on real-world scenarios and hands-on learning.
The series begins on Monday, October 20, with Supervisor Training, a session tailored for team leaders, department heads, and those aspiring to leadership roles. Participants will explore how to strengthen people-management skills, lead teams with clarity, and foster open communication. The training also focuses on delivering constructive feedback and building a collaborative workplace culture – essential tools for anyone tasked with guiding a team in a fast-paced service environment.
Director of Enhancing Human Potential (EHP), Liesa Euton is the workshop trainer. She brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality operations to the classroom, including leadership roles such as president of the SHTA and general manager of the Sea Palace Resort. Her depth of knowledge and practical approach provide participants with actionable strategies they can apply immediately in their workplaces.
On Tuesday, October 21, and again on Thursday, October 23, the focus shifts to one of the most sought-after sessions in the SHTA Academy series: Customer Service Training. This course is designed to help participants develop a strong service mindset, manage inquiries and complaints professionally, and sharpen their communication skills. Participants will also learn how to build effective customer relationships, deliver memorable experiences, and present a polished, professional image – essential skills in a competitive service industry.
Co-trainer Raju Sajnani brings more than three decades of experience delivering corporate training for leading organizations worldwide, including Dale Carnegie, Hilton Group, and Mandarin Oriental. His expertise in hospitality training ensures participants leave the session with a deeper understanding of what exceptional service looks like and how to consistently deliver it.
The final workshop, Business Etiquette 101, takes place on Wednesday, October 22, and focuses on the subtler side of professional success. Participants will explore the finer points of meeting and greeting protocols, boardroom etiquette, and the art of making professional introductions. The course also covers video and telephone etiquette, increasingly vital in a hybrid work environment, as well as the nuances of nonverbal communication and business dining manners. By mastering these often-overlooked details, participants can enhance their professional presence and build stronger business relationships.
All sessions are conducted in small groups, capped at 24 participants, to ensure personalized coaching and meaningful interaction. This format encourages active participation, role-playing, and scenario-based learning, all proven methods for building skills that last.
For Euton, Sajnani, and their partners at Progressional People Caribbean, these workshops are more than just professional development sessions; they represent an investment in the island’s future. As St. Maarten’s economy continues to grow, its success will increasingly depend on a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and committed to delivering exceptional service.
With spots limited and demand consistently high, interested participants are encouraged to register early by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – because in a service-driven economy, the most valuable advantage a business can have isn’t a new product or a bigger budget, it’s a confident, capable, and customer-focused team.
