The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) recently hosted a series of exclusive culinary events in the UK, spotlighting the vibrant flavours and rich heritage of the twin-island nation. Held during the World Travel Market 2025, the events featured Antiguan-born Chef Kareem Roberts and Barbudan-born Chef Keshia Sakarah, both celebrated for their innovative contributions to the UK culinary scene. Organized by Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK & Europe, the back-to-back dinners aimed to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s profile as a premier destination for gastronomy and culture. The first event took place on November 6th at The Burleigh Arms in Cambridge, where Chef Roberts curated a bespoke tasting menu blending traditional Antiguan ingredients with modern techniques. Guests were also treated to an exclusive preview of his debut cookbook, *Cassava & Cardamom*, which delves into the heart of Antiguan cuisine. The following evening, Chef Sakarah hosted a second intimate dinner at The Pilgrim Hotel in Paddington, presenting a pan-Caribbean tasting menu inspired by her travels and ancestral roots. The event coincided with the release of her acclaimed cookbook, *Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History*, praised for its rich storytelling and contemporary approach to traditional dishes. Colin C. James, CEO of ABTA, emphasized the importance of these collaborations in showcasing the islands’ authenticity, creativity, and cultural pride. These events not only highlighted the culinary talents of Antigua and Barbuda but also reinforced the islands’ reputation as a destination where world-class cuisine, innovation, and culture thrive alongside their natural beauty.
分类： entertainment
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GHTA National Culinary Team at 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition
The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has announced with great enthusiasm that its National Culinary Team will represent Grenada at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition. This highly anticipated event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), will be held in Barbados from November 16 to 18, 2025. The competition is a prestigious platform where top culinary talents from 12 Caribbean destinations converge to showcase their skills and celebrate the region’s diverse flavours. Grenada’s team, led by Team Captain Chef Andre Church of RTA Services, includes a stellar lineup of culinary experts such as Team Logistics Manager Chef Belinda Bishop of Flavours of Grenada, Senior Chef Elvis George, Junior Chef Rashid Cromwell, Pastry Chef Sasha Lessey, and Mixologist Antonio Bayne. Under the leadership of GHTA CEO Arlene Friday, the team is poised to highlight Grenada’s unique culinary heritage and creativity on a regional stage. Friday expressed her pride in the team’s formation, stating, ‘It has been a dream of mine to re-establish our National Culinary Team. I am excited to see our team represent the rich and diverse flavours that define Grenada’s cultural identity.’ The GHTA also extended gratitude to its sponsors, including the GHTA Tourism Enhancement Fund, interCaribbean Airways, and numerous local businesses and institutions, for their support in making this participation possible. Special recognition was given to Coach and mentor Chef Ramces of Six Senses La Sagesse for his invaluable guidance.
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Scream: A ghoulish dance party, full of vibes
The fourth edition of Scream, a Halloween-themed party, took place last Saturday at the Mas Camp venue, drawing a vibrant crowd of university and college students. Attendees showcased their creativity with an array of costumes, ranging from eccentric professionals to iconic superheroes. The venue was transformed into a spooky wonderland, with tunnels adorned with skeletons, bats, spiders, and other Halloween-themed decorations. The musical lineup was a perfect blend of Halloween classics and contemporary hits, including Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ Bobby Pickett’s ‘Monster Mash,’ and Ray Parker Jr.’s ‘Ghostbusters.’ DJs like Jamdonn & TZ, Fyahman, and Vinchi kept the energy high with a mix of Afrobeats, dancehall, soca, hip hop, reggae, and pop. Micha’el Meggo, a University of the West Indies student dressed as the Mad Hatter, praised the event for its creative costumes and the moment of silence observed for Hurricane Melissa victims. Dajae Forrester, another student, highlighted the patrons’ commitment to their characters and the seamless music selection. Keifa Desnoes, the event’s director, expressed satisfaction with the growing support and creativity each year. Scream targets young adults and the working class, offering a unique Halloween experience in Jamaica. The event also collected donations for hurricane relief, demonstrating the community’s solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
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Classic focaccia for beginners
Focaccia, a beloved Italian bread, has captured the hearts of bakers worldwide with its simplicity, versatility, and rich olive oil flavor. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, shares her passion for this rustic bread, drawing parallels to the local roast bake but with a Mediterranean twist. Anderson highlights its beginner-friendly nature, making it an ideal choice for novice bakers and a canvas for culinary creativity. Whether adorned with rosemary and sea salt or vibrant vegetables, focaccia brings warmth and artistry to the table.
