Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • St. Kitts Grill Fest launches first regional BBQ Competition during Restaurant Week – WIC News

    St. Kitts Grill Fest launches first regional BBQ Competition during Restaurant Week – WIC News

    Caribbean barbecue culture is stepping into the regional spotlight this month, as St. Kitts prepares to host the inaugural edition of the St. Kitts Grill Fest Regional BBQ Competition, a highlight of the 10th anniversary celebration of St. Kitts and Nevis Restaurant Week.

    Scheduled to run from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday, July 18 at St. Kitts’ scenic Frigate Bay Lawn, the landmark competition brings together top grill masters from four Caribbean nations beyond the host islands: Anguilla, Barbados and Grenada, all vying for a single overall champion title. Organizers teased the historic event in a promotional Facebook post, asking: “One Title. Five Islands. Who will take the crown?”

    This 2026 iteration of the grill fest expands beyond St. Kitts’ long-running local barbecue contest to create the first regional showcase of Caribbean grilling technique, with five distinct competitive categories for participants. Joining returning staple categories chicken, lobster, pork, and fish is a brand-new 2026 addition: baby back ribs, adding an extra layer of challenge and variety for competitors and attendees.

    To build anticipation ahead of the event, organizers have rolled out a promotional video series dubbed “Firing Up the Grill,” with the first two episodes already released to the public. Behind the scenes, the event has secured key industry support: St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino serves as the official accommodation sponsor, with organizers noting that the sponsorship has been “essential to bringing the experience to life and ensuring a seamless, welcoming stay behind the scenes.”

    Beyond the competitive grilling action, the one-day festival is designed to cater to attendees of all ages. A dedicated kids’ zone will keep younger guests entertained, while the event will also feature a full roster of additional attractions including a cash bar, independent food and beverage vendors, craft displays from local Caribbean artisans, continuous live musical and cultural entertainment, and attendee giveaways throughout the day.

    Anticipation has been building rapidly across social media, with Caribbean food and barbecue fans already expressing their excitement for the competition. One Facebook commenter summed up the mood, writing: “this gonna be super fun competition.. St. Kitts all the way.”

  • Wi Na Wan: Zijn stem zwijgt, maar de boodschap leeft voort

    Wi Na Wan: Zijn stem zwijgt, maar de boodschap leeft voort

    When the classic Surinamese film *Wan Pipel* is announced, every Surinamer’s emotions are stirred. This epic, iconic cultural work evokes a deep sense of national connection that makes audiences drop everything to experience it, bound together by its core message of unity: one people, one nation, one heart, one home. No other Surinamese cultural production has ever matched or surpassed its impact on the national consciousness. That same profound, unignorable feeling washed over veteran journalist Stuart Rahan when he first heard the song *Wi Na Wan* – a work that carries a spiritual calling no Surinamer can refuse, that demands something greater than the sum of its lyrics and melody. Now, following the recent passing of the song’s legendary performer Kenneth Arias, that feeling has returned in full force. The track’s lyrics were crafted by the visionary Julius ‘Ouwe’ Vreden, and its story is woven into the modern history of a deeply divided nation.

    To understand the impact of *Wi Na Wan*, we must travel back to 1990, when the song was entered into Suriname’s iconic Suripop song competition. At the launch event for the Suripop LP VI, held for local media at Buiten-Sociëteit Het Park, the songwriting team was introduced and short snippets of all competing tracks were played. Rahan, who was working at Radio Boskopu at the time, recalls that the song’s sweeping, evocative flute introduction grabbed hold of listeners instantly. The track pleads with Suriname and its multi-ethnic, diverse society to embrace unity as one people, opening with a tribute to the nation’s first Indigenous inhabitants, woven with the sambura rhythm and opening chant. Its lyrics incorporate three of Suriname’s most widely spoken languages: Sranantongo, Dutch, and Sarnami, reflecting the nation’s multicultural identity.

    Right after the first playthrough, Rahan told event host Henk van Vliet: ‘Henk, this song will win the Suripop festival.’ The track’s impact was so immediate and unshakable that it was clear this was far more than a simple pop song. It carried an unprecedented power in both its lyrics and its arrangement, forming a cohesive, overwhelming whole that demanded national attention. Arias was selected as the performer for his singular, distinctive vocal tone, a pairing that proved perfect: the combination of melody, lyrics, and voice stirs the heart and soul of every Surinamer to this day.

