Exam-ready participants had the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge as they completed their final assessment in the Bartending & Mixology course developed by the Pinelands Creative Workshop, and executed through the support of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, the MAID Program, the Inclusive Development Initiative, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, and the Royalton Vessence Barbados.
The goal of this course was to bridge the gap between passion and opportunity. This tangible transformation of potential and passion into purpose and professional capability was displayed at the Sky Terrace of Royalton Vessence, on August 13, 2026 as students used many traditional herbs and interesting ingredients in their innovative liquid creations.
“Investment in people is investment in a nation.” These are the words of Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, the Honorable Colin Jordan, who applauded the institutions and organisations that make it possible to ensure we are developing our people. Jordan emphasized how Barbados, over the years, has developed because of its people, leading to the country’s economic growth through tourism.
Resident Manager of Royalton Vessence Barbados, Michael Sealy: “This is what Royalton Vessence Barbados is about; taking this young talent and developing it into something great. Not only to improve Barbados’ tourism, but that brings the best of the world to Barbados to enjoy this.”
Sophia Greaves of the Pinelands Creative Workshop, praised the students for remaining consistent in their commitment, execution, and building of their confidence. “The most important thing is that we have seen growth in terms of their confidence as young people, as young professionals.”
Greaves shared that programs such as these reach the ordinary people to transform their lives through this educational approach. The program has successfully responded to the needs of the young people and the needs of the market for new talent and creativity; simultaneously filling two gaps. “We are speaking to development, we are speaking to employment, so we are moving them out of that possibility of unemployment or out of poverty, into the opportunity that could be well awaiting them. Whether it is right here at the Royalton Vessence or any other property or restaurant on the island.”
While this occasion marked the graduation of this cohort’s formal training, it is only the first step in a much larger strategic vision. The Pinelands Creative Workshop is focused on three critical next steps: Deepening Strategic Partnerships for Employment, Advancing to Higher Level Training, and Competing Locally and on the World Stage.
