The Week at the SLHTA, September 13th, 2013

SLHTA
Friday, September 13th, 2013  
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In This Edition
Chefs Administrative Training
Feature: Chef Harry
SLHTA Football News
In Other News
Chefs visit Entrepot Secondary School
SLASPA Trains & Certifies Jet Ski Operators
Diamonds International
Health & Wellness Retreat
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Chef’s 
Administrative 
Training

The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) in collaboration with Monroe College is pleased to offer a third round of training for Chefs working within the Hospitality Industry. The first training programme was very successful, with eight participants from seven different properties registering for this course.  The training will be conducted once a week from 9am – 3pm, over a five week period and will be held at Monroe College.  Upon completion, participants will receive certification from the institution.

The Association invites its members to take advantage of this opportunity being made available in collaboration with Monroe College for the development of your employees.  Interested establishments are asked to register with the SLHTAby contacting Wendel George atinfo@slhta.com immediately.

The cost for the programme is EC $1250 dollars and is payable in full BEFORE commencement of the training.  Kindly reserve your space before Friday 20th September 2013.  Thank you for your kind attention.

SLHTA
Honorary Member
The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) will be featuring its Honorary Members in the weekly newsletter in an effort to remember and recognize the tremendous contribution of these individuals to the Hotel and Tourism Industry in Saint Lucia.
The SLHTA is pleased to introduce Mr Edward Joseph.  The name Edward “Chef Harry” Joseph is synonymous with true patriotic St. Lucia hospitality and scrumptious and indigenous cuisine, with an exotic flavour. In fact, a former Prime Minister of St. Lucia, had remarked that there were basically three things that made St. Lucia a beautiful Island namely “The Pitons, the Sulphur Springs and Chef Harry of Green Parrot”. READ MORE
In 2011, Chef Harry as he is affectionately known was officially inducted as an Honorary Member of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association for his long, selfless and dedicated service to the Association, the Tourism Sector and the wider community in Saint Lucia.  Mr. Joseph’s lifelong contribution to the development of the industries Human Resource, Culinary Arts and Hospitality was formally awarded and celebrated by theSLHTA.  The award was made among a number of Industry Chefs, colleagues and well wishers.

SLHTA Football News
Weekly Update
 The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association is please to inform members of the results of thisweeks games.  They are as follows:
  • Anse Chastanet defeats Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort 3 – 0 in Marigot
  • The Body Holiday defeats Cap Maison 4 – 2 in Monchy
  • Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort defeats Smugglers Cove Beach Resort 5 – 0 in Monchy
  • Bay Gardens Resorts and The Body Holiday draw 2 -2 in Monchy
  • Rendezvous lost to Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa 4 – 0 in Corinth
  • Marigot Beach Club defeats The Landings 3 – 2 in Corinth
Games continue next weekTuesday 17th September at Marigot, Corinth and Monchy.

Events Committee Meeting
On Thursday 12th September 2013 a Events Committee Meeting was held at the SLHTA Secretariat.  The following was discussed at the meeting.
  • Call to Order and Welcome Remarks- Mr. Daniel Belizaire
  • Welcome Remarks – Mr. Noorani Azeez
  • Clarification on the Events Committee mandate.
  • Update on the proposed clean-up campagne
  • Past budgets/actuals
  • Discussions and proposed date of Rhythm and Spice.
  • Discussions, updates and proposed date for the launch of the
  • SLHTA stamp and 50th Anniversary Coffee table book.
  • Discussions on Miss SLHTAPageant and the way forward.
  • Updates on the Aqua Action Event
  • Discussions and updates on Celebrity Annual Golf
  • Tournament/Owners Dinner/AGM weekend.
  • Any other business

In other news…
The launch of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Summit in Korea saw former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and WTTC President David Scowsill join forces to warn western governments not to miss out on the future powerhouse of global wealth creation – Travel and Tourism…READ MORE

