Curiosity was on full display with students from Iris Gelly during day two of the Jamaica Observer Applaud It! series, hosted by Rainforest Caribbean at its Slipe Road corporate office in Kingston on Tuesday, November 10.

Eleven students spanning grades two to six, alongside Principal Claud Rowe and Vice-Principal Kimberley O’Leary, were already seated when the Jamaica Observer team arrived in the conference room, where a beautifully dressed table awaited the group, setting the stage for a lesson in fine dining etiquette complemented by a three-course meal catered by Chef Kara Pessoa.

Following a meet-and-greet with the students, Rainforest Caribbean Marketing Manager Denise Byfield Dixon extended formal greetings and introduced the executive team. On hand to engage the youngsters were Rainforest Director of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Roger Lyn, outgoing General Manager Jerome Miles, incoming General Manager Radcliffe Walker, Business Development Manager Zakary Jardim, Group Head of HR Karlene Sutherland, and Food and Beverage Manager Daniel Bronkhorst.

Rainforest Caribbean General Manager Radcliffe Walker lent a hand to Iris Gelly Primary grade four student Tishawn Patterson (right) as he enjoyed his cream of pumpkin bisque, with grade six student Dawayne Cox looking on.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

In his opening remarks, Lyn welcomed the Iris Gelly contingent and reaffirmed Rainforest Caribbean’s commitment to supporting the school following Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which hit a year ago, forced the postponement of last year’s Applaud It! session, making this year’s reunion a celebration of a partnership now spanning a decade.

“I know you guys have quite a bit of challenges. It has been a tough year for you guys, but we’re going to see how best we can help you and help the students. Because, ultimately, they are our future,” Lyn said.

Protect the tie! Applaud It! conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte shows Iris Gelly Primary grade six student TrayShawn Ramsay how it’s done as classmate Nickayla Johnson looked on.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Applaud It! conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte urged the students to make the most of the occasion by asking questions freely, a piece of advice they would later enthusiastically put into practice.

Rainforest Caribbean Business Development Manager Zakary Jardim assisted Iris Gelly Primary grade two student Amaria Sinclair in cutting her honey soy glazed trout fillet.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Vice-Principal O’Leary blessed the proceedings, clearing the way for lunch to commence. Before the first course arrived, however, McDonald-Whyte guided the students through table place settings and proper napkin etiquette. Sixth-grade student TrayShawn Ramsay was quick to put the lesson into practice, eagerly tucking his napkin into his collar to protect his shirt and tie.

Chef Pessoa subsequently introduced the multi-course menu, explaining that every dish was created using Rainforest Caribbean’s extensive product line. The first course featured a rich cream of pumpkin bisque with corn kernels and chicken. As McDonald-Whyte demonstrated the correct technique for eating soup, the students eagerly embraced the opportunity to sharpen their dining skills.

Iris Gelly Primary grade two student Amaria Sinclair prepared to savour her sorbet and vanilla and chocolate cake.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

During the first course, conversation flowed seamlessly from the obstacles the school faced during its recovery from Hurricane Melissa to its high aspirations for success in the Junior Schools’ Challenge Quiz competition. The spotlight soon shifted to the students, who were eager to pose their own questions. Ramsay was particularly curious about the trajectory of McDonald-Whyte’s professional journey. She happily obliged, recounting her studies in languages and her extensive background in the hotel and airline sectors and teaching before she established herself as a lifestyle journalist.

From there, the inquisitive students turned their attention to the origins of Rainforest Caribbean. Grade two student Amara Sinclair inquired about the company’s age, with Lyn proudly revealing that Rainforest was celebrating its 29th anniversary today and already eyeing its 30th milestone next year. Meanwhile, fifth-grader Sirius Lyons asked why the company specialises in seafood, with Jardim detailing the business’ heritage and the steady expansion of its product portfolio.

Iris Gelly Primary fifth-grade student Kiera McDonald enjoyed her honey soy glazed trout fillet.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

“When our founder, Brian Jardim, started the company, he was trading seafood sourced from various Caribbean countries and territories,” Jardim explained. “He imported it for hotels first, so our heritage is firmly rooted in seafood. But as time went on, we grew our portfolio of offerings. Now, we have much more than just seafood. While people know us for shrimp, fish, snapper, and all those delicious items, we’ve expanded into French fries, vegetables, fruits, and a whole range of other products.”

Iris Gelly Primary Vice-Principal Kimberley O’Leary supervised grade four student Daja-Lee Lester as she tucked into her honey soy glazed trout fillet.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Soon after, the main course arrived — a honey-soy-glazed trout fillet with jasmine rice pilaf and stir-fried vegetables. McDonald-Whyte took the opportunity to guide the students on correct silverware etiquette, assisting them as they put the rules into practice.

Towards the end of the session, Lyn lauded the student’s natural aptitude and active engagement during the session, underscoring a genuine eagerness to learn.

Rainforest Caribbean Business Development Manager Zakary Jardim shared smiles and hugs with students of Iris Gelly Primary.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

The afternoon concluded on a sweet note with a mango sorbet crafted from the Rainforest Fruit Bar, accompanied by vanilla and chocolate cake heartily endorsed by the students.

Rainforest Caribbean Director of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Roger Lyn exchanged hi-fives with Iris Gelly Primary and Infant School fifth-grade students Kiera McDonald (left) and her twin sister Kiara.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Bringing proceedings to a close, grade six student Ramsay delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Rainforest Caribbean team and the Jamaica Observer for their hospitality and insights. Armed with new-found knowledge, smiles, and gift bags filled with Rainforest products, the students departed following another enriching and rewarding experience.

Applaud It! continues today at the Port Authority of Jamaica with Excelsior High, Wolmer’s Boys’ and Convent of Mercy (Alpha) Academy.