Culinary Federation of Jamaica

Board Members

Ms. Marsha Grant

Ms.Marsha Grant  grew up in Kingston Jamaica and was initiated into the world of Hospitality through the University of Technology Jamaica, where she gained a Food & Beverage Certificate, a Diploma in Hotel Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. She then moved into restaurant management with an overseas chain, when she was drawn to education and training. She pursued a Master’s Degree at the Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
In Pursuit of continuing knowledge she pursued several courses including :
Certified Culinary Educator- American Culinary Federation
Pro Chef Level 2 –Culinary Institute of America
Sous Chef Level 4- HEART College of Hospitality Services
Advanced Certificate in Workforce Development-University of Delaware
Neuro Linguistic Programming-
Post Graduate Diploma in Education and training, – VTDI
Sustainable Tourism in Caricom Countries- Meio University-Japan
Certified Hospitality Department Trainer – AHLA-Educational Institute
Certified Hospitality Educator – AHLA-Educational Institute
Additional courses include, Intellectual Property, Event Planning and Production, Video Production, CEFE,TPDCO TEAM Trainer, NCTVET Quality Auditing, and Curriculum Development.

Mr. Fredrick Gayle

Mr.Fredrick Gayle Vice President of the Culinary Federation of Jamaica , Executive Chef at the Knutsford Court and Courtliegh Hotel & Suites .
My fellow Culinarians, as you are all aware, over the past five months the hospitality industry has been hit hard due to the COVID 19 virus. Many of you have been out of work since and despite the opening of the industry over the past few weeks things are not yet back to normal. Most of you are still not back to work and do not know if and when you may return; the reality is we will not see things back to normal for maybe the next year or two. In light of that, as a federation, we know that many persons are experiencing financial and emotional challenges. This time more than ever please try and stay strong. Survival is paramount, so whatever other means and ways that you can find to help yourselves please do. I do hope most of you have the opportunity to capitalize on the free courses the Jamaican Tourist Board had to offer over the past months. Our annual Taste of Jamaica of Jamaica Culinary Competition and Expo have been cancelled for this year. However, we are looking forward to a bigger and better Taste of Jamaica competition for 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the best. Please remember to adhere to the Ministry of Health’s protocol. Wash your hands, wear your masks, keep your distance and please stay safe. God bless. 
 

Mr. Walcon Austin

Mr. Walcon Austin  Growing up in a hectic family of ten (10), cooking was a fundamental part of Executive Chef Walcon Austin’s childhood. Being around his grandmother inspired his career and also ignited his culinary skills. Chef Austin got his first experience and training in the culinary field when he was at the Runaway Bay HEART Academy. He then furthered his studies at the George Brown School of Hospitality in Toronto, where he learned to develop his own unique style and flair. 

Mr Mark Cole

Mr Mark Cole is one of Jamaica’s premier Executive Chefs and has assisted in revolutionizing the Jamaican culinary landscape with his innovation and creativity. He has the distinction of being the preferred chef to tantalize the taste buds of various Heads of State that visit Jamaica, like President Obama and Royals such as Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne. Chef Cole now spent most of his time imparting his wealth of knowledge to young chefs who train and perform on behalf of Jamaica in international competitions 

Mr. Richard Dennis

Mr. Richard Dinnis is the Managing Director of WICan Supply &  Services Ltd. and a Sanitation Consultant , he host the weekly Sunday morning program called ”Chemically Speaking” aired on Mello FM @ 8.AM.He also served as the Culinary Federation of Jamaica treasurer and the Chairman of The Taste of Jamaica committee as well as the General Secretary for the St. James Football Association and the Secretary of the Cornwall College Old Boy Association.