The Eccles Training Centre was alive with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes on Thursday evening as trainees of the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) Commercial Food Preparation Programme hosted their practical dinner, marking the culmination of four months of hands-on culinary training.
The event, which formed part of the trainees’ final assessment, was attended by Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma D. Griffith, and BIT Chief Executive Officer Richard Maughn. Under the guidance of instructors Grace Andries-Grant and Cheryl Sam, and supervision of Technical Officer Rima Rohee, trainees presented a menu featuring Honey Mustard Chicken, Beef Kebabs, Chicken Balls, Stuffed Fries, Spanish Rice, and a variety of other savoury dishes, each plated with creativity and precision.
Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event symbolized strength, resilience, and empowerment through skill-building.
In his remarks, Minister Griffith praised the trainees for their dedication, saying, “The skills you have gained through BIT are a foundation — one that you can build upon, whether by sharing your knowledge, starting your own business, or continuing your training journey.”
Special guest Belinda Drakes, a former BIT trainee and breast cancer survivor, also addressed attendees. She shared how the programme helped her stay motivated during her recovery, urging men and women to prioritize their health. “This programme helped keep me motivated when I needed it most,” she said.
The evening concluded with a sense of pride and optimism, as trainees now look forward to their official graduation ceremony in the coming weeks.
