Saint Lucia’s National Culinary Team has returned home with an impressive haul of silver medals after competing at Taste of the Caribbean 2025, held in Barbados from November 16-18.
The regional event, launched in 1993 by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, is considered the Caribbean’s premier culinary competition and food and beverage showcase. This year’s edition featured 11 countries, with Bonaire emerging as the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year.
Team Saint Lucia put on an exceptional performance, securing a silver medal in the National Team Category. Individual team members also delivered standout results:
• Senior Chef Neville Joseph (Anse Chastanet) — Silver
• Junior Chef Damisa Wiliam (Royalton Saint Lucia) — Silver
• Bartender Ninus Charlouis (Ladera Resort) — Silver, Best Use of Watermelon and Best Rum Drink awards
• Pastry Chef Khapel Gee Alcee (Ladera Resort) — Silver
The national team was supported by reserves Davidson Henry, Shermal Victorin and Elissa Alcee, who travelled with the delegation. Their participation allowed them to gain first-hand exposure to the competition environment, attend educational sessions, network with regional professionals, and observe judging standards – an experience the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) says will help prepare them for future opportunities.
Guiding the delegation was a management team comprising SLHTA Director and Culinary Committee Chair Wadi Zakhour, Team Manager Chef Fabian Vigee, Consultant Chef Eike Lauff, Executive Sous Chef Elijah Jules, Bar Team Manager Alva Preville and Project Coordinator Juliet Sutherland.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Chef Vigee said the competition was tough but motivating:
“We did well overall. The expectations didn’t come to fruition, but we have to acknowledge it was competitive… Sometimes when you set out for things, you don’t necessarily get what you want, but it brings that fire in you. And I think that fire is what’s important for the next step.”
SLHTA President Erwin Louisy also praised the team. “You made your family, tourism industry and the nation extremely proud…,: he said. “You challenged yourselves to step outside your comfort zone and perform with excellence.”
The SLHTA and its Culinary Committee thanked the sponsors whose support made the team’s participation possible, including the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Invest Saint Lucia, The Harbor Club, and partner properties such as Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain, Royalton, Ladera Resort, StolenTime, The BodyHoliday, and Uniforms & Accessories Limited.
The Association says the team’s success highlights the depth of talent in Saint Lucia’s culinary sector and reinforces the island’s growing reputation within regional gastronomy.
