25 catering graduates

The ceremony was held at the Longdenville Community Centre. The course was an initiative programme introduced by the Ministry of Community Develop-ment, Culture and Gender Affairs.

The 20-week intensive training course which consisted of two parts - Food and Nutrition and Catering and Hospitality commenced on March 7 and March 9, respectively.

The course took place in Felicity Village, Chaguanas and Longden-ville Village, Chaguanas where persons in communities throughout the country are allowed the privilege in participating.

In its graduation ceremony, the graduates showed pride and joy in having completed the programme. They planned a gala function where Evette Fou Chong, the Handicraft Supervisor in the Ministry of Community Develop-ment, Culture and Gender Affairs was invited. The graduates and guests were entertained by a cultural item, which was delivered by 11-year-old Omeilia Ramharack Rampersad and an inspirational song by Nadie Yearwood.

Tutor Louise Jones during her brief speech called on the Ministry to ensure that there are proper facilities and equipment provided for the various courses implemented so that effective and efficient training could be carried out.

Graduate Jennifer Yearwood described the course as inspiring and educational. “The programme was very good. It prepared us for the working world in the culinary arts area,” she said.

Yearwood urged women who are unemployed to find out about the various courses offered by the ministry and get themselves involved, “When one does this you find that he or she can open his or her own business or even be available for professional employment in the ever growing hospitality industry in Trinidad and Tobago.”