Barbados wins Taste of the Caribbean 2024, shines again with culinary talent

The Barbados National Culinary Team has once again excelled at the Taste of the Caribbean competition by winning the gold medal and bringing the flavours of Barbados to life with the country’s best culinary talent.

The Taste of the Caribbean is a culinary competition which was organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), from November 18 to 20. This event brought a vibrant and talented group of chefs from across the Caribbean together and gave them an opportunity to showcase their islands’ flavours and ingredients.

As per the details, seven teams from across the Caribbean participated in the competition held at the Florida International University’s Kovens Conference Centre. Barbados turned out to be the best team among all the participants, proving once again that the island nation is home to some of the best culinary talent in the region.

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association extended congratulations to the team and acknowledged their unwavering efforts towards impressing the judges with their true Bajan culinary artistry.

Team efforts helped Barbados win Taste of the Caribbean 2024

The team members that participated in the competition included, Rynaldo Joseph, Dejuan Toppin, Rickeena Kirton, and Alex Chandler. The tourism authority said that this accolade is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of all the team members that has been paid off in the best way possible.

The tourism association also mentioned about the dedicated efforts of the Culinary Management Team. The members included, Team Manager Chef Adrian Cumberbatch, Assistant Team Manager Chef Javon Cummins, Culinary Coach Chef Damian Leach, and Mixology Coach Rohan Hackshaw.

The tourism authority added that this remarkable win by the Barbados signifies the true leadership and dedication of the team members which has inspired excellence in every step of their way.

“From bold flavours to unmatched creativity, #TeamBarbados wowed the judges and brought home the top honours,” stated Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.

The hotel and tourism association further continued to say that this victory is not just about gold, but the spirit of Barbados, the talent of their chefs and mixologists. “Let’s continue to celebrate and elevate our culinary arts.”

They also thanked all their team members, partners and sponsors who stood by them during this journey. They highlighted their unwavering support which has played an immense role in making their journey at the Taste of the Caribbean 2024 possible and successful.

The Special Projects Manager Tessalee Moore said that for them taste is not just a competition but a vital developmental tool. He added that this taste plays a significant role in providing educational opportunities by way of seminars, workshops, and demonstrations on the trends and emerging concepts in Food and Beverage.

He added that their victory at the Taste of the Caribbean 2024 will open doors to several opportunities for the local chefs of Barbados to continue to showcase their skills on an international platform.

The awards won by Barbados at the Taste of the Caribbean

• Caribbean Team of the Year
• Junior Chef of the Year: Dejuan Toppin
• Best Non-Alcoholic Drink: Alex Chandler
• Hans Schenk Commemorative Award for the Most Innovative Indigenous Ingredients: Dejuan Toppin
• Pastry Chef of the Year – Silver: Rickeena Kirton
• Chef of the Year – Silver: Rynaldo Joseph

Taste of the Caribbean 2024

The Taste of the Caribbean 2024 is one of the most prestigious culinary awards in the region. It is the only culinary competition where chefs and bartenders throughout the Caribbean are able to compete with one another in one arena.

The teams that participated in the competition included, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, Saint Lucia and the US Virgin Island.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Vanessa Ledesma called, the Taste of the Caribbean a valuable opportunity for professional development.

He added that food and beverage professionals can play a huge role in refining their skills through specialized workshops, learn from industry leaders, and stay ahead of culinary trends. The CEO said that they are committed to contributing to the growth and global recognition of Caribbean cuisine.

The other winners in Taste of the Caribbean 2024

• 2024 Caribbean Chef of the Year: Rhashindra Donge from Bonaire
• 2024 Caribbean Bartender of the Year: José “Yeye” Ortega from Puerto Rico
• 2024 Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year: Emmany Hippolyte from Saint Lucia
• Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year: Dejuan Toppin from Barbados
• Best Use of Beef (Sponsored by Certified Angus Beef): Rhashindra Donge from Bonaire
• Hans Schenk Commemorative Award for the Most Innovative Dish Utilizing Indigenous Ingredients: Dejuan Toppin from Barbados
• Tony Mack Spirit of the Competition award: Fabien Vigee, Team Manager from Saint Lucia
• Josue Merced-Reyes Spirit of the Competition award: Kelvin Ventura from Bonaire