My eyes were open wider than ever now to how vast the culinary industry was, and to how food can be manipulated to produce mouth-watering flavours. I WANTED MORE! Even though I was learning a lot, and my tuition was somewhat covered, my financial difficulties were not over, I still needed money to live. So, my friend from Antigua and I would go to restaurants and ask for jobs in the kitchen, sometimes we even worked for free. Some of our Tutors had their own businesses and allowed us to work whenever they needed our help. The experience we gained was priceless. I graduated from Johnson and Wales University in 2016 with honours. I must say, at times it was challenging but what kept me going was that phone call every Sunday from my mother reassuring me that everything will be ok and that God has a plan for my life. After Graduation I was fortunate to obtain a work permit and remained in the U.S for a little over a year, working at two high-end restaurants (one day shift, one evening shift) and soaking up all the knowledge I could.

I returned home to Tobago in 2018 with a wealth of knowledge. A condition of the contract for assistance was using my expertise for the benefit of Tobago and / or the country. I therefore felt the best way to fulfil my obligation and share generally of my experience, knowledge and outlook for Tobago, was to Lecture at the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute my Alma Mater. There, I would have the opportunity to touch the lives of many young, budding chefs who would eventually, positively impact the Tourism product in Tobago.

I am fully enjoying the lecturing and also learning from my students. Over the past two years I also opened my own business ChefP Catering and Restaurant Consultancy where I provide personal chef services, and also help new or existing restaurants run efficiently. I continue to strive for excellence and hone my skills, always seeking new methods and techniques. My ultimate goal is to transform Tobago’s local cuisine and put it on an international level.

I encourage young Tobagonians to dream big. You can accomplish anything you want to in life, you just have to believe it and step out in faith. In the words of John Heywood, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”  Most of all, TRUST IN GOD, he works in mysterious ways. Nothing is impossible once he is in the mix.  I would like to thank God, my family, friends and the THA for the support given.