    For the first time, Suriname had a song that cut across all its cultural divides, something the nation had long yearned for. Surinamese people had long lacked a cultural work that could fully express their shared connection to their homeland; with *Wi Na Wan*, the popular national folk anthem *Opo Kondreman* had finally found its equal. What political leaders had failed to achieve for generations, this simple competition entry had accomplished: it brought a divided nation together. In 1990, Suriname was in the depths of its devastating Civil War, deeply split along political and ideological lines, with Surinamese fighting one another to the death. The song’s core message – that no matter where you come from, we are all one Surinamese people – struck a national chord. Thanks in large part to Radio Boskopu’s listeners, the track received constant airplay, numbers that would generate massive streaming revenue for modern platforms.

    Van Vliet, as an organizer committed to giving all competitors equal attention, did not share Rahan’s immediate enthusiasm, and asked that the other nine entries be given the same shot at airplay. They received that opportunity, but none could match the overwhelming power and resonance of *Wi Na Wan*, even with full respect to the other artists involved. To this day, the track’s impact has not faded for those who experienced its arrival.

    The night of the Suripop final, held at the NIS venue, was an experience no one who attended has ever forgotten. Chaotic in the way only a Surinamese large event can be, the evening did not go according to plan. *Wi Na Wan* was scheduled to perform fourth, and van Vliet ended up calling, nearly begging, for Arias to come to the stage, even asking the audience to help locate him. Arias was nowhere to be found – in fact, he wasn’t even inside the NIS building. He was just behind the venue, in the makeshift Maroon village of Pokigron, where Civil War refugees had been temporarily housed, calmly smoking his dyonko tobacco. Those who knew Arias well confirm that he was an avid smoker, and that night was no exception. It was only when he felt he had properly centered himself to bring the Surinamese national story to life that he made his way into the venue. As a penalty for his delay, organizers made him perform last – a turn of events that proved anything but a punishment. It was the perfect spot, written in the stars for the song that would close the historic night in unforgettable fashion.

    That performance turned out to be the best of the entire night. Arias sang while Vreden accompanied him on the birimbao, a unique one-stringed instrument built around a halved hollowed calabash. The crowd went wild; it stopped being a competition and became a once-in-a-lifetime cultural apotheosis that the Suripop organizers never could have planned for. Everything fell perfectly into place. The spiritual energy that filled the NIS that night exceeded every expectation. *Wi Na Wan* outshone every other song ever written to celebrate Surinamese national pride, and it did so as an entry in a popular song competition. Arias, with his unorthodox voice and uncompromising character, was the undisputed king of the night, while Vreden stood as the master composer behind the work.

    Arias may be gone, but his iconic performance and the unifying message of *Wi Na Wan* will live on forever in the dignity and shared identity of the Surinamese people.

  • Ezra, Kisha Kay capture Soca Monarch titles

    Ezra, Kisha Kay capture Soca Monarch titles

    On a historic Friday night at the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SAB) facility in Vigie, the 2026 Soca Monarch competition delivered two landmark victories, breaking long-standing barriers and capping a 12-year comeback journey for two standout performers.

    In the hotly contested Groovy Soca division, Kisha Kay etched her name into the history books as the first woman ever to claim the Groovy Soca Monarch title. She secured the crown in one of the tightest competitions in recent memory, finishing with a total of 388 points — just a single point ahead of first-time contender Deevon, who claimed second place. Imran Nerdy, the defending Groovy Soca Monarch, finished third with 385 points, while veteran competitor Arthur Allain took fourth place with 368 points to round out the top four.

    Along with her historic title, Kisha Kay took home a top prize of EC$40,000 for her win. Second-place finisher Deevon received EC$30,000, with Imran Nerdy collecting EC$20,000 for his third-place finish and Arthur Allain earning EC$15,000 for fourth.

    The drama continued in the Power Soca Monarch division, where Ezra D’Funmachine completed a stunning 12-year comeback to reclaim the title he last won over a decade ago. Like the Groovy division, the Power Soca competition was decided by a razor-thin margin: Ezra notched a winning score of 384 points, edging out runner-up Shemmy J by just one point. Shemmy J finished with 383 points to take second place, while the trio of Tension, Bobo and Samo secured third with 361 points. The collaborative entry from Sedale, HP and Deevon finished fourth with 344 points.

