The 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards, hosted in Sint Maarten, have crowned Gabrielle Thomas, a talented pastry chef hailing from the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, as its Pastry Chef of the Year. Affiliated with the renowned local culinary brand The Vanilla Orchid, Thomas beat out dozens of competing professionals from across the Caribbean to claim the prestigious regional title, standing out as one of just nine nominees from Antigua and Barbuda shortlisted for honors at this year’s event.\n\nEstablished to celebrate excellence across the regional culinary baking landscape, the Caribbean Baking Awards shines a spotlight on outstanding bakers, pastry artisans, cake designers, and food-focused entrepreneurs from every corner of the Caribbean. This year’s awards program was integrated into a three-day industry festival, organized around the unifying theme “One Caribbean Baking Together,” which aims to foster growth across multiple interconnected areas: baking craft development, youth skills training, culinary tourism promotion, and cross-regional collaboration among Caribbean culinary communities.\n\nThomas’ latest achievement marks another milestone for Antigua and Barbuda, which has been steadily building its reputation as a hub of world-class baking and pastry talent across the Caribbean region. Industry observers note that growing recognition for the nation’s culinary professionals, like Thomas, not only elevates local craft but also strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s profile as a destination for food-centric tourism across the Caribbean.
分类： entertainment
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Soca monarch swaps stage for summer camp to inspire youngsters
Fresh off claiming two of soca music’s most prestigious titles, decorated artist Mikey Mercer traded the bright lights of competition stages for a community summer camp classroom on Friday, leveraging his newfound fame to motivate young people to hold fast to their ambitions. Mercer, who just won both the 2026 Power Soca Monarch and Party Monarch crowns in the annual Crop Over festival, made a surprise appearance at the South Stars Community Summer Camp, hosted at Maxwell House on Maxwell Main Road in Christ Church. During his visit, he spoke to dozens of campers about the importance of self-belief, persistence through hardship, and unapologetically pursuing one’s goals.
Mercer opened up about his own experiences facing criticism, noting that too many young people abandon their dreams after facing harsh pushback from others. “Sometimes children can be a little harsh…some people have told me that because of how their dreams were attacked by other people, they shied away from them,” he said. “I am fortunate to do what I love as a job, I think we have to plant that seed of going after your goals and dreams [in children].”
Camp director Tiffany Beckles shared details about the six-week community program, which has drawn roughly 50 children across three age cohorts: 4 to 6 years old, 7 to 9 years old, and 10 to 15 years old. All activities are tailored to fit the developmental needs and personal interests of each group, blending educational workshops and recreational outings to keep young participants engaged throughout the summer break.
So far, the camp’s schedule has included off-site trips to local landmarks and institutions, including the airport fire station, George Washington House, and 13 Acres. Campers have also gotten hands-on experience with STEM-focused activities, attending dedicated robotics and coding sessions. Friday’s packed lineup featured a music video filming project, a robotics demonstration, and Mercer’s talk, plus an additional visit from former Junior Monarch King K. Looking ahead, Beckles said participants are eagerly anticipating an upcoming field trip to the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.
Beckles added that Mercer’s visit was a standout highlight for campers, noting that so far, the on-site music video project and the fire station trip have emerged as the children’s favorite activities. With the camp scheduled to wrap up its 2026 session on August 21, organizers are putting the final touches on closing events to end the program on a celebratory note. “Our last lap, right now we have a sports day and a fun day for the last lap,” Beckles confirmed. (Photo credits for both Mercer and Beckles: Shamar Blunt)
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King Young Destroyer Captures 2026 Calypso Monarch Crown
One of the most anticipated premier competitions of Antigua’s annual Carnival celebration has wrapped up, with King Young Destroyer taking home the top honor as the 2026 Cavalier Rum Calypso Monarch.
Following Friday night’s tightly contested live performance showcase, the Antigua Carnival Festivals Commission published official results confirming the final rankings behind the new champion. Dr. Solo earned a strong second-place finish to secure first runner-up, while Lyrical Reds rounded out the top three as second runner-up.
