Saint Lucia’s culinary prowess is set to take center stage at the 2025 TASTE (Taste of the Caribbean) competition, scheduled for November 16–18 in Barbados. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), this prestigious event serves as a regional culinary showdown, cultural exhibition, and educational platform. Following their impressive second-place finish as Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year in 2024, Saint Lucia’s 2025 National Culinary Team is poised to elevate their performance. The team features Neville Joseph (Anse Chastanet) in the Senior Chef category, Damisa William (Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa) as Junior Chef, Khapel Gee Alcee (Ladera Resort) as Pastry Chef, and Ninus Charlouis (Ladera Resort) as Bartender. Supporting them are Davidson Henry (The BodyHoliday), Shermal Victorin (Jade Mountain), and Elissa Alcee (StolenTime) in backup roles. The selection process involved rigorous interviews, teamwork exercises, and a culinary committee evaluation of signature dishes. Chef Fabian Vigee, the team manager, expressed determination to surpass last year’s achievements, urging Saint Lucians to rally behind the team. Despite funding challenges, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) remains grateful to sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Invest Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The team is further bolstered by mentor Chef Emmany Hippolyte, the 2024 Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, and a robust management team including Consultant Chef Eike Lauff and Bar Team Manager Alva Preville. With twelve regional teams competing, the event will culminate in the coveted Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year award.