Mixology Graduates Showcase Their Skills
March 16, 2026
Dozens of mixologists in Barbados told to seek out the numerous opportunities available in the tourism sector to ply their skills as they embark on new business ventures.
The advice from Minister of Community Empowerment, the Honourable Charles Griffith at a Mixology Graduation Course, titled, ‘A Sip in the Valley’ at the Valley Resource Centre in St George.
They took part in the 12 weeks course between October and December 2025 under the tutelage of Robert Riley at the Valley Resource Centre, with the 45 member class, comprising 35 males and 10 females.
Minister Griffith assured the graduates that numerous jobs exist in the tourism and cruise tourism sectors, which they could secure if they properly market themselves in the process.
He also encouraged them to get together in groups to start their own businesses, noting that if they need additional certification, they should enrol at PomMarine to further enhance their skills.
The Community Empowerment Minister assured graduands that the programme would be certified even if it’s done retroactively.
Minister Griffith also lauded the CDD for putting together the programme and for helping to get a high percentage of young men involved in the undertaking.
This as he congratulated them for staying the course, whilst exhorting them to use their newly honed skills to make some money for themselves and their families.
Chief Community Development Officer, John Hollingsworth lauded the fact that most males took part in the initiative which has become one of their signature programmes.
He says the CDD has “been trying for a long time now to encourage more young Barbadian men to sign up for their programmes, noting that this has been a very pleasing start”.
Mr. Hollingsworth says they will continue to offer more programmes so that Barbadian men and women can empower themselves with various skills to uplift themselves and their communities.
Tutor Robert Riley described the experience as “overwhelming, noting that the team created their own original cocktails”.
Some of the names chosen included the Valley Cocktail, the Bayleaf Bliss and Kola Sunset. The Mixology Course formed part of the CDD’s Community Impact Programme which offers dozens of skills at various Community and Resource Centres across Barbados, to hundreds of Barbadians on a monthly basis.
