The Caribbean Regional Human Resource Development Program for Economic Competitiveness (CPEC), a project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), has teamed up with the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and its subsidiary, the Caribbean Culinary Federation (CCF), to offer professional development training for Caribbean cooks across the region who may not have had the benefit of formal instruction. “The program provides a practical, interactive experience for Caribbean cooks to fine-tune their skills and knowledge,” explained lead instructor Chef William Moore, founder of the Taste of the Caribbean© regional culinary competition. “More importantly, they learn to make the most of the extensive range of Caribbean produce and commodities easily available to them,” he added.

“We are very keen on developing projects of this nature in the Caribbean, as they greatly contribute in the mid and long-term to the sustainability of the tourism industry and of the region as a whole”, said Alex Titcombe, CHA Director of Product Development. “Indeed, this training encourages local chefs and cooks to use local produce and products, therefore promoting local agriculture and business. In addition, it helps community development by providing its members skills that will enable them to grow professionnally” he concluded.

The 5-day program in Intermediate Cookery & Intermediate Pastry was launched last week in Barbados with 12 cooks who work in small and medium size businesses.  Those candidates who reach the required standard will be awarded an Intermediate Cookery Certificate by CHA and CCF.  In addition, they will have the opportunity to go on to become certified under CHA’s CARIBCERT Culinary Program. The program will prepare them to be assessed under various functions, including food production, equipment, cleaning, and safety and sanitation, providing them with a head start towards full CARIBCERT certification.

The program is scheduled to be held next in Anguilla, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago.
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