|
27th May 2005 Jamaica is a newcomer in WorldSkills Jamaica is a newcomer in the WorldSkills competition participating with four competitors. The country is represented by chef Mr Nickardo Whittelock, web designer Mr Omar Johnson, hairdresser Ms Danielle Clarke and Ms Anesha Simpson in information technology. According to the Team Leader Ms Sandra Berry the preparations went well and the first competition day was fairly successful. “We expect them to do their best and God does the rest,” Ms Berry stated. Jamaica attempts to develop its education system and wishes the competition to encourage schools towards high international level results. Country hopes to gain visibility to its competitors and products, and also build new relationships with international corporations and experts. Mr Nickardo Whittelock, 21, competing in the cooking skills, has been training to WorldSkills 2005 Helsinki for a year with the help of his personal coach. He is passionate about his profession. “It is great to learn about new cultures and improve professional skills.” According to Mr Whittelock and Ms Berry the competition arrangements have gone well despite of the minor language problems that have lead to troubles in information exchange. Mr Whittelock arrived in Finland on Saturday and considers Finland as a warm country -not because of the weather but the warm people. Mr Whittelock has been enthusiastically examining the Finnish food culture. When asking for an opinion about the Finnish food Mr Whittelock kindly replies that Finnish food lacks excitement, as a Jamaican he is used to spices and colourful foods. The participation of the Jamaican team in WorldSkills has gained a lot of positive attention. The Jamaican stand at Global Skills Village has been of interest for many international guests not to mention Finnish students who have been really keen on the grocery samples that have been on display. Text: Anniina Luotonen
|
