Celebrating youth talented in song, film and culinary arts

Youth talent and achievement took centre stage on Sunday as Dove Productions celebrated participants and sponsors behind three initiatives focused on young people in Saint Lucia.

The appreciation and awards ceremony on Thanksgiving holiday, held at Dove Gardens in Rodney Heights, brought together participants, sponsors and officials involved in the Independence Culinary Gold Cuisine Challenge, the Caribbean Youth Film Festival and Saint Lucia Junior Jazz. 

All three events are spearheaded by Colin Weekes and his team at Dove Productions, with a strong focus on youth participation and development. Saint Lucia Junior Jazz is endorsed by the Castries Constituency Council and the Department of Local Government. 

The event was attended by the Mayor of Castries and acting Minister for Local Government Stephenson King, who joined in recognising the value of initiatives that provide opportunities for young people.

Participants in the Caribbean Youth Film Festival received certificates of participation, while Independence Culinary Gold Cuisine Challenge winner Tyler Willie of Calabash Hotel received a medal and prize from Chef Orlando Satchell.

The annual culinary challenge is a collaboration between Dove Productions and Island Ripple, with Satchell serving as head judge. This year, six participants were challenged to use breadfruit and smoked herring in their fine-dining presentation. 

Guests at Sunday’s ceremony also had an opportunity to sample some of the dishes, including breadfruit tacos with smoked herring. 

The programme also featured performances by some of the young artistes who took part in this year’s Junior Jazz event.