Update from Karimah Bethel-Carty `05

Many recent grads may remember Karimah Bethel `05.  The following is an update as reported by SUNY Cobleskill's friend, T.L. Wright.

Karimah Bethel-Carty `05 traveled many miles to attend SUNY Cobleskill and after earning several degrees, returned to Anguilla to apply her skills, talents and knowledge to help others.

Anguilla is a small island off the north coast of St. Maarten and part of the British West Indies. It is an international up-market destination and home to several of the best hotels and resorts in the Caribbean. The country is highly dependent on tourism which is its major source of employment. Consequently, those with hospitality and culinary services are given high priority.

Karimah graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with an AA in Restaurant Management and subsequently spent two and a half years in Florida where she earned a BA in Hospitality Management and an AA in Hotel Management graduating Summa Cum Laude. Since returning to Anguilla, she married Geoffrey Carty and they have a daughter, Kafery.

To enhance their capacity to train and educate local high school graduates, the Government of Anguilla established a Community College which is presently located in a local office building. However, plans are underway to build a stand-alone campus. Karimah has been Chef de Partie/Trainer at the college for a year and with Sharon Richardson, director of hospitality studies, developed a series of courses in hospitality and culinary management. Her passion for food services is well grounded as her uncle, Vernon Hughes, is one of the most highly regarded executive chefs in the Caribbean. With Karimah's impressive education achievements and cheery personality, Anguillan students will be well prepared to enter the hospitality business.

As a take-off of SUNY Cobleskill’s program, the college established Zenaida, an in-house cafe with commercial kitchen, bar, and seating for forty guests where students receive hands-on training and provide off-site catering services.

When recalling her SUNY Cobleskill experience, Karimah speaks with fondness of fellow students and outstanding professors who she says, "were very kind, courteous, and taught me to think outside the box.” Although she subsequently attended another college, it's obvious she will always have a warm spot in her heart for SUNY Cobleskill.

As for what lies ahead, Kirimah isn't sure. "My passion is food services and hospitality but I also love teaching.” One thing is certain; with her education, talents, and skills, she will see many doors of opportunity. Only time will tell which door she will choose to enter.