Culinary Team with government and tourism officials.
ANGUILLA--Anguilla’s culinary talent is set to take centre stage as a team of talented chefs and hospi-tality professionals gears up to participate in Taste of the Caribbean 2026, scheduled to take place from November 16 -19, 2026, at the Wyndham Grand Sam Lord’s Castle Resort in Barbados.
Organised by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Taste of the Caribbean is a highly regarded annual culinary competition that brings together chefs and bartenders from across the Caribbean to compete at an international standard, share their expertise and highlight the diverse flavours and culinary traditions of the region.
Anguilla will be represented by well-known chefs Karan Jumar, Aaron Gumbs, Jonathan Hughes, Makeame Mussington, Jovanni Hughes, Varlon Reid and Kyrleson Lewis Klaren. Experienced Chef, Dean Samuel will provide guidance and support as the chefs prepare for the competition.
There will be four key categories Senior Chef, Junior Chef, Pastry Chef and Bartender, providing opportunities for participants to demonstrate their individual skills, creativity and expertise in their respective disciplines. Beyond the competition, the event provides valuable opportunities for profes-sional development, networking and knowledge exchange among culinary professionals.
A planning session was held recently at the Anguilla Community College that included the chefs, the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association and senior government officials Minister of Tourism Cardigan Connor and Minister of Social Development and Education Shellya Rogers-Webster.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss preparations for the upcoming competition, coor-dinate logistical arrangements and reinforce the importance of representing Anguilla with profession-alism and excellence. It also highlighted the value of collaboration among government, educational institutions and the tourism industry in supporting the development of local culinary talent.
A release from the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA)notes that they are pleased to support the team's participation in this prestigious regional event, recognising the significant role that culinary excellence plays in enhancing Anguilla's reputation as a leading Caribbean tourism destina-tion.
Participation in Taste of the Caribbean also provides valuable exposure for Anguilla's culinary pro-fessionals, allowing them to gain experience, build professional networks and bring new knowledge and techniques back to the island's hospitality industry.
As preparations continue, the AHTA looks forward to seeing the team proudly represent Anguilla, showcase the island's exceptional culinary talent and contribute to the continued growth and recog-nition of Anguilla's culinary sector.
