The Barbados-based West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), producers of the internationally celebrated Plantation Rum, recently provided more than 50 hospitality professionals with the opportunity to increase their industry knowledge and skills free of cost amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The candidates, who were drawn from nine Caribbean countries including Barbados, participated in the Level 1 Award in Spirits, an introductory course that aims to develop an understanding of the factors affecting the flavours and aromas of spirits.
Managing Director of WIRD, Andrew Hassell, said the company was pleased to be able to offer well-deserving teams from across the region the opportunity to further hone their skills in the world of spirits.
“Education is a key pillar for us at WIRD and we are extremely proud to be able to deliver this important initiative, especially during these challenging economic times. It is our ultimate hope that participants can jump start their careers as the region begins reopen,” he said.
“Rum and sprits are all about education and know-how, so we are happy that we could facilitate this course for some of the Caribbean’s brightest hospitality professionals as an extension of this philosophy.”
The online course was facilitated by the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Beverage alcohol and other hospitality professionals over the age of 18 were eligible for the course with individual distiller’s associations selecting the most deserving candidates in their respective markets.
WSET Business Development Manager – Americas East and the Caribbean, Deniece Bourne commented: “Tourism is a major industry across the Caribbean, and we are committed to offering our support to displaced hospitality professionals. We are delighted to partner with WIRSPA for this initiative which aims to empower participants through education and a qualification which will help them in their careers.”
On completion of the month-long course students took a remotely invigilated online exam and those who were successful received a certificate and a WSET lapel pin. (PR)