Girls Brigade and Tourist Board Host 2nd National Table Setting Contest
Mishelle Thomas is the winner of the 2nd annual National Table Setting Contest, hosted by the Girls Brigade and the BVI Tourist Board. The event was held at the Reef House, Prospect Reef Resort, on Sunday August 20th.
The other participants were last year's 1st place winner Sarai Smith, Latoya Storrod, Dawn T. Lennard, Dawna K. Lennard, Lincoln O. Sprauve, Elroy Caines, Susan Sealey, Ray Victor, Rhonda Victor and Terrence Stapleton. They all participated in an orientation session on Thursday and the contestants had the opportunity to show off their skills, from the placement of the tablecloths to the serving of meals, to their parents and other supporters. The National Table Setting Contest is the brainchild of Mrs. Janice Nibbs-Blyden of the Girls Brigade and receives the full support of the BVITB. She contends that the older generation, after slavery was abolished, did not have the pleasure of being able to sit at a properly layered table. "One of the things lacking in the BVI is etiquette. We are full-fledged in a booming tourism industry and table setting could be considered the backbone of the industry. It is therefore essential that our waiters are properly trained."
Mrs. Nibbs-Blyden noted that every youth organization has table setting as one of the activities a child should learn. She said she thought that by instituting some form of a contest, this would help children to grow and provide them with skills to use later in life. From her position in the Girls Brigade, she collaborated with then Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, Neil Blyden, who also thought it was a good idea and offered the support of the Board.
The idea also received the support of Director of Tourism Ms. Anne Lennard, who assigned an Officer to work with Mrs. Nibbs-Blyden. She pointed out that the first National Table Setting Contest last year went very well, but focused only on the setting of tables alone. "We had so many requests from people in the industry who asked if the children would be willing to work, but they were too young." According to Mrs. Nibbs-Blyden, Trainer Augustine Mark, Maitre D’ at Treasure Isle Hotel, advised that the participants must be able to serve as well, therefore food service should be included. "It went well, the children were very professional, they were dressed well in white and black, they really put a lot into the whole thing, they were really top class," the Girls Brigade official told The Island Sun after the event. She pointed out that the winner and the first runner up, Latoya Storrod, ran in close competition. they were really top class waiters and waitresses.
Mishelle won a specially-designed platter from Pat's Pottery in Anegada, $325 from the Tourist Board, a National Table Setting Contest t-shirt and a certificate of appreciation. Latoya won $250, a t-shirt and received a certificate. In third place was Susan Sealey. She won $125, a t-shirt and a certificate. Each contestant also received a $50 bank account compliments of the Development Bank of the Virgin Islands, a t-shirt and a certificate of participation.
"I have observed with great interest and admiration the vision which was created and the Tourist Board was only willing and happy to join forces," said Director of the Tourist Board, Ms. Anne Lennard at the opening ceremony. She said the contest raises not only the awareness of the skills required in this field, but will also help to build the confidence and knowledge of young people. "Furthermore, it goes hand in hand with the Tourist Board's efforts towards supporting the training of persons in the BVI of all sectors and ages," according to Ms. Lennard. She recognized the efforts of the staff of the Board's Product Department and also Mrs. Blyden. The BVITB Director went on to suggest that they should consider staging this event in the outer islands as well.
The judges for this year's National Table Setting Contest included Mr. A. Kailan - Food and Beverage Manager/Prospect Reef Hotel, Mr. Karl Dawson - Dean of Technical, Vocational and Professional Studies/HLSCC, Mr. Henry Prince - Lecturer in the Hospitality Department/HLSCC, Mr. Myron Walwyn - Manager of Cafesito & Moorings Mariner Restaurant and Mr. Allen Rhymer - Manager/Roundhill Villas.