Volume No. 2 Issue No. 51 - Monday August 25, 2008
Alwen's Promise: Dominica's First Eco-Education Inn
Cadet chefs display local dishes from Alwen's Promise.
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The most unique and striking green building was recently dedicated in Dominica's Layou Valley, at the junction of the Layou Valley and Carholm Road. That dedication and reception was to celebrate the end of major construction of Phase I of Alwen's Promise.
The first Leadership in Energy & Environment Design (LEED) building in the Eastern Caribbean, designed by Ben Uyeda of Independence Energy Homes www.zeroenergy.com" and built by Stewco Construction of Dominica, this eco-education facility will serve as a platform for the Dominica Renewable Energy Institute and the Nature Island Culinary Institute. Major Francis Richards of LSBF, Ltd served as local Project Manager.
Phase I, completed at a cost in excess of $500,000 USD, will be a spur to the development of the Nature Island's renewable energy sector. Solar Engineers Karol Philip of Dominica John Weber, and Dave Bruegman of Boise, Idaho have agreed to lecture at the model site and so disseminate knowledge to local and regional students of renewable energy science. The solar installation was performed by local electronics engineer Karol Philip.
The featured speakers at the event were Dominica's Education Minister Vince Anderson and Chef Joe Bushiness a Culinary Institute of America "green chef" with 18 years of experience with the Marriott Hotel Corporation and work experience in the Middle East and Europe.
Minister Henderson welcomed the development of this renewable energy initiative and embraced the proposal for a renewable energy education institute and a culinary training program. In his view the effort would address the twin challenges facing mankind: energy and food shortages.
The project was blessed by Roman Catholic priest Reginald LaFleur; and a vote of thanks was given by Dr. Samuel Christian, Health Tourism director for the project.
The guests were able to savor a dazzling array of "green dishes", chocolate mole, mango/pineapple relishes and salads, all with Chef Joe's special touch. The culinary trainees of the Dominica Cadet Corps were engaged in the process of food preparation and received certificates for their efforts on Monday, July 29, 2008.
It was announced at that time, that Alwen's Promise had produced the first local chocolate bar, in partnership with a joint venture partner from Trinidad. Called "Chocolat de la Dominique" it was milled with cocoa harvested in Dominica's Layou Valley.
The Alwen's Group, developers of the project, has crafted the facility into being Dominica's first eco-education inn: a place where visitors, guest and trainees will be educated in renewable energy science, green building design, sustainable agriculture, green/organic cuisine preparation and environmental protection/conservation.
Alongside its partner the Nature Island Culinary Institute led by Chef Joe Shinseki(http://extravaganteventscatering.com/).
The Alwen's Promise platform would serve as a base for the Dominica Renewable Energy Institute on-site. under the direction of Boise, Idaho solar systems engineer Dave Bruegman (www.solarcascade.com) and - "gas to solar vehicle" conversion expert John Weber (http://a11news.com/129/solar-powered-car/), working in tandem with local engineers such as Karol Phillip and Adenauer Douglas. It is intended that the entity will train persons for the emerging global green economy and be the catalyst for the transformation of Dominica's legendary Layou Valley into a Green Zone for Excellence.
It is hope that the project will lead to the revival of agriculture in the lush Layou Valley.
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