Beyond the main ranking positions, the event also included a series of special awards highlighting the unique strengths of competing calypsonians. Dr. Solo added additional recognition to his night by receiving the prestigious Philbert Mason Award, which honors outstanding work in social commentary through calypso. Melypnostick took home the Most Humorous Award for his lively performance of the track “Tek De Money”, while Dr. Paul was celebrated with the Most Improved Award for his growth and standout showing in this year’s competition.
In a statement released after the event, the Antigua Carnival Festivals Commission extended formal congratulations to every artist that stepped onto the competition stage. The commission praised all competitors for sustaining the longstanding cultural spirit of calypso, delivering powerful, high-energy performances marked by exceptional lyrical craft. Officials also thanked the participants for helping craft what organizers call “another unforgettable night of Antigua Carnival”, cementing the competition’s reputation as a core highlight of the island nation’s annual cultural celebration.
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AC crowned Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Monarch
In a sold-out, five-hour finale held at Barbados’ National Botanical Gardens that drew thousands of calypso music fans, Adrian AC Clarke etched his name deeper into the history of the iconic competition Saturday by securing the 2026 Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Monarch title. Outperforming 17 fellow competitors with his compelling original track “Legends From The Grave”, Clarke walked away with his fourth championship crown, cementing his status as one of the genre’s most decorated modern performers. As part of his top prize, the winning artist has been offered the choice between a $100 000 lump sum cash award and a brand-new 2026 GAC EMKOO Elite GX motor vehicle, which comes with a complimentary one-year insurance package valued at $5 000. Clarke also took home the official championship trophy and a suite of additional secondary prizes. In a post-victory interview with Barbados TODAY, Clarke shared that he is currently leaning toward selecting the vehicle as his prize. Rounding out the top three positions, competitor Kid Site claimed second place with his entry “Talk Like Mia”, while i-Web secured the third spot with “Colour in B”. Last year’s titleholder, defending monarch Mr Blood, placed fourth with his performance of “Ain’t Leaving”. The high-energy competition drew a capacity crowd, with thousands of patrons packing the grounds of the National Botanical Gardens to watch the final round of performances, which stretched across more than five hours of live music.
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Timroy Titus Wins Caribbean Baking Award for Best All-Buttercream Cake Designer
In a celebratory milestone for Caribbean culinary artistry, Antigua and Barbuda’s own Timroy Titus has cemented his place among the region’s top baking talents, taking home the prestigious title of Best All-Buttercream Cake Designer at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. The St. John’s-based creative, who has built his brand Teez Delights over more than a decade of dedicated practice, shared his gratitude and reflection on the years-long journey that led to this regional recognition.
Titus opened up about the challenges and small wins that defined his 14-year career in cake design, framing every experience—both positive and difficult—as a building block for his current success. “For over 14 years I’ve followed my passion for the culinary arts. It has been a journey of many disappointments, lessons and growth,” he shared in a post-competition statement. “I am grateful for everyone who has along the way offered encouragement, guidance, support and even negativity. It has all helped to shape the success that I see today.”
Unlike many judged baking competitions, this award relied in part on public voting to determine the winner, and Titus made sure to center the role of his local and regional fanbase in his victory. He emphasized that the outpouring of voter support was not just a win for him, but a validation of the independent baking brand he has nurtured from the ground up. “For all the dedicated voters, I could not have seized this recognition without you; your votes were testament of your belief in me and the Teez Delights brand. Nuff love and respect for you all,” Titus added.
Far from viewing this regional award as the capstone of his career, the Antiguan artist says this honor is just the first step in an expanding creative journey. Teasing upcoming projects and new designs that will push his craft further, Titus left supporters with a message of anticipation: “I promise, this is barely the beginning! Look out! There’s much more to come.” The win marks a rare moment of national pride for Antigua and Barbuda’s small but growing community of independent culinary artists, shining a regional spotlight on the island nation’s creative talent.
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PM Welcomes Revellers as Antigua Carnival Reaches Its Peak
As Antigua Carnival 2026 approaches its most high-energy, widely anticipated weekend of events, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has extended a warm official welcome to the thousands of festival-goers flocking to the island nation. In his address, he urged all attendees to embrace the celebrations guided by values of unity, national pride, and personal responsibility.
