St. Vincent and the Grenadines participates in 2014 Caribbean Week

KINGSTOWN, ST VINCENT – St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is soaring to new heights with numerous capital projects designed to transform the tourism industry and make SVG one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean. To celebrate Vincentian culture and bring awareness of these milestones—including the construction of SVG’s first new international airport—the 32-isle nation will participate in this year’s New York Caribbean Week, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) from June 2-6, 2014. The annual Caribbean Week is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colors, talents, diverse culture and unique vacation experiences of the Caribbean, as tourism is the driving engine for many Caribbean countries. At the crux of the week-long series of events is the participation of Tribeca Grill’s Executive Chef and SVG native, Kamal Rose, who will bring a taste of “Vincy” life to New York during the Rum & Rhythm Benefit & Auction: “The Ultimate Caribbean Cultural and Epicurean Experience.”

This year’s SVG delegation at Caribbean Week is comprised of Glen Beache, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority; Hon. Hon. Cecil McKee, Minister of Tourism, Sports & Culture; Celia Ross-Latham, Director of Sales-USA for the SVG Tourism Authority; and Kathique Haynes, Marketing Officer for the SVG Tourism Authority. The delegation will attend various events throughout the week including Media Marketplace, Caribbean Romance Pavilion, the Rum & Rhythm Benefit & Auction, the Trade Show & Educational Seminar for travel agents, the investment forum and several others seminars.

The participation of Executive Chef Kamal Rose at the Rum & Rhythm Benefit & Auction: “The Ultimate Caribbean Cultural and Epicurean Experience,” is an exciting addition to this year’s roster. The event will be held on Friday, June 6 at Tribeca 360 NYC and is comprised of numerous Caribbean chefs who were chosen for their professional excellence and their determination to create delicious fine-dining offerings using traditional Caribbean ingredients and recipes. Rose will be serving a few Vincentian dishes like Conch Ceviche with Breadfruit Chips as well as Roast Pork Sliders (Roast Pork, Bakes, Guava BBQ Sauce). His cocktail sample includes the Captain Blight “Swank” made up of Carbonated Lemonade, Rum, Bitters, and Nutmeg infused ice.

“We are honored to participate in this year’s Caribbean Week in New York, as SVG is a unique destination that has something for everyone,” said Glen Beache, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority. “There’s no better forum to celebrate our Vincentian culture among media, trade, consumers and the Caribbean Diaspora. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Kamal Rose on board to demonstrate to visitors the flavorful cuisine they can expect when visiting SVG,” Beache added.

Rose’s rise to executive chef of Tribeca Grill is an inspiring story of talent, persistence and hard work. As a child of SVG, he was encouraged to cook by his grandmother. After moving to New York when he was 15 years old, Rose’s senior year of high school was spent interning at Tribeca Grill. Working his way through every station in the kitchen from garde manger and tournant to head of Banquets and then to sous chef, Rose perfected his craft with focus and determination. In 2009, he won a $20,000 scholarship in a national cooking competition and also earned a diploma in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education. Rose’s work ethic, passion and leadership earned him a promotion to Executive Chef in the summer of 2012.

At Tribeca Grill Rose oversees a close-knit team and shares the vision of his mentors, former head chef Stephen Lewandowski and restaurateur Drew Nieporent. His signature dishes reflect his Caribbean heritage, his travels and his desire to showcase local products. Rose has cooked at many noteworthy events including the James Beard Foundation, Kristen Ann Carr Fund, City Harvest and Share Our Strength. Rose’s most recent feat is his victory over Chef Shannon Bard on the Food Network’s hit show “Beat Bobby Flay,” giving him the opportunity to compete with the famous Bobby Flay himself.