In the Photo from Left to Right: Digicel Promotional Representative, David Esler (General Manager Business Solutions, Digicel), Rabindra Narine (winning golfer), Rodney Phillip (winning golfer), Darrel Bartholomew (THTI Board Director), Rowena Crooks (General Manager Business Solutions – Digicel Tobago), Digicel Promotional Representative)

The Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute (THTI) hosted golfers, corporate partners and guests at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort for the 4th Annual Taste of Tobago Golf Classic from March 31 to April 2^nd for a weekend of superb golfing and hospitality experiences as part of the Institute’s fundraising efforts.

The main tournament hosted 90 golfers from across the country and internationally, including the Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr Keith Rowley and the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Justice Ivor Archie. From inception in 2018, this event has remained extremely popular among the national golfing fraternity, with tournament spots filling up long before the event weekend.

Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, The Honourable Dr Keith Rowley playing at the Taste of Tobago Golf Tournament 2023.

With the support of major Sponsors, National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) Digicel Business, Carib Brewery and the Sport and Culture Fund, THTI once again delivered exceptional all-inclusive golf and culinary experiences that have become a perennial favourite for golfers and guests. 

The tournament’s highlights were the celebrations of winners. Kicking off with the Junior Golf Tournament on Friday March 31, 2023 where 50 youths competed for twelve (12) trophies and tokens from Digicel Business and Khalian Systems Ltd. THTI’s commitment to this cause extends beyond the event since some of the proceeds of the tournament will be directed to support the continued efforts of the Ricky Campbell Junior Golf Academy throughout the year.

For the main tournament, the Taste of Tobago Golf Classic, the ultimate Champion’s Trophy went to the team of Rabindra Narine and Rodney Phillip whose prize included two individual trophies, complimentary entry to the 2024 Taste of Tobago Golf Classic, two 50” digital screens with Digicel Plus Service for six months sponsored by Digicel Business. The champions were closely contested by 2^nd Place Winners, Shuffie Ali and Daniel Boodram while 3^rd Place went to Ronald Clarke and Glenn Redhead who made off with a Bacolet Beach Club Weekend Stay. 

The Top Female Team spot went to Jacqueline Crawford and Helen Duncan who won Tommy Hilfiger watches. Best Youth Golfer was repeat winner,13-year old Daron Dhanraj who played alongside his father Rajindra Dhanraj and made off with Louise & Mann headphones.

There were fun prizes too. Vindra Dhanraj and Gail Rajack snatched Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial champagne for winning “Best Dressed Team” as voted by the public on the Taste of Tobago Facebook page. The honour for the team that played the most strokes to get to the end of the tournament, which could also mean the team that lost the most golf balls, went to Digicel Business duo of David Esler, General Manager and Jerren Lewis who received a prize of multi-coloured golf balls. 

The evening belonged to THTI’s Master Chefs and Mixologist who expertly guided their students in creating an array of delectable drinks and dishes that reimagined locally sourced ingredients into rich new dimensions. For Saturday’s Culinary Experience Chef Sonia Phillip’s team presented fantastic creations under 5 separate themes; Rufus (all things pork); Tobago Heritage; Tobago Evolution; Under the Sea; and Bago Sweets. Each theme featured 4-5 delicious creations such as stewed rabbit with bhaggi buss-up-shut and Guava Bar-B-Que pork ribs with green fig & dasheen salad. 

The celebration of food continued on Sunday at the Prize Giving Cocktail Party with an extensive and audacious menu designed by Chef Arthur Patrick and his students. They delighted guests with new creations such as pelau sushi and plantain ice cream served with cassava pone. For those whose diets leaned towards the liquid sort, master Mixologist Raakesh Madoo faced steady traffic at his beverage stations to sample his innovative cocktail creations. A particular favourite of the golfers on saturday was the Carib Beer cocktail “Tabanca Cooldown”, made with Carib, passionfruit, pineapple and tarragon.  The full menus and tournament results will be posted on the event’s website www.thetasteoftobago.com/golf.

Students played a lead role in curating and executing on all the menu items and beverages, gaining invaluable practical experience as they hone their skills and get exposure to THTI’s industry partners and business owners. The event creates an opportunity for tourism and hospitality students to showcase their talents on a grand stage, shining a light on the career opportunities in the industry. 

For more information, email tasteoftobago@thti.edu.tt or call 868-303-5153.

ABOUT THTI

The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) is Tobago’s premier tertiary education institution that develops human capital for the economy’s hospitality, tourism, and related sectors. THTI was founded in 1997 to address the need for trained professionals to compete in a globally competitive market alongside other Caribbean islands. In 2009, THTI became the first indigenous Tobago institution to be registered with the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT). THTI attained ACTT Institutional Accreditation status in 2014 and again in 2019. Located on a 100-acre estate of pristine forest lands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, THTI’s sprawling campus is nestled within farming and fishing communities of Mount St. George, Tobago. The Institute offers many short courses in Tourism; Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Food & Beverage alongside its accredited Associate Degree Programmes.

The Tobago Hospitality &Tourism Institute

Tel: 868-303-5153 / 868-660-2196

Email: info@thti.edu.tt

Website: www.thti.edu.tt 

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