Eight to represent SVG in Taste of the Caribbean Competition in Barbados

Following two days pitting their skills against each other in a ‘Taste of Vincy Culinary and Bartending completion’, six chefs and two bartenders will go on to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in the Taste of the Caribbean competition in November, 2026 in Barbados.

The team was whittled down from over 33 who entered the local competition that was hosted by Sandals SVG on September 11 and 12, 2026 and organised by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association (SVGHTA).

A release from the SVGHTA states that the competition was divided into four categories: senior chef, junior chef, pastry chef, and bartenders.

“The competitions tested the speed, skill, and creativity of the competitors through intense live challenges. Competitors were also tasked with a Mystery Basket Challenge,” and culminated in the selection of two winners in each category.

In the senior chef category, April Jacobs emerged first, and Ryan King placed second.

Jaheim Browne was first in the junior chef category and Divine Billingy placed second.

Ryan Ranique emerged first in the pastry chef category and Zealcher Baptiste placed second; while Luke Murphy emerged top bartender and Valrie Sam placed second.

“We are incredibly proud of this team and excited to see them carry the flavours, creativity and excellence of Taste of Vincy to Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados,” scheduled for November 16 to 19, 2026, the SVGHTA said in the release.

The persons who placed first in the four categories of competition will be the main competitors at the Caribbean event with the second placed competitors attending as alternates.

The SVGHTA has extended gratitude to a list of sponsors for their support, partnership and commitment that “played an important role in bringing this event to life and in helping us celebrate the incredible culinary and bartending talent within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”.