GTA completes Culinary Arts and Delivering Quality Service Training in St. Cuthbert’s Mission

–20 persons trained in the Culinary Arts

–15 persons trained in Delivering Quality Service

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) recognises the importance of the Culinary Arts and Delivering Quality Service in host Indigenous communities that are tied to the tourism value chain. As such, on March 3 – 5, 2021, the GTA facilitated a Culinary and Delivering Quality Service Training in St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

Guided by  Executive Chef Kester Robinson of The Pergola Smoke House & Lounge Restaurant, 20 participants were trained in the Culinary Arts where they were exposed to a world-class practical and theoretical experience of food preparation and presentation. Understanding ingredients, food safety and sanitation, basic food preparation and presentation as well as buffet building were all a part of the session.

They were also challenged to be mindful of sustainable growth within the local culinary industry, seek innovative ways to use local produce to prepare a variety of meals and of course, to prepare and present foods that exemplify emerging trends, nutritious awareness and balanced dietary needs. At the end of the sessions, participants were allowed to plan their own menu, prepare and present their meals for Chef Robinson, GTA Staff and the Village Council.

Additionally,  the  Delivering  Quality Service training was executed by GTA team member Chetnauth Persaud,  Training  &  Tourism  Development  Officer  who  guided  15 participants in areas such as the Importance of Tourism in Guyana, Understanding the Industry and the quality of service required, Cultural Barriers and how it affects Communication, Delivering Excellent Service – what supports it and what prevents it, as well as Defining Customer Service Excellence. Participants were also privy to a team building exercise which captured the 10 Principles of Quality Service and Developing an Action Plan.

Executive Chef, Kester expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to impart his knowledge and how proud he  was  of  the  participants,  “their  receptiveness  to  learning  a  new  set  of culinary skills was indeed awesome. The knowledge that I have imparted certainly made an impact as they expressed how grateful they were for the opportunity.” He further stated that, “I noticed quite a few of the ladies practicing on their  own,  and  they  will certainly incorporate these steps into their daily lives, which was the main objective  –  for  them  to  utilise  what  is  readily  available  to  make a greater impact while welcoming travellers. The overall experience was great. It was an absolute success and I could not be more proud.”

“The GTA is cognizant of the need for an above level of service [in all areas] provided to travellers by tourism host communities and we will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that we get there, and remain one of the top sustainable tourism destinations in the world” remarked Carla James, Director of the GTA.

For more information on the GTA’s training initiatives contact Chetnauth Persaud, Training & Tourism Development  Officer,  at   chetnauth@guyanatourism.com   or  Tamika  Inglis,  Manager  of  Training  & Licensing, at   tamika@guyanatourism.com  in the Travel Industry Development Division (TIDD) or  call +(592) 219 0055.