    Ezra matched Kisha Kay’s prize winnings, taking home EC$40,000 for his first-place finish. Shemmy J received EC$30,000 for second, Tension, Bobo and Samo earned EC$20,000 for third, and Sedale, HP and Deevon collected EC$15,000 for their fourth-place showing.

    In a notable upset, the defending Power Soca Monarch duo of Dezral and Jardel failed to crack the top four in their bid to retain the title, missing out on a spot in the winners’ circle after returning to compete.

    Photographs of both new champions were captured by photographer McAllister Hunt, documenting the historic night for Caribbean soca music.

  • Weatherills Hotel Earns World Culinary Awards Nomination for Caribbean’s Best Brunch Venue

    Weatherills Hotel Earns World Culinary Awards Nomination for Caribbean’s Best Brunch Venue

    A beloved hospitality gem based in Antigua and Barbuda, Weatherills Hotel has earned a prestigious spot in the international culinary spotlight, securing a nomination for the 2026 title of Caribbean’s Best Brunch Venue through the globally recognized World Culinary Awards.

    This nomination places the locally rooted hotel alongside a select group of the Caribbean’s top dining contenders, competing for the annual award that celebrates outstanding achievement across the region’s food and hospitality industries. Unlike generic industry honors, the World Culinary Awards specifically highlight venues that push creative boundaries and deliver consistently exceptional guest experiences, making the nomination a notable milestone for the entire Antigua and Barbuda culinary community.

    In an official statement following the nomination announcement, leadership at Weatherills Hotel emphasized that the international recognition is a direct reflection of the relentless effort, unwavering commitment and shared passion of every member of their team. From head chefs crafting innovative, locally inspired brunch menus to front-of-house service staff and behind-the-scenes support teams, every employee contributes to building unforgettable dining moments that keep both local residents and international travelers returning again and again.

    “This nomination stands as a defining milestone for our entire team, and it affirms the hard work, dedication and passion that every member of our team brings to work each day to craft memorable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike,” the hotel shared in its statement.

    Beyond honoring the work of Weatherills’ team, the nomination also puts a much-deserved spotlight on the broader culinary landscape of Antigua and Barbuda on a regional global stage, showcasing the incredible quality and rich diversity of food experiences the island nation has to offer.

    To help push Weatherills Hotel over the finish line, members of the public, including travelers who have enjoyed the venue’s brunch offerings and local culinary enthusiasts, are invited to cast their vote in support of the nomination. Voting is open to all members of the public worldwide.

    If Weatherills Hotel goes on to claim the top honor, it will mark another major international accolade for Antigua and Barbuda’s fast-growing culinary tourism sector, which continues to emerge as a key driver of economic growth and visitor interest in the region.

  • Kaiso Cop wins Intercommercial Calypso competition

    Kaiso Cop wins Intercommercial Calypso competition

    On Thursday night, Saint Lucia’s Cultural Centre played host to the annual Intercommercial House Calypso Competition, a celebration of lyrical creativity that drew widespread backing from the island’s business community and general public alike.

    The event brought together performing representatives from a diverse cross-section of Saint Lucian organizations, each bringing their own distinct stylistic flair and unique thematic messages to the main stage. The packed venue buzzed with energy, as colleagues, friends and family of the competitors filled the stands to cheer on their favorites, cultivating a warm, lively atmosphere that carried through every performance.

    When the final scores were tallied, Shaqelle Charlery — performing under the stage name Kaiso Cop and representing the Bordelaise Correctional Facility — claimed the top spot of the night. His moving original work *Bordelaise Sad Stories* resonated deeply with both the panel of judges and the packed audience, blending sharp lyrical storytelling with authentic emotional delivery to secure his first-place win.

    Claiming the runner-up position was Erny Johnny, better known by his stage name Erny J, who represented the Saint Lucia Workers Credit Union. His performance of *One Last Time* earned widespread acclaim for its powerful, well-crafted lyrics and confident stage presence, cementing his status as one of the most memorable acts of the competition. Notably, this is not Erny J’s first time on the competition’s podium: he took home the first-place title at the 2025 event, while third-place finisher Eka Fergus also repeated her 2025 podium placing in 2026.

