Scheduled for November 18-20, Taste of the Caribbean and the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) will converge at Florida International University's Kovens Conference Center. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), this three-day event is the Caribbean’s premier platform for showcasing culinary talent and advancing food and beverage (F&B) professional development.

Spotlight on Culinary Talent

This year’s Taste of the Caribbean features top culinary teams from Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each team, composed of senior chefs, junior chefs, pastry chefs, and bartenders, will participate in a spirited competition designed to highlight the diversity and innovation of Caribbean cuisine.

“Taste of the Caribbean is not only a premier event for showcasing Caribbean culinary talent, but also a valuable opportunity for professional development,” stated Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA's chief executive officer. Through workshops led by culinary experts, participants will hone their skills and learn cutting-edge techniques to elevate Caribbean cuisine on the global stage.

Teams Competing in Taste of the Caribbean 2024

• Antigua & Barbuda: Senior Chef Ronald Wilson, Junior Chef Azarie Crump, Pastry Chef Britanya McLaren, Bartender Altino Spencer
• Barbados: Senior Chef Rynaldo Joseph, Junior Chef Dejuan Toppin, Pastry Chef Rickeena Kirton, Bartender Alex Chandler
• Bonaire: Senior Chef Rhashindra Donge, Junior Chef Akeesha Cicilia, Pastry Chef Elise Weerstand, Bartender Eddy Trenidad
• Puerto Rico: Senior Chef Kevin Sánchez, Pastry Chef Neftali Carrero, Bartender José Ortega
• Turks & Caicos: Senior Chef Andre Maragh, Pastry Chef Kenyatta Forbes, Bartender Ronel Charles
• St. Lucia: Senior Chef Nerville Joseph, Junior Chef Kayla Joseph, Pastry Chef Emmany Hippolyte, Bartender Ninus Charlouis
• U.S. Virgin Islands: Senior Chef Kerish Robles, Pastry Chef Azamat Sabyrkulov, Bartender Putrice Bush

The event culminates with the Taste of the Caribbean Awards, honoring exceptional talent with accolades such as Caribbean Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year, and National Team of the Year.

CHIEF 2024: Hospitality Insights and Innovation

Running alongside Taste of the Caribbean, CHIEF will present sessions on sustainability, culinary tourism, and marketing innovation. Renowned industry leaders and experts, including Amy Martin Ziegenfuss (Carnival Cruise Line), Carmen Portela (Fundación Amigos del Yunque), Craig Marshall (Blue Diamond Resorts), Chef Shorne Benjamin (Fat Fowl), and Calvin Tilokee (Revpar Media), will share insights aimed at empowering Caribbean hospitality professionals with tools for success in a competitive global market.

Partnerships and Support

The CHTA extends its gratitude to partners such as Mastercard, Certified Angus Beef, Interval, TAG, and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) for their continued support in making this impactful event possible.

Taste of the Caribbean and CHIEF are not just events—they represent a celebration of Caribbean culture, culinary creativity, and hospitality leadership, reinforcing the Caribbean’s position as a premier destination in global tourism.