Barrouallie Technical Institute wins first schools’ Fish Cook-Off competition

The Barrouallie Technical Institute was adjudged winner of the first secondary schools’ Fish Cook-Off competition with the dish “Coconut Infused Steamed Fish with Ginger Mashed Sweet Potato.

The competition, held on January 28, was organized by the Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation,{{more}} in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Reconciliation and Ecclesiastical Affairs and the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment.

The purpose of the competition is to get students to develop their own fish recipes and to encourage the inclusion of fish dishes on the menu of the school feeding programme. In so doing, the intent is to foster a greater love and appreciation for fish as part of the student’s diet and highlight the nutritional value and importance of fish. This activity was also supported by the Caribbean Fisheries Co-management Project (CARIFICO) and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV), which are funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Nine students from three schools participated, with the Barrouallie Technical Institute being the host school. The other schools were the Buccament Bay Secondary School and the Central Leeward Secondary School.

Original fish recipes were developed and prepared, showing the students’ skills and techniques in the preparation and cooking. The dishes were judged by a panel of four judges. In keeping with one of the objections of the Zero Hunger Programme, that is, to improve the health status of the population, the Fisheries Division would continue this activity with other schools across the country, so that healthier eating habits can be developed among Vincentians.