— Minister Griffith encourages graduates to build on their skills

THE Eccles Training Centre came alive on Thursday evening as Commercial Food Preparation trainees under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) showcased their culinary expertise during a special practical dinner.

The event, attended by Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, and BIT Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Richard Maughn, formed part of the trainees’ final assessment for the four-month Commercial Food Preparation Programme.

Under the guidance of instructors Ms. Grace Andries-Grant and Ms. Cheryl Sam, and supervised by Technical Officer Ms. Rima Rohee, the trainees prepared a diverse and flavourful menu that impressed guests. Dishes included Honey Mustard Chicken, Beef Kebabs, Chicken Balls, Stuffed Fries, Spanish Rice, and a range of other expertly crafted items.

Adding depth to the evening’s celebration was the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which brought a reflective and empowering tone to the event.

In his remarks, Minister Griffith praised the trainees for their dedication and creativity, urging them to view their newly acquired skills as the beginning of a lifelong journey.

“The skills gained through the Board of Industrial Training are not the end of your journey, but a foundation to build upon,” he said. “Use what you have learned to uplift others, start your own ventures, or advance further in your training.”

A particularly moving highlight came from special guest, Ms. Belinda Drakes, a former BIT trainee and breast cancer survivor, who shared her story of perseverance and hope. She credited the training programme with helping her stay motivated during recovery and encouraged attendees to prioritise their health through regular checkups and self-awareness.

The evening ended on a celebratory note, as the trainees received warm applause for their achievements and looked ahead to their official graduation ceremony in the coming weeks.

The Commercial Food Preparation Programme is one of many skills-training initiatives offered by the BIT to empower Guyanese through technical education, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.