In his official national message marking this year’s Carnival, Browne emphasized that the iconic annual festival delivers an unparalleled chance for attendees to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions of Antigua and Barbuda. This experience holds unique meaning for every participant, whether they are members of the local community, natives returning to their home country after time abroad, or first-time international visitors exploring the Caribbean nation for the first time.
Browne opened his remarks by welcoming three core groups of attendees: members of the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora returning home for the festivities, neighboring guests from across the Caribbean region, and international travelers journeying from farther across the globe. He expressed sincere gratitude to every visitor for selecting Antigua and Barbuda as their destination of choice for this year’s major seasonal celebration.
“Whether you are coming home to mark this beloved tradition or stepping onto our shores for your very first visit, I extend a warm, heartfelt welcome to all of you here in Antigua and Barbuda,” the prime minister stated in his address.
Beyond the surface-level excitement of parades and live performances, Browne framed Carnival as a core reflection of the national identity of Antigua and Barbuda. He explained that the annual celebration acts as a showcase for the nation’s deep-rooted cultural traditions, the extraordinary creativity of its people, and the tight-knit, enduring sense of community that binds Antiguans and Barbudans together. He encouraged all revellers to slow down and savor every part of the experience: make time to enjoy the infectious rhythms of local music, sample the iconic flavors of Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine, experience the legendary hospitality of local communities, and cherish the chance to reconnect with loved ones and old friends throughout the course of the celebrations.
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Machel Sets Carnival City Ablaze as Thousands Flock to Melting Pot 2026
Carnival City crackled with electric energy on Thursday night, when thousands of festival-goers flooded the grounds for Melting Pot, the most anticipated opening musical event on Antigua Carnival 2026’s official entertainment lineup. The air hummed with the pulsing beats of soca music from the moment gates opened, and nonstop, high-octane performances from a star-studded roster of regional and local talent kept the crowd moving, with attendees singing and dancing long after the sun dipped below the Caribbean horizon.
Leading the impressive lineup of performers was Trinidadian soca icon Machel Montano, whose headlining set drew roars of excitement from the packed venue. Montano was joined by a diverse cast of fan-favorite acts including Voice, Skinny Fabulous, Tian Winter, Tizzy, Muddy, and TK International, among many other rising and established artists. Each performer brought their own distinct style and cultural flair to the stage, shifting tempos and vibes to maintain a contagious energy that held the audience’s attention from the first opening act to the final encore.
For attendees seeking a more elevated festival experience, the event offered the exclusive Rhythm Room VIP Experience, a premium all-inclusive zone that featured gourmet local food, top-shelf premium beverages, and unobstructed close-up views of the main stage. The upgraded hospitality option proved to be a major hit with festival-goers, drawing strong turnout from attendees who wanted to enjoy the showcase with added comfort and personalized service.
In the hours following the conclusion of the show, attendees took to social media across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to share hundreds of photos and short video clips of their favorite moments. The overwhelming majority of posts reflected high satisfaction with the quality of performances, seamless event production, and the contagious, inclusive atmosphere that defined the night.
As one of the Antigua Carnival’s longest-running and most beloved centerpieces, Melting Pot has carved out a reputation as the festival’s largest annual musical showcase, designed to bring together emerging and established artists from across Antigua, the wider Caribbean region, and the international soca community. This year’s opening night event has set a high bar for the remaining celebrations on the 2026 carnival calendar, with attendees already anticipating the rest of the festival’s schedule of cultural events.
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Global music icon Janet Jackson explores St. Kitts’ UNESCO World Heritage Fortress – WIC News
Global music superstar and cultural icon Janet Jackson has made a high-profile stop on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, where she explored one of the region’s most cherished historical landmarks and sampled local culinary offerings, according to multiple local Caribbean media outlets and official tourism social media posts from late July 2026.
Jackson, a five-time Grammy Award winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and creator of 10 Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hits, added another career milestone earlier this year when her groundbreaking 1989 album *Rhythm Nation 1814* was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2026. During her trip to St. Kitts, she prioritized a visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a centuries-old military site that earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architectural and historical significance to Caribbean colonial history. The hilltop fortress, built between the 17th and 18th centuries by African enslaved laborers for the British Empire, offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and neighboring Lesser Antilles islands, which Jackson took time to experience during her tour.