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San City Steel Symphony hosts Culture on Carib Street
San Fernando is poised to host an electrifying cultural festival on November 15, as Carib Street becomes the epicenter of music, dance, and artistic expression. The event, titled ‘Culture on Carib Street – 12 Hours of Culture,’ is an expanded version of the annual Children’s Jamboree, now encompassing a broader audience and a diverse array of performances. From 11 am to 11 pm, attendees will be treated to a rich tapestry of indigenous art forms, including pan, kaiso, extempo, soca, chutney, parang, spoken word, and masquerade, all accompanied by the rhythmic beats of engine rooms, tassa, and African drums.
Traditionally held in August, the event has been rescheduled to coincide with San Fernando’s 37th anniversary as a city. ‘This year, we aimed to create an inclusive experience for everyone—children, adults, and all culture enthusiasts,’ said Aquil Arrindel, manager of the San City band.
The day kicks off with a lively children’s program featuring bouncy castles, games, and performances by notable young talents such as Junior Calypso King Xhaiden Darius, dancer Ariella Rishana Jugoon, extempo artist Kevan Calliste, and the Presentation College Drummers. Spoken-word artist Colleen Cleghorn and mas presentations by Cari Vog Kids and Anra Bobb and Friends will also grace the stage.
As the afternoon progresses, the focus shifts to adult performers and renowned steel orchestras. Music aficionados can anticipate performances by 12-time Panorama champions Desperadoes, alongside Siparia Deltones, Tornadoes, Birdsong, Kalomo Kings, and the host band, SanCity. The evening lineup includes extempo maestro Abebele, calypsonians Impulse and Ras Kommanda, soca star College Boy Jesse, Blaka Dan, Chutney Soca champion Daddy Chinee, and the Los Alumnos De San Juan parang band.
Arrindel highlighted the transformation of the venue, with the car park between Presentation College and the SanCity panyard now paved and serving as the main arena. The space will feature two stages, tents, food vendors, and a bar, ensuring a festive atmosphere despite the rainy season. ‘This is a must-attend, entirely free cultural experience,’ Arrindel promised.
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Rhythm of Culture by UWI dance community
The Winifred Attwell Auditorium at Queen’s Hall came alive on November 7 and 8 with the two-day dance extravaganza, *Rhythm of Culture*. This event, part of the Legacy Year Celebration, paid tribute to Hazel Franco, the founding coordinator of the UWI Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) Dance Unit. The production showcased 28 distinctive pieces, blending Caribbean heritage with Indian, modern, hip-hop, and contemporary dance forms, creating a dynamic dialogue between tradition and innovation. Choreographed by a talented ensemble including Deon Baptiste, Bridgette Wilson, Sherma Burke, Colin Rampersad, Terry David, Kizzy Murray, and others, the performances were a testament to the diversity and vitality of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape. Students from the BA and certificate programs, alongside community dancers, brought these pieces to life. Deboleena Paul, the dance unit coordinator, emphasized that dance transcends artistic expression, serving as a profound connection between body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Rooted in the ancient concept of Nitta Yoga, the festival highlighted the unifying power of art to inspire, transform, and nurture the next generation of artists. The final night concluded with an electrifying bongo performance by the Caribbean dance degree class, leaving the audience dancing and clapping in rhythm.
