(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Thursday, March 25, 2021) – The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) has teamed up with acclaimed and award-winning chef, Nina Compton, on a GoFundMe drive to assist local restaurant employees whose livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting pets  especially dogs  can provide a caring companion that loves your child unconditionally and support them in their daily activities. Any pet can be an adventure – but dogs have proven to be especially effective because of their protective and friendly “pack” dynamic, you can get more info info in this link https://www.themomkind.com/top-dog-breeds-for-children-with-autism/.

This GoFundMe initiative is created exclusively for Saint Lucian restaurants and their workers to support them in this time of need. The goal is to raise US$100,000. Donations of US$50 and over will be eligible for a drawing of the following prizes:

• A 3-night stay at Jade Mountain with breakfast and dinner in a Star Pool Sanctuary, valued at US$6,900
• A 3-night stay at Villa XHale, valued at US$6,000
• A 2-night stay at The Landings Resort & Spa, valued at US$800
• Dinner for 2 at Compère Lapin, Chef Nina Compton’s restaurant in New Orleans
• Jus’ Sail Private Sunset Sail for 2 valued at US$395

To make a donation, click on the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/chefs-helps-chefs-and-restaurants

Over the next few days, the SLHTA will roll out the GoFundMe drive in grand style. The organization also urges everyone to share the link with their friends and help promote and solicit contributions.

The local restaurant sector suffered badly over the past 12 months  due to curtailed business stemming from reduced visitor arrivals and lock-downs, the adoption of a grab-and-go concept, and reduced operating hours. This has resulted in either layoffs or reduced pay for many restaurant employees.

Compton said she is pleased to partner on the new initiative: “Born and raised in the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, I am proud of my homeland, but COVID-19 has destroyed many industries leaving many jobless, homeless and hungry,” said Compton, who operates Compère Lapin/Bywater American Bistro. “Raising money will help provide people with the daily necessities as many are in need. Please help the people of Saint Lucia by donating today.”

The fundraising initiative was instigated by the President of the SLHTA, Karolin Troubetzkoy, who said that the effort will provide much-needed support for the affected employee in the restaurant sector, many of them single mothers finding it difficult to make ends meet.

“We are so thrilled that Nina has partnered with us on this important initiative,” Troubetzkoy commented. “She is an honorary member of the SLHTA and we have kept her informed about the situation here in Saint Lucia and the challenges our restaurants have been going through.”

Nina Compton is a James Beard award-winning Saint Lucian chef currently living in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the daughter of Sir John George Melvin Compton, who served as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia on three occasions. Nina graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. She began her professional journey at Daniel in New York City, working and continuing her culinary education alongside world-renowned chef/restaurateur Daniel Boulud and his team.

After moving to Miami, she continued to work with the best, joining the crews of Norman Van Aken at the original/iconic Norman’s then Philippe Ruiz at Palme d’Or at the historic Biltmore Hotel. Eventually, Nina moved to Casa Casuarina, a private club and boutique hotel in Miami Beach, where she rose from Sous Chef to Executive Chef of the small yet highly acclaimed property.

With the excitement of the 2008 reopening of the refurbished Fontainebleau Miami Beach, combined with the chance to work with Scott Conant at Scarpetta, Nina leapt at the chance to join the pre-opening team as Sous Chef and went on to be appointed Chef de Cuisine, where she earned raves and accolades.

Compton competed on Season 11 of Top Chef. She was the Top Chef, Season 11 runner-up and was voted fan favourite by viewers.

In June 2015, Compton opened her own restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, Compère Lapin. Compère Lapin serves Caribbean-style cuisine and is located in the New Orleans Central Business District. In March 2018, she opened Bywater American Bistro in New Orleans with husband/partner Larry Miller and chef/partner Levi Rains.

About the SLHTA: As the principal tourism private sector agency in Saint Lucia, the SLHTA is responsible for facilitating tourism sector development and management in Saint Lucia. The SLHTA is a private non-profit membership organization that functions as the “official organization and national spokesperson” for the hospitality industry and its wide membership.