By Celestine Chacon, December 7, 2024
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosted the grand finale of its second Junior Tourism Cooking Competition earlier today at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
This event is part of the calendar of activities for Tourism Awareness Month.
The competition featured finalists from three secondary schools: J.C. Chandisingh Secondary from Region Six, Belladrum Secondary from Region Five, and St. Ignatius Secondary from Region Nine.
These students had advanced through regional competitions to reach the final stage.
Annarie Seecharan, Senior Manager at the Guyana Tourism Authority, explained that the competition, which began last year, targets students pursuing home economics.
It provides them with the opportunity to hone their culinary skills and explore potential career opportunities within the tourism industry.
The initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed to work in the tourism sector, whether in lodges, restaurants, or even in their own culinary ventures.
The competition allows students to showcase their talents by preparing both traditional and nontraditional dishes, using a blend of local and international ingredients.
This platform also exposes them to new cooking techniques and creative ways to combine flavors.
One of the judges, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, emphasized the growing potential of Guyana’s tourism industry.
She highlighted the increasing number of new hotels, restaurants, and eco-lodges opening across the country, which presents exciting opportunities for skilled chefs.
She praised the young participants for their creativity and willingness to explore new flavors, noting that their success is a promising sign for both their futures and the country’s culinary development.
The winner of the competition was set to be announced at the conclusion of the event.