Chefs in Schools Programme
The SLHTA Chefs in Schools Programme continues in the new school term with a visit to the Entrepot Secondary School.  As is customary, the chefs share their experiences and opportunities in the industry with the students and also engage them in a practical session which entails preparing a two course meal.  The participating chefs in this visit were from The Body Holiday at Le Sport and Cap Maison Resort & Spa.  This initiative is aimed at educating and supporting students with a keen interest in the field of Culinary and Food and Beverage.
Thank You : Bank of Saint Lucia
The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association extends profound gratitude to Bank of Saint Lucia for supporting the Chef in Schools Programme.  Bank of Saint Lucia have been supporting the SLHTA in a number of events and activities over the years and continue to demonstrate their willingness by sponsoring programmes such as the Chef in Schools.
About BOSL
Bank of Saint Lucia is a subsidiary of Eastern Caribbean Financial Holding Company. It was formed in July 2001 as a result of the merger between National Commercial Bank and the Saint Lucia Development Bank. READ MORE

SLASPA Trains and Certifies Jet Ski Operators

Castries – Friday, September 06, 2013 -The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), through its Division of Maritime Affairs hosted a two-day training, licensing and certification session for Jet Ski Operators in Saint Lucia. The training which began on Monday September 02, 2013, focused on rescue procedures; rules of the road; security; customer service; national laws regulating jet ski operations, code of conduct; vessel safety equipment maintenance; use of personal floatation devices; geographical boundaries of operation including access points; location; noise and nuisance avoidance; environmental concerns and re-boarding of craft in the event of accidental fall off. The participants were also issued with an updated list of conditions and guidelines for Jet Ski operations.

 

Mr. Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs stated “In light of the increase in Jet Ski Operators and pleasure craft users, we wanted to ensure that the operators were up to date on their training and certification before the official tourist season begins in October. Key concepts we highlighted included the social responsibility of respecting other users of the sea, educating the operators of the jet skis and boats on ensuring their vessels are in the best operating condition; that the safety equipment required by law is on board, maintained in good condition and that they know how to properly use these devices and the operators have a complete knowledge of the operation and handling characteristics of their pleasure craft whilst maintaining a safe distance from sea bathers and vessels at anchor”.

Delivering the feature address, Superintendent Milton Desir, Commander of the St. Lucia Marine Police indicated “There have been growing concerns about the use of jet skis in the various bays particularly in the north of the island. For the most part, these crafts operate in common space with swimmers, divers, other water sporting activities and other craft such as speed boats, yachts etc. Having realized the potential dangers involved when operating a jet ski, the Division of Maritime Affairs at SLASPA, the Marine Unit RSLPF and other enforcement agencies understood the need to have jet skis operate in a safe and secure manner thereby enhancing safety for all water sporting activities. It is anticipated that the training programme undertaken by SLASPA and the licensing of operators will assist in bringing about the changes necessary to keep our bays safe. The Marine Unit supports the initiative by SLASPA and will ensure that we enforce all related laws”.

 At the end of this two day training, the operators will be given a license to operate for a year and will have to come in to SLASPA to recertify once it has expired. For more information, please contact the Division of Maritime Affairs at 457-6151.

DELIRIUS 
with the 
DIAMOND EFFECT

On Thursday, August 29th, 2013, Diamonds International and Delirius presented the event titled ” Delirius with the Diamond Effect.”  The focus of this event was to introduce a new concept of social marketing that would in essence kill the preverbal “two birds with one stone”.  The concept, a jewelry and food/cocktail pairing.

The concept was the brainchild of Andre “THE REDDMAN” Fontenelle, one of Diamonds International’s newest members to their sales/marketing and promotions team.  “We need to show people jewelry in a different light and that obtaining quality jewelry, is not just relegated to the rich and financially solvent.  Diamonds International has something for everyone no matter the depth of your pocket.” Andre would say time and time again.

