Chefs ‘ready’ to defend culinary title in landmark home event

Barbados’ national culinary team will defend its Caribbean title on home turf for the first time, as top chefs and mixologists compete in the Taste of the Caribbean 2025, set to take place at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle, next week.

 

The top chefs and mixologists in the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) team received their official competition kits at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle, on Tuesday.

 

The prestigious regional event, traditionally held in Miami, takes place this year at the Wyndham Grand from Sunday to next Tuesday. This marks the first time the competition will be hosted in the Caribbean — and the pressure is on for the defending champions.

 

“We represent the country with regards to our culinary competition and the expertise that is across our membership,” said Ryan Forde, BHTA chief executive officer. “We have won the second most awards out of the Caribbean islands so far, but we’re also the only island right now as a defending champion, last year being the first coming out of the pandemic and then also the year before the pandemic.”

 

The national team brings together a talented group of returning champions, guided by a seasoned management and coaching staff. The line-up includes team manager and head coach Chef Javon Cummins, culinary coach Chef Willis Griffith, and mixology coach Rohan Hackshaw, along with competitors senior chef Rynaldo Joseph, junior chef Dejuan Toppin, pastry chef Rickeena Kirton and mixologist Alex Chandler.

 

“Over the past couple of months, we’ve trained relentlessly — early mornings, late nights, tastings, resetting, refining — to ensure that when we step onto that competition floor in a few days, we do so not just as individuals, but as Team Barbados,” said Cummins. “This team is built on hard work, humility and heart.”

 

He reminded the group that while trophies were important, their impact went far beyond medals. “Medals fade, but legacy lasts. Let’s compete with intention, deal with integrity, and represent Barbados in a way that continues to position us as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.”

 

Among the young competitors, junior chef Dejuan Toppin spoke candidly about the challenges of the culinary world — and the physical risks that come with it. “It’s a dangerous job,” he admitted, recalling one unforgettable kitchen incident. “I was making hot soup one day, and it spilled on my leg — the pants fibre was stuck to my leg.”

 

He added that even routine cooking can be hazardous. “When I was cooking tuna, oil splashed on my arm,” he said, holding up his forearm with a smile that mixed pride and resilience.
Despite the burns and long hours, his passion for the craft remains unshaken. “It’s what I love to do,” he said simply.

 

Pastry chef Rickeena Kirton shared that she feels ready and confident.

 

“Training has really paid off,” she said. She discovered her love for pastry while studying at college, where she found joy in the detail and creativity of dessert-making. “I realised that I wanted to do pastry because it was more detailed, attention to detail and being able to express myself through desserts,” she said softly.

 

During his remarks, BHTA Chairman Javon Griffith praised the team’s commitment.

 

“Each of you continues to demonstrate what excellence looks like through creativity, precision and teamwork,” he said. “This is more than a competition — it’s an opportunity to showcase the brilliance of Barbadian talent and the richness of our culinary and mixology heritage. Go for gold in every category.”

 

Tessalee Moore, the BHTA’s special projects manager, noted the symbolism of the date, saying: “It’s so fitting that today is the 11th day of the 11th month — 11:11, a moment of alignment and purpose. Today we celebrate the alignment of passion, teamwork and national pride as we prepare to defend the title in front of a home crowd.”

 

She thanked the sponsors for their support of the team’s preparations — including Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Hilton Barbados Resort, Hotel Food Supplies, Blades and Williams, Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation, National Cultural Foundation, Continental Foods, Hitz 106.7 FM, Armstrong Agencies, MIS Products Limited, and Wyndham Grand Barbados.

 

As glasses were raised and applause filled the room, the message was clear: this year’s team is ready to deliver — not just for themselves, but for their nation.

 

“You carry the spirit of an entire nation with you, and we know that you will make us proud,” said Griffith in his closing toast. “Here’s to bringing home the gold for Barbados.”

 

With just days to go before the first round begins, Team Barbados declared it’s ready to stake Barbados’ claim as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

(LE)