    Performing under the shortened stage name Eka, Fergus represented the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund and took home third place for her heartfelt track *Matters of the Heart*. The song showcased her strong vocal control and raw emotional range, earning her a warm reception from the crowd.

    Every competitor who took the stage elevated their performances with extra creative touches, from elaborate custom costumes and theatrical acting to immersive visual effects. Their narrative-driven songs covered a wide array of themes, keeping the audience fully engaged from the opening act to the final award announcement. The 2025 competition saw a different podium order: Chocolate, representing the Inland Revenue Department, claimed third place that year, alongside returning podium favorites Erny J in first and Eka in second.

  • Atlanta Set to Feel the Caribbean Pulse as Rum Island Festival Makes Its Debut

    Atlanta Set to Feel the Caribbean Pulse as Rum Island Festival Makes Its Debut

    Atlanta, Georgia – As summer 2026’s event lineup continues to fill out, the city is gearing up for a groundbreaking new addition: the first-ever Rum Island Festival, which will turn downtown’s iconic Piedmont Park into a immersive hub of Caribbean heritage, art, flavor and connection this Saturday, July 11.

    Far more than a standard live music gathering, the festival is built around the core mantra “Culture. Community. Rum.”, designed to wrap attendees in a full sensory experience of Caribbean life that brings together live performance, artisanal spirits, traditional food, independent fashion, visual art, and generations of cultural storytelling all in one accessible space.

    Conceived and launched in Atlanta, the event already has big expansion plans: organizers aim to grow the festival into a roaming cultural showcase that will visit major U.S. metropolitan areas and island destinations across the Caribbean in coming years. From its inception, the project has centered two core goals: honoring the far-reaching global impact of Caribbean culture, and creating a high-profile platform to lift up emerging and established artists, small business owners, and cultural ambassadors from the region.

    Leading the festival’s star-studded inaugural performance lineup is Trinidad and Tobago soca legend Denise Belfon, a decades-long icon who will bring the unmatched energy of Caribbean Carnival to the Atlanta stage. Known worldwide by her stage moniker “Saucy Wow”, Belfon has helped shape the sound of modern soca for more than 35 years. Her 1998 breakthrough hit *Work (Put Yuh Back In It)* remains one of the genre’s most iconic tracks, remixed hundreds of times and spun regularly by DJs and Carnival organizers across the globe. The classic track has recently found a new wave of international popularity, after global superstar Drake sampled it for his song *BBW* on his surprise 2026 album *Maid of Honour*, introducing Belfon’s distinct sound to a whole new generation of listeners and cementing her lasting influence on contemporary popular music.

    Beyond her career-defining hit, Belfon’s discography is packed with Carnival staples including *KaKa Lay Lay*, *Hard Wuk*, *Wining Queen*, *Boss Lady*, *Indian Man*, *Chuku Chuku*, and *Wanti*. Over her decades-long career, she has performed across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, standing as one of soca’s most respected and long-serving cultural ambassadors for her home country.

    Belfon is far from the only major talent set to take the stage. The lineup also includes iconic Jamaican dancehall artist Aidonia, Billboard-charting rising star Ayetian, and a stacked roster of celebrated DJs: Ricky Platinum, Yung Rage, Unique Soundz, Propa English, Boogy Ranks, and DJ Fabb, among others. Holding the event together and keeping energy high from start to finish will be Pretty Vee – a popular media personality, comedian, and entrepreneur – who has been tapped as the festival’s official host.

    “Atlanta isn’t ready for this! Rum Island Festival is going to bring one of the biggest, most authentic Caribbean cultural experiences this city has ever seen,” Vee shared in a statement. “From the music and rum to the food, fashion, and every moment in between, I’m so thrilled to be hosting this incredible celebration. As someone with Caribbean roots who deeply loves this city, this event means so much to me. July 11, we’re outside and ready to party!”

    The launch of the Rum Island Festival comes at a moment when Caribbean culture is enjoying unprecedented mainstream global attention. From dancehall and soca’s growing influence on top 40 pop music to Caribbean fashion, slang, and lifestyle trends dominating social media and global popular culture, the event arrives as the region’s creative impact is being recognized worldwide.