The event is centered around showcasing three of Diamonds International’s premiere brands and highlighting the place of origin by serving cocktails and hors h’oeuvres  inspired by native dishes from the region. Brands showcased at this particular event were: Crown of Light Diamonds (Diamond International’s exclusively cut diamond) which comes from Namibia, South Africa, Bvlgari (Bulgari), 18 & 22 karat gold jewelry and luxury timepieces, which hails from Italy and John Hardy, the internationally renowned brand from Bali, off the southern coast of Indonesia which showcases indigenous craftsmanship using sterling silver,18 karat gold & gemstones.  These brands were modelled by Diamonds International staff and there was a display set up featuring the afore mentioned brands as well as other world class brands and designs which were not only available for viewing, but could be bought on the spot.   Samples of the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served coinciding with the models run.   The cocktails were: The Crown Classic Martini (Crown Of Light), The Parentesi Cocktail (Bulgari) & The Kali Cocktail (John Hardy).  The hors d’oeuvres were: The Crown Brilliant Slider (Crown Of Light), The Catenee (Buglgari) & Dots n’ sauce (John Hardy).  All of the samples were named after various collections of the showcased brands.

 The evening was highlighted by giveaways to those who received invitations and attended.  All samples that were served that evening was made available for purchase that evening and can be requested from the kitchen at Delirius.  All in All, Delirius with the Diamond Effect promises to be an event in which will allow customers (both domestic and foreign) to enjoy and evening of sensational ,mouth-watering eats, tantalizing, exotic cocktails and exquisite jewelry and timepieces.  Look out for the next one slated for later in the year for a chance to be part of something special and unique, the Diamond Effect.  Diamonds International, where we bring you the best in everything we do. Welcome to our world.

 

 For more information about Diamonds International, visit HERE.

Safety & Security Meeting

On Monday September 9th, 2013a Safety & Security Committee Meeting was held at theSLHTA Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Bob Hathaway, Board Representative for Yachting and Maritime Sub-Sector and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, Sandals Resorts International and representatives, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.  The AGENDA for the meeting was crafted as follows:

 

1. Call to Order and Welcome Remarks- Mr. Bob Hathaway
2. Visitor Safety & Security Document – The next step

 

3. Update on Liaison Officer recruitment

 

4. Implications of UK Press Coverage of Hannah Defoe incident

 

5. Update on SLHTA members electrical certificate status

 

7. Local Initiatives, proposed establishment of Local Visitor Security Committees

 

8. Rodney Bay Swimming Zones & Demarcation

 

9. Any other business

 

 

The meeting commenced at 10: 21 a.m. and concluded at  11:43 p.m.

Saint Lucia Health & Wellness Retreat
Elevate Yourself

The tropical island paradise of Saint Lucia is the perfect haven for rejuvenation, restoration and renewal. Home to some of nature’s most precious natural attractions, coupled with world class spas in a number of island resorts, Saint Lucia is a natural fit for spiritual and physical awakening.

Leading experts will present wellness seminars, beachside fitness clinics, healthy cooking demonstrations and even sunrise mediations at the upcoming Health and Wellness Retreat in Saint Lucia.

Support for Your Lifestyle Choices or Determine Your New Lifestyle Strategy
The Saint Lucia Health and Wellness Retreat will help participants support and develop their lifestyle choices and for those new to holistic living, determine a lifestyle strategy inspired by the stunning locale. All of this is supported by local and international experts in the realms of cuisine, alternative therapies and holistic living.

With ample time for relaxation, the three-day retreat will feature seminars, activities such as beachside massage therapy, Tai Chi and yoga instruction, and healthy cooking demonstrations. Also included are daily spa treatments at participating resorts as well as the opportunity to indulge in the natural therapeutic benefits of Soufriere’s mineral and mud baths.
The various activities will take place in locales across the picturesque island, from Pigeon Island National Landmark in the north of the island to the UNESCO World Heritage Pitons at the southern town of Soufriere.

Our Diverse Programs Will Be Lead by Renowned Experts in the Health and Wellness Field Including:
  • Cat Cora, an American professional chef best known for her featured role as an “Iron Chef” on the Food Network television show Iron Chef America and as co-host of Around the World in 80 Plates on Bravo
  • Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times Bestselling Author of the book May Cause Miracles. Her earlier titles include Add More ing to Your Life and Spirit Junkie. Gabrielle is also the founder of the social networking site HerFuture.com for women to inspire, empower and connect.
  • Luke and Joanna Gray, operate a lifestyle company aimed at transforming lives through fitness, food and lifestyle.
For more information, visit: http://stlucianow.com/hw/