DDL, GTA Continue Investment in Hospitality with Second Year of Bartender Training

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), today 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, where top local talent will go head-to-head for a chance to represent Guyana on the international stage. Now in its third year, the Global 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 pleased to continue investing in the development of Guyana’s bartending community. This initiative goes beyond skills training; it is about creating consistency, raising standards, and

building a strong pipeline of talent that can confidently represent Guyana on the global stage while showcasing the very best of what our country has to offer. Our partnership with the GTA allows us to strengthen the industry locally and share our rich rum heritage and culture with the world.” 

Also speaking at the opening on behalf of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Sade Cameron, Communication and PR Lead, said, “With El Dorado Rum at the centre of this initiative, it provides an excellent opportunity to highlight our rich rum heritage, while giving local bartenders the chance to refine their skills under the guidance of world-renowned mixologist, Mr. Coleman.” 

Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, who was unable to attend the opening, also shared his thoughts on the training programme: “Our continued collaboration with DDL reflects a shared commitment to building a highly skilled and professional hospitality workforce. Now in its second year, this training programme is already proving its value by strengthening capacity and raising service standards across the sector. By investing in people and showcasing Guyana’s world-renowned rum heritage, we are reinforcing our position as a destination defined by quality, authenticity, and excellence—especially meaningful as we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee anniversary this year.” 

Partnerships like these continue to create new opportunities for the local industry while elevating Guyana’s presence on the global stage.