A new chapter of regional culinary competition is set to unfold in late 2026, and the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has already locked in its official representative team to compete at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean event. Scheduled to run from November 16 to 18 in neighboring Barbados, the high-profile gathering is organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, drawing top culinary talent from across the region to celebrate and showcase Caribbean food culture.
The official roster for Antigua and Barbuda’s national team was formally unveiled by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, with four skilled local culinary professionals set to carry the nation’s flag. Leading the team as the senior competitor is Jean-Pierre Tuitt, a seasoned chef de cuisine based at Jumby Bay Island Resort. Joining Tuitt from the same resort is Adrian Browne, who currently holds a role as Cook II at the property, and will compete in the junior chef category.
Rounding out the culinary line-up is Britanya McLaren, a talented pastry chef from the luxury Hermitage Bay resort, who will step into the pastry chef competition slot. Completing the four-person team is Altino Spencer, a trade specialist and expert mixologist at Anjo Wholesale, who will represent Antigua and Barbuda in the bartending competition.
In a statement following the team announcement, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association confirmed that the selected group has already begun preparations for the event, with the core goal of highlighting the unique, vibrant flavors that define Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary identity to a regional audience of industry peers and food enthusiasts.
The national delegation’s participation in the 2026 competition is made possible through a broad network of local partners. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and State Insurance Company Limited serve as the event’s presenting partners for the delegation. Additional supporting partners include the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Unit, Blue Waters Resort and Spa, Hermitage Bay, Jumby Bay Island, Anjo Wholesale, Curtain Bluff Antigua, and regional carrier LIAT Air. The Muriel O’Marde Campus of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies is also providing logistical and operational support to the team as they train and prepare for the competition.