Following her exploration of the landmark, Jackson enjoyed a meal at 1762 Gibraltar Gastrolounge, a popular local dining spot known for highlighting Caribbean culinary creativity.
Local tourism authorities and media outlets have widely celebrated the star’s visit. In an official social media post, My St. Kitts, the island’s official tourism promotion account, shared: “Multi-award-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and global music icon Janet Jackson is experiencing the beauty of our island St. Kitts. She also savoured the culinary artistry at 1762 Gibraltar Gastrolounge adding another memorable experience to her time in St. Kitts. We are honoured to welcome this truly remarkable icon to our shores.”
Regional outlet Time Caribbean echoed that enthusiasm in its own social media coverage, noting, “Another major international star choosing St. Kitts. And what a beautiful spotlight for the destination.” Local outlet St. Kitts Nevis Riddim also extended a warm welcome, writing, “We are delighted to welcome one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers to our beautiful Federation.”
Local radio station Freedom FM 106.5, which first broke details of Jackson’s visit to local audiences, highlighted the icon’s career milestones ahead of welcoming her to the island.
User-generated content and photos of Jackson’s tour of Brimstone Hill Fortress have spread rapidly across social media platforms, shared by local fans and tourist accounts alike. Jackson’s stopover marks the latest in a growing string of high-profile celebrity visits to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, a trend that aligns with the small island nation’s years-long strategy to position itself as a premium luxury Caribbean travel destination for high-net-worth travelers and A-list visitors.
The increased visibility from celebrity visits like Jackson’s is expected to further boost the island’s international profile, drive tourist arrivals, and support the local tourism sector, which is a core pillar of St. Kitts and Nevis’ national economy.
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International media here for Crop Over push
As Barbados enters the final celebratory stretch of its iconic 2026 Crop Over Festival, more than 50 international journalists, digital content creators and social media influencers have gathered on the island as part of an aggressive new push by local tourism authorities to elevate the festival’s global profile and drive a surge in post-event visitor arrivals. This targeted invitation forms a core component of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI)’s wider national strategy: to build widespread international awareness of Barbados as a top cultural travel destination by giving global media voices first-hand access to the island’s one-of-a-kind cultural traditions ahead of the festival’s grand closing, allowing them to share their unfiltered experiences with audiences across the world.
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Defending monarchs close Spicemas Finals
A striking coincidence has set the stage for Grenada’s highly anticipated Spicemas 2026 festival, after all three defending titleholders in the event’s flagship vocal competitions landed the 12th and final performance slot in their respective upcoming finals.
The quirky outcome affects the reigning champions of three core Spicemas competitive categories: Power Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch, and Calypso Monarch. For the two Soca divisions, the performance order was decided through a public random draw organized in partnership with the National Lotteries Authority (NLA). Both defending Groovy Monarch Mr Gold’n and defending Power Monarch Muddy pulled the number 12 position, a result festival officials have stressed is entirely accidental. Positions were drawn randomly on behalf of the competing artists, with no manual intervention or bias in the selection process, representatives confirmed.
The outcome for the Calypso division followed a different process but resulted in the exact same slot for the defending champion. Reigning Calypso Monarch Scholar had previously announced he would step back from competing in this year’s festival, so he did not take part in the public random draw. However, official Spicemas competition rules require that the defending monarch retains his right to enter the competition at a later date if he changes his mind. Per this protocol, Scholar was automatically assigned the 12th position to keep his final spot reserved, matching the coincidental outcome in the two Soca categories. All three champions will thus close out their respective final shows when the competitions get underway.
This year’s finals feature a number of cross-category contenders testing their versatility across multiple competitive divisions. Muddy, one of the defending monarchs, is joined by Terra D Governor and duo Luni Spark & Electrify in advancing to both the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch finals. Other artists have advanced to select finals after competing across multiple categories: Happysecure earned a spot in the Power Soca final, while vocalists Valene and Randy secured their places in the Calypso Monarch final. Lil Jelo will compete for both the Power Soca and Calypso crowns, while Killa B, who missed out on advancing to the Power Soca final, remains in the running for the Calypso title.
The unusual draw result has already generated buzz among Spicemas fans ahead of the festival, with many taking the rare coincidence as a fun pre-competition talking point for the 2026 event.