The Embassy of Colombia in Jamaica recently organised a successful culinary exchange event on May 29 in collaboration with the HEART College of Hospitality Services in Runaway Bay, a counterpart of Colombia’s National Learning Service (SENA).

This event featured the talented chef from San Andrés, Kaysha Smith-Howard, who conducted a master class for students in hospitality and gastronomy programmes.

During the master class, Chef Kaysha showcased three original dishes highlighting the rich flavours of Colombian and Caribbean cuisine.

The menu included plantain baskets with shrimp, red snapper with green mango sauce and basil oil, and traditional cocadas, a dessert inspired by the flavours of San Andrés, her native island.

Students were not just passive observers, but active participants, discovering numerous cultural and culinary parallels between Jamaica and Colombia, despite the language barrier.

The shared heritage of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, where a dialect similar to Jamaican Creole is spoken, served as a cultural bridge, enriching their learning experience.

The visit also included a tour of the training facilities and the hotel at Runaway Bay.

The following day, Chef Kaysha prepared a lunch for select Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) ambassadors in Jamaica, enhancing diplomatic ties and showcasing Colombian gastronomy. Attendees included ambassadors from Argentina, Chile and Panama, the chargé d’affaires of Costa Rica, and the deputy head of mission of Cuba.

Ambassador Emiliana Bernard expressed her delight with the visit, emphasising the role of gastronomy in promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

She stated, “These events allow us to share Colombia’s rich cultural diversity and traditions with the world while strengthening our relationships with Jamaican institutions and other diplomatic missions.”

This event was part of the cultural diplomacy strategy led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. It aims to reflect Colombia’s identity and promote cultural diversity to foster and strengthen the foreign policy of the country.