NATIONAL CULINARY TEAM OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA FOR 2025 CHTA TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN COMPETITION
Tuesday 4th November 2025
Antigua and Barbuda, October 29, 2025 – The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) proudly announces the National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda 2025, set to represent the destination at the prestigious CHTA Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition, taking place November 16–18, 2025.
Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition and cultural showcase. Since its inception in 1993, the event has brought together top chefs, mixologists, and culinary professionals from across the Caribbean to compete, collaborate, and share their culture through food and beverage.
National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda 2025 – Competing Members
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 and Spa (2025 Taste of Wadadli Pastry Chef Winner)
Bartender of the Year: Auslando Davis, Food and Beverage Supervisor and Sommelier, Curtain Bluff Resort
Supporting Team
Team Manager: Chef Olvanah Richardson, Executive Sous Chef, Blue Waters Resort and 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
Quote from Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment:
“In celebrating the launch of the National Culinary Team Antigua and Barbuda 2025, Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez highlighted how the nation’s culinary initiatives provide both a platform and a purpose for showcasing local talent. Speaking on the significance of Culinary Month, he emphasized how these initiatives allow the country to tell its food story, celebrate its heritage, and empower communities, while positioning the National Team to represent Antigua and Barbuda with pride on the international stage.”
Quote from Craig Marshall, Chairman of ABHTA:
“Team Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication and hard work reflect our commitment to excellence and teamwork. This competition not only showcases our unique ingredients and rich culinary heritage on a prestigious regional platform but also provides exposure to new trends and networking opportunities. As we continue to promote Culinary Month, their efforts inspire the next generation of chefs, promote our gastronomy, and highlight Antigua and Barbuda as a leader in regional culinary excellence.”
Quote from Colin C. James, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority:
“Team Antigua and Barbuda is ready to showcase our rich heritage and unique flavours on the regional stage. This competition goes beyond cooking — it celebrates culinary tourism, one of the most authentic expressions of our brand. Through initiatives like Culinary Month, we continue to elevate our chefs, farmers, and mixologists, turning passion into culture. I am confident our team will serve up more than great dishes; they will deliver a true taste of home that makes our nation proud.”
The ABHTA expresses sincere appreciation to the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Jumby Bay Island, Curtain Bluff Resort, Citizenship by Investment Unit, Blue Waters Resort and Spa, Galley Bay Resort and Spa, and LIAT Air for their invaluable sponsorship. Their generous support covers critical expenses including round-trip airfare, team uniforms, travel and accommodation, and access to professional kitchens for practice and training sessions.
As Team Antigua and Barbuda prepares to take the region’s biggest culinary stage, the public is encouraged to follow their journey and cheer them on through social media: @antiguahotels, @antiguaandbarbuda, and @abta_live on Facebook and Instagram.
Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary stars are ready to shine. Let the countdown to November 16 begin!
