The Bars to Go group of companies has launched its first bartending and mixology scholarship valued at almost $120, 000.

The lucky student will also receive a professional bartending kit courtesy of Smirnoff, a gift basket from Tru- Juice, a cellular phone from Digicel and at the end of the course at the Bars to Go Training Institute, they would have received a certificate in advanced bartending.

This certificate makes the scholarship winner and other students qualified to work not only in Jamaica, but anywhere in the CARICOM region and England.

Patrice McHugh, master mixologist and managing director of the Bars to Go Group of Companies, in speaking about the scholarship and major sponsor, Tru-Juice premium quality juices, said:

"It is critical that we cultivate the very best bartenders for our industry. Jamaica is a destination for many countries and when our visitors order a drink they expect it to taste the same way no matter where they go. Our aim is to train our bartenders to be consistent, but also to open up their horizons to the possibilities. Using the freshest ingredients has always made the difference between a 'cocktail' and an 'experience'", said McHugh.

She added, "With our international expertise and the versatility of Tru-Juice premium quality juices, the options are endless. We are thrilled to have them on board as partners with us in this training initiative."

The signing of a million-dollar contract with Tru-Juice signifies that the standard for Jamaican mixed drinks will be raised for years to come.

From the contribution of classroom materials to provisions of products for training, Tru-Juice premium quality juices has shown their commitment to the advancement of our local bartenders who will one day work in the hotel and nightclub industry.

"Jamaicans have such a vibrant appetite for flavours, colours and textures. Our food has gone far to bring Jamaica to the forefront of our visitors hearts and minds. By giving the bartending industry the tools to create the finest drink mixes we anticipate great strides in a growing cocktail/mixed drink culture. One great Jamaican company with another, the synergy is magnetic," said Kim Lee, head of marketing - Trade Winds Citrus.

To have a chance to win this scholarship and kick-start your career anywhere in the Caribbean, it's simple! All you have to do is fill out the application form, found only in THE STAR, place in an envelope marked 'Bartending Scholarship' and drop off at any of the following locations:

THE STAR
7 North Street, Kingston
Trade Winds Citrus
Bog Walk PO, St Catherine
Bars To Go Training Institute - 5 Central Road, Suite # 2, Kingston 10
Trade Winds Citrus - Montego Bay Depot - 1a Lower Bevin Road, Montego Bay, St James