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From scratch: The joy of baking
Baking at home offers a therapeutic escape and a delightful way to spend your time. This weekend, why not dive into the world of baking from scratch with some mouth-watering recipes? Here are a few to get you started:
**Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread**
This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas. Start by mashing two large overripe bananas and mixing them with coconut oil, eggs, and brown sugar. Combine flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and tonka bean, then stir into the banana mixture. Add cocoa powder to a portion of the batter and swirl it into the main mixture before baking at 350°F for 50 minutes.**Traditional Sponge with Lime Meringue Frosting**
For a classic treat, prepare a sponge cake by creaming butter and sugar, then adding eggs, vanilla, and milk alternately with sifted flour. Bake in greased pans at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Top with a lime meringue frosting made by beating egg whites, adding a sugar syrup, and incorporating lime peel.**Coconut Lime Crunchies**
These cookies are a zesty delight. Mix melted butter, sugar, grated coconut, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, vanilla, and lime zest. Roll into balls, press gently, garnish with cherries, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.**Date Walnut Bran Muffins**
Combine all bran cereal with buttermilk, then mix with sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs, dates, and vegetable oil. Spoon into muffin tins, top with a butter, walnut, flour, and sugar mixture, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.These recipes are perfect for a cozy weekend baking session, offering a variety of flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Kes The Band lends voice to Jamaica’s rebuild
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kes the Band will join a constellation of international stars at the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert on December 12. This star-studded event, featuring luminaries such as Shaggy, Sean Paul, Tessanne Chin, TOK, Mikey Spice, Richie Stephens, and Inner Circle, aims to raise funds for Jamaica’s recovery following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on October 28. The Category 5 storm left a trail of devastation, claiming 45 lives, displacing 30,000 households, and causing an estimated $6-$7 billion in damages. Thousands remain in emergency shelters, underscoring the urgent need for relief efforts. Beyond the concert, celebrities like Jamaican dancehall queen Grace “Spice” Hamilton have been actively involved in on-the-ground support, distributing essential supplies and aiding in infrastructure repairs. The Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, set to take place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, symbolizes a collective commitment to rebuilding and resilience.
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Reynolds Entertainment rejects ‘unprofessionalism’ allegation by Allison Hinds after Cayman Fiesta non-appearance
A public dispute has erupted between soca star Alison Hinds and Reynolds Entertainment Agency following her absence from the Cayman Fiesta, a three-day party event held in the Cayman Islands from November 7 to 9. Hinds, known as the ‘Soca Queen,’ took to Instagram to defend herself, claiming that the agency’s ‘unprofessionalism, disorganization, and disrespect’ prevented her from performing. She alleged a breach of contract, stating that her agreement required all business matters to be settled before she could take the stage. Hinds apologized to her fans for the missed performance but placed the blame squarely on the promoter.
Tameka Reynolds, head of Reynolds Entertainment Agency, vehemently denied Hinds’ accusations, labeling them as ‘lies, half-truths, and innuendo.’ Reynolds asserted that her agency fulfilled its obligations and attempted to resolve issues amicably. She revealed that due to low attendance at the soca night, which drew only 150 patrons, she offered to pay 50% of the outstanding balances to the artists, but Hinds refused. Reynolds also countered claims that her agency failed to cover airline tickets and hotel expenses, attributing the mishaps to external factors such as airline cancellations and hotel authorization delays.
Reynolds further criticized Hinds for her lack of professionalism, citing her refusal to promote the event through radio interviews and social media posts. She argued that Hinds’ actions damaged both her own brand and that of the agency. The Cayman Fiesta, which featured rap star Rick Ross on a separate night, attracted 1,500 attendees, highlighting the stark contrast in turnout between the events. The clash underscores the challenges of event planning and the delicate relationship between artists and promoters in the entertainment industry.
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Young parranderos face off in El Dorado
The vibrant sounds of parang music filled the air at El Dorado East Secondary School on November 15, as the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the primary school category of its Junior Parang Festival 2025. Under the theme ‘Somos Un Solo Pueblo’ (We Are One Village), 25 primary schools showcased their musical prowess in two key categories: Tribute to Icons and the musical face-off. The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of parang, a traditional Trinidadian music genre, while nurturing the next generation of parranderos. Among the standout performances, Isoke Morgan led the Sacred Heart Girls’ RC School parang band, while Dominic Gooding and the Sacred Heart Boys’ RC parang band captivated the audience with their spirited renditions. The festival also featured a chac chac player, whose rhythmic beats added a dynamic flair to the performances. On November 16, the spotlight shifted to 15 secondary schools competing for top honors in the same categories. The Junior Parang Festival continues to be a celebration of unity, creativity, and cultural pride, fostering a deep appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s musical traditions.