By John Sheka Tarawalie
The Professional Chef Association of Sierra Leone on Thursday 25th November 2021 paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and presented trophies won in the just concluded West African Food Festival Help in Liberia.
The festival brought together 11 participating countries, In which they had programs like, Training, master class and Waffest fair, City and Tourism site tour, Countries competition, Pastry competition, Professional Chef’s cooking competition, Dinner awards night and West African food display.
The Professional Chef Association of Sierra Leone participated in a competition on the theme “Same People, Different taste.” The participants from Sierra Leone on cake decorating came 2nd, on bread baking Sierra Leone came 1st, and on Jollof Rice, Sierra Leone came 3rd. Out of 11 countries that participated, Sierra Leone came 2nd.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr A. L Sorie said they are excited about what is happening in the Tourism sector, noting that the Tourism sector is big and that they are doing their best to see that the sector is of more importance to the country. He added that they are happy that the hospitality industry participated in the West African Food Festival in Liberia. Nothing that the Chef Association has marketed Sierra Leone to the International world and that they have showcased to the World that Sierra Leone has standard Chefs.
The Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh noted that they as a sector are so amazed by the participants for participating in such an international competition. He thanked President Bio and the Minister of Tourism for always showing leadership qualities.
The National President of the Professional Chefs Association of Sierra Leone, Chef Abdul Kainessie thanked the Minister of Tourism and her team for giving them the platform to showcase their talents and achievement. Noting that the association was formed in November 2020. She added that their aim was to bring together professional chefs in the country so that they will all have one voice and one goal. He asked the government through the Ministry of Tourism to continue the good work by helping on flight tickets and other logistics in subsequent competitions.
Giving her keynote address, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt congratulated the chefs on behalf of the President and the people of Sierra Leone for bringing glories to the country. She noted that they are proud of the chefs for taking such a brave and bold step to put Sierra Leone on the International map. Adding that the Ministry of Tourism is the fastest growing ministry and sector in the country. She noted that Sierra Leone has been winning since the 90s in terms of food preparation. She said Sierra Leone has the best food in the sub-region and that Sierra Leonean food tastes so good compared to other countries.
The Tourism Minister further noted that it is an outstanding achievement for the country and applauded the chefs for forming such an association.
The program was climaxed with the presentation of trophies and medals.