    For attendees, the day will bring eight straight hours of live music spanning multiple genres, including dancehall, soca, afrobeats, and reggaeton. Beyond the performances, guests can enjoy guided premium rum tastings, curated craft cocktail experiences, themed immersive lounges, and a dedicated Caribbean food village serving up authentic, traditional Afro-Caribbean dishes from local and regional vendors.

    While live entertainment forms the core of the festival, organizers have made community support a central pillar of the event’s mission. Rum Island Festival has partnered with Her Village Inc., a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to support low-income families across the region. A cut of all ticket sales, plus additional on-site fundraising initiatives, will go directly toward funding the nonprofit’s ongoing community programs.

    With its first edition set to kick off in Atlanta, organizers are already laying the groundwork to turn Rum Island Festival into a long-running traveling platform that celebrates Caribbean excellence across the U.S. and internationally. For this one summer weekend, though, all eyes will be on Piedmont Park, where the full spectrum of Caribbean sights, sounds, and flavors is set to take center stage.

  • St. Kitts’ Anastasia Elliott Earns Regional Recognition at 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards

    St. Kitts’ Anastasia Elliott Earns Regional Recognition at 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards

    As the Caribbean POSH organization marks its milestone 10th anniversary, a standout wellness innovator from St. Kitts and Nevis has earned prestigious regional acclaim for her transformative work in the sector. Anastasia Elliott was awarded the Wellness Innovation ICON Award at the 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards, the centerpiece event of the organization’s 10th anniversary weekend hosted in the British Virgin Islands.

    Elliott was one of just 15 trailblazing honorees selected from seven Caribbean territories. All winners were recognized for exceptional leadership, ground-breaking innovation, and lasting impact across a diverse range of industries that serve communities across the region.

    Now in its tenth year, the Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards have grown into one of the Caribbean’s most prominent platforms highlighting women changemakers. The awards shine a spotlight on women driving meaningful progress across multiple sectors, including entrepreneurship, education, tourism, media, community development, public health, and innovation. The 2026 anniversary event carried the unifying theme “The Future of the Caribbean: Connection, Collaboration & Growth”, drawing hundreds of attendees including founders, senior government officials, tourism industry leaders, creative professionals, and community advocates from across the Caribbean and its global diaspora. Over four days, participants engaged in cross-sector networking sessions, forward-looking leadership dialogues, immersive cultural experiences, and celebratory events honoring regional excellence.

    In remarks following the awards ceremony, Janette Brin, Founder and CEO of Caribbean POSH, emphasized that the honor extends far beyond a celebration of individual professional success. “This award recognizes more than professional achievement—it celebrates leadership that is improving the lives and well-being of others,” Brin explained. She added that Elliott embodies the creative vision, relentless drive, and deep community commitment that is redefining the future of wellness across the Caribbean. “We are proud to recognize her outstanding contribution and celebrate St. Kitts & Nevis on the regional stage,” Brin said.

    Brin highlighted that a core mission of the awards program is to create space for women from small and large Caribbean islands alike to gain the regional recognition their work has earned. “One of the things we are most proud of is creating a platform where women from islands of every size can receive the regional recognition they deserve. Anastasia’s achievement is a reminder that excellence knows no boundaries, and that incredible innovation is happening throughout St. Kitts & Nevis and across the Caribbean,” she noted.

    Elliott’s win underscores the expanding emphasis on public health, holistic wellness, and innovative community-focused solutions across the Caribbean, shining a light on local leaders who are working to build healthier, more resilient communities through their work. As Caribbean POSH enters its second decade of operation, the organization remains dedicated to celebrating, connecting, and elevating women across the region while amplifying the visibility of leaders, innovators, and changemakers steering the Caribbean toward an inclusive, prosperous future.

  • Vincy-Canadian violinist Tanya Charles returns to perform, teach in SVG

    Vincy-Canadian violinist Tanya Charles returns to perform, teach in SVG

    Two decades ago, a promising young Vincentian-Canadian violinist stepped onto the stage at St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Government House, performing alongside local pianist Sean Sutherland for then-Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne. Her performance that day left a lasting impression on every attendee, and now, 21 years later, that same artist — globally celebrated violinist Tanya Charles — is making a triumphant return to her ancestral home.

