Between two and three hundred students in forms 3-6, of the Hospitality Department of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, have benefited from a day-long seminar conducted by leading persons in Anguilla’s hospitality industry.
The well-dressed students were so taken up by the various sessions of the seminar that a number of them may later decide to enter the island’s hospitality service that caters to the upper end of the market.
The Careers and Professionalism Hospitality Seminar was held on Friday, April 15, at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium. The opening session was addressed by Ms. Latoya Mathew, Graduate Teacher, Culinary and Hospitality, assisted by fellow Graduate Teacher, Ms. Kendisha Hall.
Ms. Mathew named the speakers at the seminar as: Mrs. Karimah Carty, Chef de Parte and Lecturer at the Anguilla Community College; Ms Dorla Hodge, Director of Human Resources, Viceroy Anguilla; Ms. Carolyn Yard, Director of Training & Quality Assurance, Viceroy Anguilla; and Mr. Delroy Lake, President of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association and General Manager, Anacaona Boutique Hotel.
“All of you students will undoubtedly have an advantage if you choose to continue your interest and desire to enter the hospitality industry or any other job market in Anguilla,” Ms. Mathew told them. “Take a good look at these faces [the seminar facilitators]. They will likely be your future employers, colleagues or educators. This morning is going to be an informative and interactive session where you will be exposed to building a hospitality career, presenting a professional image on the job – villa management and guest services. This afternoon will comprise bartending and housekeeping basics, followed by a culinary demonstration to conclude today’s seminar.”
The bartending basics session was led by Ms. Kara Hughes, Restaurant Manager at Viceroy Anguilla; the housekeeping basics by Mr. Kevin Carty, Operations Manager & Team from Cap Juluca; and Chef demonstrative sessions were conducted by Chef Joe Richardson & Team from CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.