DDL, GTA continue investment in hospitality with second year of bartender training

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), on Tuesday launched its 4-day El Dorado Bartender Training at Black Magenta, Georgetown Club, bringing together bartenders from leading bars and restaurants across the country.

Now in its second year, the initiative highlights DDL’s sustained investment in bartender development, reinforcing a long-term approach to building capacity within the local hospitality sector. By continuing this programme, DDL ensures that industry professionals are consistently exposed to evolving techniques, global standards, and the level of professionalism required to elevate Guyana’s service offering.

Facilitated by El Dorado’s Global Brand Ambassador and acclaimed UK mixologist Oren Coleman, the training focuses on refining practical skills while introducing internationally recognised approaches to mixology and service. Participants represent a wide cross-section of establishments, creating a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge-sharing, innovation, and the exchange of real-world experiences across the industry.

At the conclusion of the training, participants will have the opportunity to compete in the Guyana leg of the El Dorado Rum Heritage Global Cocktail Competition. Now in its third year, the competition invites bartenders from around the world to interpret and showcase the rich heritage of El Dorado, which dates to 1670.

The Guyana leg of the competition will be judged by Santi Dady, El Dorado Brand Manager (USA); Oren Coleman, internationally acclaimed UK mixologist; and Raveena Mangal, El Dorado Brand Manager (Guyana).

The winning bartender will advance to the Global Finals, hosted in Guyana at the iconic Diamond Distillery, Guyana’s last remaining rum distillery, where eight competitors from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Barbados, Norway, the Netherlands, and Guyana will vie for the title.

The Global Finals will provide participants with an immersive cultural experience, allowing them to explore Guyana’s heritage and lifestyle before presenting their final creations to a distinguished panel of judges: Sharon Sue-Hang-Baksh, Master Blender at DDL; Daniele Dalla Pola, International Rum and Cocktail Specialist (USA); and Sasha Siegel, Bar Owner and celebrated bartender (Canada).

Speaking on the initiative, Sharda Veeren-Chand, Marketing Director at DDL, noted, “As we enter the second year of this programme, we are happy to continue investing in the development of Guyana’s bartending community. This initiative is more than just skills training, it is about creating consistency, raising standards, and building a strong pipeline of talent that can not only represent Guyana with confidence on the global stage but showcase the best of what Guyana has to offer to our visitors. Our partnership with the GTA allows us to not only strengthen the industry locally but also share our rich rum heritage and culture with the world.”

Kamrul Baksh of the Guyana Tourism Authority added, “Our continued collaboration with DDL reflects a shared commitment to developing a highly skilled and professional hospitality workforce. In its second year, this training programme is already demonstrating its value in building capacity and improving service standards across the sector. By investing in people and promoting Guyana’s world-renowned rum heritage, we are strengthening our position as a destination that delivers quality, authenticity, and excellence in every visitor experience.”

Partnerships like these continue to create new opportunities for local industry while elevating Guyana’s presence on the global stage (DDL press release)