    On Tuesday evening at 7 p.m., Charles will reunite with Sutherland for a much-anticipated recital hosted at Kingstown Methodist Church. Held under the official patronage of current Governor General Sir Stanley K. John and sponsored by District Stairs St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the event is poised to deliver an unforgettable night of world-class musical performance for local audiences. Unlike standard classical recitals, the program is curated to center and celebrate Black and Caribbean musical heritage, spanning compositions from the late 18th century all the way to works by living contemporary creators. Audiences will get to experience both solo and collaborative performances from Charles and Sutherland throughout the evening. A pre-event press release called the recital “a concert you will not want to miss.”

    Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to Vincentian parents — Gloria Charles (née Glasgow) of Mesopotamia and Godwin Charles of Evesham — Charles has built a decades-long career of captivating audiences across North America, South America, and the Caribbean. Her exceptional artistic skill has earned her some of Canada’s most prestigious musical honors, including the Women’s Art Association of Canada Luella McCleary Award, the Gabriella Dory Prize in Music, and the John C. Holland Award from the Hamilton Black History Association.

    Charles holds deep academic and professional credentials to match her performance success: she earned a Bachelor of Music in performance from the University of Toronto, and an Artist Diploma in orchestral performance from the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music, one of the most respected global institutions for advanced musical training. “St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be immensely proud to call her one of our own,” the press release stated.

    Today, Charles holds several key leadership roles in North American classical music spaces that center marginalized creators. She has served as Concertmaster of Ensemble Obiora, a groundbreaking Montreal-based ensemble and Canada’s first majority-BIPOC classical music collective, since the group’s founding in 2021. One of her most notable recent career milestones was stepping in as soloist for the Canadian premiere of Florence Price’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in October 2023, a landmark moment that advanced global recognition for underrepresented Black classical composers.

    Beyond her work with Ensemble Obiora, Charles is a core violinist and outreach coordinator for the Odin Quartet, and has collaborated with a roster of leading musical institutions including the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra and COMF Virtuosi in South Carolina, New York’s Gateways Festival Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, and the National Ballet Orchestra of Canada. A remarkably versatile artist, she also performs violin, viola, and mandolin for Mirvish Productions, currently contributing to Toronto’s hit 2024–2025 run of Disney’s long-running acclaimed production of *The Lion King*.

    The excitement of Charles’ homecoming extends far beyond the upcoming recital. Partnering with White Chapel Studio, she will also host two public masterclasses for violin and viola students at the Kingstown Public Library, offering a rare opportunity for local musicians to learn from a world-class performer and educator.

    As a faculty member at both the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music and the Oscar Peterson Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Charles brings decades of elite teaching experience directly to St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ local musical community. The masterclasses are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, and are open to musicians of all ages and skill levels. Each session is structured to combine hands-on instruction with practical performance opportunities: Monday’s class will focus on foundational posture and left-hand technique, while Wednesday’s session will cover bow control and sound production. The sessions are also open to observers, including students, family members, and general music enthusiasts who wish to attend and observe world-class musical education.

    Interested participants can register for the masterclasses via the official event website. Event organizers urge local communities not to let this unique opportunity pass: “Do not miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to learn from one of Canada’s finest violinists right here, at home, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Come out, bring the family, and let us celebrate the extraordinary talent that our island has given to the world.”

  • Nine Antiguans Nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards in Sint Maarten

    Nine Antiguans Nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards in Sint Maarten

    The Caribbean’s most anticipated celebration of baking craftsmanship is gearing up for its 2026 edition, with Antigua and Barbuda set to bring strong local representation to the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA) Festival Weekend. Scheduled to take place in Sint Maarten, the three-day industry gathering has announced that nine standout bakers and pastry specialists from the dual-island nation have earned nominations for this year’s prestigious honors.

    Organized by the Caribbean Baking Awards, the annual festival has grown into one of the region’s leading events that ties together baking excellence, culinary tourism, youth skill development, and cross-regional connection. Uniting talented baking professionals from every corner of the Caribbean under the unifying theme “One Caribbean Baking Together,” the event aims to highlight the unique culinary identity of the region while fostering collaboration across borders.

