Anguilla is sending a team of seven culinary professionals to compete at Taste of the Caribbean 2026 in Barbados this November.
Preparations are under way for the regional competition, which showcases Caribbean culinary talent and provides opportunities for professional development and international exposure.
Annguilla’s team comprises Karan Kumar, Aaron Gumbs, Jonathan Hughes, Makeame Mussington, Jovanni Hughes, Varlon Reid and Kyrleson Lewis Klaren, under the guidance of chef Dean Samuel.
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A planning session was recently held at Anguilla Community College, bringing together the participants, representatives of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) and senior government officials.
In a press release on 27 October, the AHTA said the meeting focused on competition preparations, logistical arrangements and the importance of representing Anguilla with professionalism 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,” it read.
Organised by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Taste of the Caribbean 2026 will take place from 16 to 19 November at the Wyndham Grand Sam Lord’s Castle Resort in Barbados.
The competition features four key categories – Senior Chef, Junior Chef, Pastry Chef and Bartender, providing opportunities for participants to demonstrate their individual skills, creativity and expertise.
The AHTA described Taste of the Caribbean as a “highly regarded annual culinary competition” that brings together chefs and bartenders from across the region to compete at an international standard.
Beyond the competition, the event provides valuable opportunities for professional development, networking and knowledge exchange among culinary professionals, the AHTA said.
It also encourages innovation and the use of locally sourced ingredients, while reinforcing the important role of gastronomy in enhancing the Caribbean’s tourism product.
The AHTA said it is pleased to support the team’s participation in the event which will provide valuable exposure for Anguilla’s culinary professionals and the island’s culinary sector.
Find out more about Taste of the Caribbean here.
