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QUINTESSENTIAL – FOOD & BEVERAGE APPAREL

NCF SUPPORTS LOCAL CHEF TREVON STOUTE

Kitchen, restaurant and bar staff all around the world can now enjoy new, stylish looks thanks to Quintessential by T. Stoute, a line of Food and Beverage apparel, designed by renowned local chef, Trevon Stoute.

Quintessential was funded in part by a National Cultural Foundation grant, and is the apparel partner for the Barbados Food & Rum Festival. The brand has been officially launched this month to coincide with the festival.

Actually, chefs participating in the final upcoming events of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI’s) Food & Rum Festival will be wearing the Quintessental brand.

“I am ecstatic and super, super, happy for the opportunity to have the entire Food & Rum team fully drapped in the apparel. It is an absolutely blessing. The response has been huge. People love what they have been seeing. They love the fit. I am honoured to see the Food & Rum Festival posters plastered on the highway with the chefs in gear my company designed,” the 28-year-old said.

Stoute was also in high praise for the funding and other support provided by the NCF.

“Special thank you to the NCF. The project was a tough undertaking from the get go. It was a very expensive project and the NCF did lend a hand with the grant and I appreciate that. Any help is a big help. The process was a tedious one but it was tedious for a reason. The NCF grant process ensured that I was well-organised and had all my ducks in a row which is good for anyone starting a new business,” he stated.

“Quintessental was born out of a desire to revolutionise apparel in the Food and Beverage industry”, the chef explained.

“Due to the demanding nature of our work, we have been forced to prioritise function over fashion. But our job is about more than flipping pasta or pouring a glass of wine; we create an immersive dining experience, and I believe that we deserve to be a part of that experience as well, starting with the way we present ourselves,” owner and founder said.

Stoute has been one of the major players in Barbados’ culinary scene for several years, representing the island around the world as a culinary ambassador, and has received a number of titles, including Barbados’ Chef of the Year, a Taste of the Caribbean award-winner, and the Hans Schenk Commemorative Awardee.

It is this expertise and experience he has brought to Quintessential, where the pieces have been designed with important elements like water and stain repellence, breathable fabrics, and added features for increased airflow and improved fit.

“Quintessential proves that fashion and function can comfortably coexist. It means the world to me that I’ve been able to design pieces that function like well-oiled machines in the kitchen, while maintaining a superior level of elegance and style the moment you step out of the kitchen.”

Stoute added: “Ultimately, I want our food & beverage teams to feel good about themselves. I want the heart and soul we put into our work to be reflected in the way we present ourselves while on the job.”

The Quintessential line currently includes chef’s coats, mixologist jackets, servers’ shirts and aprons, and is currently offered online with worldwide shipping available. (PR)

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EBC Officers Conducting Verification Of Addresses Exercise

The public is advised that Registering Officers from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) are in the field conducting a verification exercise to confirm the address of each registrant. This activity is in accordance with the Representation of the People Act Cap 12, Section 12.

EBC Registering Officers will be wearing the department’s branded T-shirts with the official ID prominently displayed as they visit residents in districts across the island.

Householders are encouraged to cooperate with the Registering Officers and secure their pets or animals during the visit. (PR/GIS)

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Police Service Tips For A Safe Bank Holiday Weekend

As persons prepare to attend various events over this extended weekend, Crime Prevention Officer with The Barbados Police Service, Inspector Roger Babb, is encouraging them to “stay in control” as they enjoy themselves.

Inspector Babb reminds members of the public that drinking alcohol impairs their ability to make good decisions, and drinking and driving may result in accidents that can be fatal.

The Crime Prevention Officer shared these useful tips:

Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol; it is okay to say no.
Do not drink and drive, always have a sober designated driver.
If you drink, do so in moderation and never leave your drink unattended.
Do not let anyone bring a drink for you.
To avoid having your drinks spiked, buy your own drinks, and watch the bartender make or open them.
If you think your drink was tampered with, let someone know and seek medical attention.
Be cautious with strangers and do not accept drinks from them.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never mix alcohol with other drugs.
PR/GIS

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SANDALS BARBADOS RECEIVES (CARPHA) AWARD

Sandals Barbados is the proud recipient of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award.

The presentation was made recently at the Ministry of Health and Wellness office located in the Frank Walcott Building, St. Michael, Barbados.

Accepting the award for the Luxury Included Resort was General Manager Bruno Couesnon.

In his brief remarks Couesnon thanked every one of the team members who contributed to the resort’s recent accolade.

“It’s always nice to win awards; but it takes a team effort to achieve the results for which we are being recognized, today. The health and safety of our guests and team members are important to us and it is great to be selected and celebrated by CARPHA for doing our part and succeeding,” said Couesnon.

Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Lisa Indar commended the hotel for achieving this internationally recognized award and praised its commitment to health and safety procedures.

“The 2019 Covid pandemic led to global shut down of tourism but it also demonstrated the resilience of the Caribbean by being able to bounce back. Part of that bouncing back was to be able to create a healthier and safer tourism experience and the reason you are here today is by being part of the tourism health programme and implementing proactive measures,” said Dr. Indar.

Some of the benefits of this award include being regionally and internationally recognized for healthier safer tourism endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The award is the only traveler’s health award where compliance is assessed – it is measurable and verifiable, ensuring the safety of the tourist facility, staff and guests. It also gives a comparative, marketing advantage and gives value to the quality of service.(PR)

CAPTION: Sandals Barbados General Manager General Manager Bruno Couesnon (L) accepting the CARPHA award from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George