Five students from the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) School of Hospitality and Tourism Management were presented with Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards scholarships and bursaries on Friday.

The awards, presented at the Observer’s Beechwood Avenue headquarters in St Andrew ahead of World Gastronomy Day on June 18, reflect the media group’s continued investment in Jamaica’s growing culinary sector.

The recipients were selected after individual interviews that tested their knowledge of the food and hospitality industry, as well as their long-term goals. The panel included customer service expert Norma Williams, Red Stripe communications manager Daika Mitchell, and Table Talk Food Awards chair Novia McDonald-Whyte. UTech lecturer and programme director Richard Warner and Pauline Madourie also offered feedback on the candidates.

Three final-year students were awarded scholarships.

Lacieann Bell, who earned the Novia McDonald-Whyte Scholarship, shared how failing chemistry crushed her hopes of becoming a medical doctor but sparked a new purpose in culinary arts. She now uses her science background to create lactose-free recipes, inspired by her own dietary restrictions.

“I was quite surprised,” Bell said, on receiving the award. “The scholarship will go a far way in my education and me finishing university so I am happy about it and really thankful.”

Tannica Palmer, the first in her family to attend university, was also awarded a scholarship. She works as a supervisor at Uncorked at Sovereign North while balancing her studies and extracurricular activities. When asked what motivates her, Palmer told the judges it all comes down to having a love for cooking and wanting to motivate those in her family and those around her.

The third scholarship winner was Rabyaah Fisher, praised for her academic excellence and drive. A resident of Canaan Heights in Clarendon, Fisher said she is determined to use her skills to create a better life for herself and her family through the culinary arts.

Bursaries were awarded to Malik Shields and Mekayla Mullings. Shields expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “I am honoured. I believe it will allow me to focus more on my academics, elevate my GPA and allow me to do better than I am doing.”

In addition to the scholarships and bursaries from the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards committee, Red Stripe, through its D&G Foundation, will provide all five awardees with books and grants valued at $1.5 million.

McDonald-Whyte noted that while Jamaica is known for its sand and seas, the culinary arts is a key contributor. She encouraged students to take a broader view of the culinary industry.

“It is important to not only go to school — book knowledge is very, very important — but you have to have the academic qualifications as well as the street smarts. You can’t be in the industry and you don’t know about the industry. You can’t be in the industry wanting to open things and you’re totally oblivious to what’s going on and what is needed,” she said.

Programme director at UTech Richard Warren thanked the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards committee and Red Stripe for their support.

“I’ve seen many students benefit from the scholarships and bursaries, and I say on behalf of the university and specifically the school of hospitality, thank you very much for the offerings that you make,” he said.

The five awardees will participate in the Foodie Seminar on Tuesday, June 17, at Terra Nova All-Suite hotel in St Andrew, where they will have the opportunity to network and learn from experts in the food industry.