The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has officially announced the National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda 2025, set to represent the destination at the prestigious CHTA Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition, to be held from November 16–18, 2025.
Hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s leading culinary competition and cultural showcase. Since its inception in 1993, the event has united top chefs, bartenders, and culinary professionals from across the Caribbean, celebrating the region’s rich flavours, creativity, and shared heritage through food and beverage.
The 2025 National Culinary Team will feature:
- Caribbean Chef of the Year: Eustance Cabral Jr., Chef de Cuisine, Jumby Bay Island
- Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year: Azarie Crump, Student, Muriel O’Marde Campus for Tourism and Hospitality Services
- Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year: Arielle Mills, Pastry Sous Chef, Galley Bay Resort & Spa (2025 Taste of Wadadli Pastry Chef Winner)
- Bartender of the Year: Auslando Davis, Food & Beverage Supervisor and Sommelier, Curtain Bluff Resort
The team will be guided and supported by:
- Team Manager: Chef Olvanah Richardson, Executive Sous Chef, Blue Waters Resort & Spa
- Junior Chef Mentor: Chef Jean Pierre Tuitt, Executive Sous Chef, Jumby Bay Island Resort
- Logistics Manager: Jesse Thomas, Director of Agri-Tourism, Ministry of Tourism
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, commended the team and underscored the importance of culinary initiatives in showcasing the nation’s culture and talent. “These initiatives allow us to tell our food story, celebrate our heritage, and empower our communities,” he said. “The National Culinary Team represents Antigua and Barbuda with pride and purpose on the international stage.”
Craig Marshall, Chairman of the ABHTA, praised the dedication and teamwork behind Team Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations. “This competition not only highlights our unique ingredients and culinary heritage but also provides a valuable platform for exposure and growth,” he said. “Their passion and talent inspire the next generation of chefs and reinforce Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation for culinary excellence.”
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the event’s broader significance for the destination. “Team Antigua and Barbuda is ready to showcase our rich heritage and unique flavours on the regional stage,” he said. “This competition celebrates culinary tourism — one of the most authentic expressions of our brand. I’m confident our team will deliver a true taste of home that makes the nation proud.”
The ABHTA extended heartfelt appreciation to the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Jumby Bay Island, Curtain Bluff Resort, Citizenship by Investment Unit, Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Galley Bay Resort & Spa, and LIAT Air for their invaluable sponsorship. Their support covers travel, accommodation, team uniforms, training facilities, and other critical logistics that make the team’s participation possible.
As Team Antigua and Barbuda prepares to take the Caribbean’s premier culinary stage, the public is encouraged to follow their journey and show support via social media on @antiguahotels, @antiguaandbarbuda, and @abta_live on Facebook and Instagram.
With passion, creativity, and national pride, Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary stars are ready to shine — and serve up a true taste of the islands at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean.
