THE Carnegie School of Home Economics has strengthened its partnership with the Embassy of Colombia in Guyana through a culinary and cultural exchange aimed at promoting shared learning, showcasing local produce and creating new opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Education, brings together Guyanese and Colombian culinary traditions while providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in gastronomy, cuisine and home economics.
Colombia’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Graybern Livingston Forbes, underscored the importance of the collaboration, noting that the partnership creates meaningful opportunities for cultural engagement and greater appreciation of the culinary traditions of both countries.
The Ambassador also highlighted the potential of Guyana’s diverse food heritage and locally available agricultural products, including breadfruit, seasonal fruits and other indigenous produce, to support the continued growth of the country’s tourism and hospitality industries.
The engagement brought together key representatives from the education, hospitality and diplomatic communities, including Principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, Dr Sharmaine Marshall; Chief Executive Officer of Herdmanston Lodge, Mrs Omadele George; General Manager of Aiden by Best Western Georgetown Guyana, Mr Carlos Eduardo Achong Pinto; and Belize’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Gale Miller Garnett.
The collaboration is expected to provide opportunities for students to broaden their culinary knowledge, engage with international food traditions and explore innovative ways of incorporating Guyanese ingredients into modern cuisine and hospitality offerings.
Through cultural diplomacy and institutional partnerships, the initiative seeks to encourage the sharing and celebration of Guyanese and Colombian traditions while creating potential benefits for students, communities and the wider hospitality sector.
The Ministry of Education, through the Carnegie School of Home Economics, said it remains committed to supporting the initiative and looks forward to expanding collaboration with the Embassy of Colombia.
The partnership reflects a growing emphasis on using food and gastronomy as tools for cultural exchanges, education and economic development, while promoting Guyana’s culinary identity as part of its expanding tourism product.