ROADTOWN , October 10th, 2012 – The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Culinary Centre was officially handed over during a brief ceremony yesterday, signaling the intended growth of the BVI hospitality industry, particularly in the culinary arts.
During his remarks, Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE told attendees yesterday, “As my Government continues to ‘Brand BVI’ like never before, we are looking to this Culinary Arts Centre to help us position ourselves in the global market, promoting to the world our talented chefs and local cuisine.”
Premier said he reflected on the many achievements of the Territory’s chefs whose talents help attract visitors to Destination BVI, adding, “I think of the National Culinary team, who over the years, have competed on the world stage, showcasing one of the many outstanding characteristics of our destination – our local cuisine.”
Premier Smith also spoke about the quality training young chefs will receive at the new centre, adding that it will strengthen the BVI tourism product.
He said, “We all know that exceptional customer service can only lead to new and repeat customers and it can make our tourism product more attractive and marketable,” further commenting, “Additionally, this new facility will help to introduce our students to careers in the tourism sector, thus making sure future generations have a greater stake in the society.”
The Culinary Arts Centre was handed over from the Premier’s Office, the agency that supervised the project, to the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron Walwyn remarked that the Government of the Virgin Islands places much emphasis on the development of the Territory’s tourism product, adding the new centre is an example of such a commitment.
Honourable Walwyn also said that he looks forward to the new institution becoming a regional centre for culinary arts, welcoming students from within and outside the Territory.
During his remarks, President of HLSCC Dr. Karl Dawson stated HLSCC’s mission which he said, “...indicates the institution would provide educational opportunities…while also linking the economic and human resources development needs of the Territory.”
He added, “We trust that with God’s help, this centre would meet the goals of training and development that was envisaged at its conception.”
The project was completed with co-financing efforts by the 7th European Development Fund, through the European Commission (EC), and the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Government contracted Quality Construction Ltd. in 2010 for the project worth €1,784,535.77 (equivalent to US $2.2M), of which the EC financed €784,500 (equivalent to US $956,933.10). The company was responsible for the overall construction of the centre.
After the brief ceremony, chaired by Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro, attendees were treated to a tour of the new facility.
The creation of the new Culinary Arts Centre represents Government’s commitment to enhance the product offerings of Destination BVI. This is also in line with Government’s training strategy in the hospitality sector, to ensure the maximisation of revenue and opportunity contribution of the various sub-sectors.
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