    The weekend of activities opens with the high-stakes Ultimate Bake-Off Competition, where six teams from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in a live, timed baking challenge. The contest will push participants to showcase not just technical mastery and creative flair, but also their ability to infuse traditional Caribbean flavors into their creations, giving audiences a true taste of regional culinary heritage. Members of the public are welcome to attend all open activities, offering baking enthusiasts a chance to witness world-class skill up close.

    A key highlight of the festival is the Youth Baking Showcase, a dedicated platform designed to lift up the next generation of Caribbean baking talent. The program gives young aspiring bakers the opportunity to display their work to industry leaders, build connections, and inspire more young people to pursue long-term careers in the baking and pastry arts.

    The event will wrap up with the exclusive Caribbean Baking Awards All-White Gala, a formal evening that honors the region’s top bakers, pastry chefs, cake designers, culinary business owners, and industry trailblazers for their extraordinary contributions to growing the Caribbean baking sector.

    To ensure the competition adheres to global industry standards, judging will be led by a diverse international panel of seasoned culinary experts. The panel includes Chef Nadine Anthony from Antigua and Barbuda, Chef Dominic Dart with roots in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, Chef Kareem Brooks of Sint Maarten, and a special celebrity guest judge, Chef Lincoln Alexander, from the United States.

    Shanda Webster-Glasgow, founder and CEO of the Caribbean Baking Awards, emphasized that the steady stream of participation and support from Antigua and Barbuda underscores the country’s deep dedication to advancing culinary excellence and its expanding influence across the regional baking industry. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the nine nominees representing Antigua and Barbuda this year. Their passion, creativity, and dedication continue to raise the standard of Caribbean baking, and we look forward to welcoming them to Sint Maarten as we celebrate the very best our region has to offer,” Webster-Glasgow said.

    Local residents of Antigua and Barbuda who wish to attend the festival and cheer on their hometown nominees can purchase tickets for the Saturday Ultimate Bake-Off Competition and all associated public festival activities via the official ticketing link: https://www.ticketpulse.events/event/aef2d955-8381-4d49-b5a5-2212b8db77a2/caribbeanbakingawardsfestivalweekend2026fruitopia. For those interested in attending the invite-only All-White Gala, reservations can be made through the official Caribbean Baking Awards channels. Once a reservation is submitted, a member of the CBA organizing team will reach out directly to the guest with an official payment link to finalize their booking.

  • Milove Fontaine to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Caribbean pageant in BVI

    Milove Fontaine to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Caribbean pageant in BVI

    The countdown to one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated body-positive beauty competitions is officially underway, as Milove Fontaine, the representative from Antigua and Barbuda, has touched down in the British Virgin Islands ahead of the 2026 Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant. The competition, which will crown its new regional champion this Sunday, marks a key moment for celebrating plus-size women across the Caribbean region.

    Fontaine brings no stranger to pageantry to the stage: she already holds the title of Miss Charisma 2020, and has spent months preparing to carry the flag of her twin-island nation at this year’s event. The pageant will take place at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, located on the campus of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Tortola, welcoming contestants and audiences from across the Caribbean and beyond.

    This year, Fontaine will go head-to-head with two other contenders for the coveted crown: Krystle Maduro, the homegrown contestant representing the British Virgin Islands, and Jah’Millia Maloney, competing on behalf of the United States Virgin Islands. The 2026 edition of the pageant is centered on the powerful theme “Pretty. Phenomenal. Plus.” — a slogan crafted to shine a spotlight on three core values: unapologetic confidence, intentional female empowerment, and authentic self-expression. More than just a beauty competition, the event exists to celebrate the diversity, beauty and leadership of plus-size women across the Caribbean, pushing back against narrow, traditional beauty standards that have long dominated pageant culture.

    For Antigua and Barbuda, Fontaine’s participation does more than just contend for a title: it places the small twin-island nation firmly on the regional cultural stage, giving her a platform to showcase her home country’s rich cultural heritage, standout talent, and signature elegance throughout the competition. Back in Antigua and Barbuda, a groundswell of support has grown for Fontaine in the lead-up to Sunday’s final, with fans, friends and supporters sharing messages of encouragement and excitement as she makes her final preparations for the crown.