National Achievements in the Culinary Industry
Haile Primus Secures Full-Time Employment at Coco Shack
In a remarkable achievement, our national, Haile Primus, has completed a six-week internship program at Coco Shack, a newly opened restaurant in New York City, under the supervision of renowned Chef Pino Luongo. The internship was facilitated by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) and was part of its human capital strategy for the tourism industry.
Haile, an alumnus of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), distinguished himself through his extraordinary performance as an intern, prompting the SKTA to offer him full-time employment at Coco Shack.
In 2019, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, the St. Kitts and Nevis Restaurant Week Committee, and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College introduced a culinary internship program for students in the Culinary Arts division. Five students under the tutelage of Mr. Peter Marshall, Culinary Lecturer and Executive Chef at CFBC, and Ms. Marsha Bassue, Director of Hospitality at CFBC, participated in the program, which included working alongside Chef Pino Luongo and Chef Verral Marshall at Marshall’s Restaurant.
Chef Pino met with the students on multiple occasions, discussing their academic performances and gaining insight into their culinary endeavors. In early 2020, Chef Pino returned to the island, where he selected Haile Primus as one of the successful candidates for an internship based in New York City.
Haile expressed his gratitude to the SKTA, CFBC, and his mentors, stating, “I appreciate the confidence the SKTA and CFBC showed in me by granting this internship. Having been mentored by culinary legends Chef Pino Luongo and Chef David Camara, I was provided real hands-on experience and knowledge of various cuisine styles in a global and profound city. I am excited to begin my professional culinary career as a full-time employee at Coco Shack.”
Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, praised Haile’s success, saying, “Haile’s ability to build excellent rapport with his colleagues during the tenure of his internship has afforded him an opportunity of a lifetime. He has raised the bar for aspiring culinary professionals on the island by demonstrating hard work, discipline, and commitment.”
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Melnecia Marshall, added, “A key component of attaining success is sustaining the passion that fuels you. Haile’s appetite for knowledge was a huge asset and contributor to his recent success… The potential of our local students sees no boundaries.”
The Authority intends to continue its partnership with Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College to create national and international internship opportunities for local students. Hospitality and Culinary students are encouraged to stay focused and driven, maximizing their chances of securing similar opportunities as Mr. Primus.
Q: What does this achievement mean for local students?
Answer: This achievement serves as a testament to the immense potential of local students in the culinary industry and creates opportunities for them to refine their skills and gain invaluable experience.
Q: What is the St. Kitts Tourism Authority doing to support local students in the culinary industry?
Answer: The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is committed to developing human capital for the tourism industry, providing opportunities for national students to hone their skills and gain international exposure, as seen in Haile’s case.