Many participants of the International Culinary Challenge has stated that it was deeply concerning that the Government is requesting to fill forms and get statements in order to recognize the wins they earned in the Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives.
The Gold medal and Silver medal winners of Challenge stated that the Government had not recognized their wins. The Challenge is an international challenge.
The winners noted that they were given their merits after being judged by the regional director and chefs of the International Chefs Guild. They added that they were not interested in a financial reward but national recognition by the Government.
“We had talks with the Government. They say that we have to fill a form, get witness statements. We completed challenge infront of cameras, an audience. It was an international event, covered by local media. The medals were given in a special ceremony, many were there. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed opened the ceremony, in a huge ceremony. And we still have to fill forms,” some of the medal winners said.
Many of the winners of the Challenge have also proceeded to the finals in the Taste of India Food Festival organized by the Indian High Commission. Dishes prepared by them have received rave reviews from the public in the Bolly Food Festival.