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The Barbados Food & Rum Festival witnessed a celebration of local culinary talent as two Barbadians triumphed in the Food & Rum X Independence competition. The event, a highlight of the festival, showcased the creativity and passion of participants for traditional Barbadian cuisine. Cola, the first-place winner, captivated the judges with her dish of Cou Cou, Flying Fish, and okra, which beautifully encapsulated tradition, storytelling, and heart. Reflecting on her journey, Cola shared, ‘Cooking has always been part of my daily life. My mother cooks every day, so it was either learn to cook or be on your own. I learned, and every day she’d teach me something new.’ Her dedication earned her two tickets to the premium event, Barbados Food & Rum Festival: Liquid Gold. Faith Joseph secured second place with her innovative Pumpkin Pancakes, inspired by her love for locally grown produce. ‘Pumpkin is a staple in everyday meals all year round. I just wanted to showcase that in a different way,’ she explained. Joseph’s prize included two tickets to another festival event, Rise & Rum. Both winners were honored by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, celebrating their home-cooked talent and exceptional taste.

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s International Chef Demo in Hastings was graced by the return of Chef Kamilah Callendar, who made her first public appearance in her homeland after eight years. The event was a sensory delight, with the aroma of garlic and caramelized pineapple filling the air as Callendar took the stage. Her signature dish, a slow-roasted pork belly accompanied by breadfruit purée, caramelized pineapple, toasted cassava flour with plantains, and a Bajan cherry beer reduction, captivated the audience. The dish’s golden, crackling skin and shimmering cherry glaze were a testament to her culinary artistry. Callendar’s journey from Barbados to Brazil and now Botswana has been marked by a commitment to her roots, blending traditional Bajan ingredients with innovative techniques. She shared her philosophy of staying true to tradition while embracing creativity, a principle that has guided her career. Callendar’s culinary path was unexpected; initially studying geology in Brazil, she discovered her passion for cooking and pursued gastronomy. Her work at the Embassy of Barbados in Botswana has allowed her to explore Setswana cuisine, enriching her culinary repertoire. Inspired by her mother, grandmother, and sister, Chef Janelle Hyland, Callendar’s approach to food is deeply personal. At the festival, she emphasized the importance of resilience in a male-dominated industry and the balance between tradition and innovation. Her dishes, described as ‘pork perfection on a plate,’ resonated with the audience, embodying a culinary adventure that evokes nostalgia while introducing new flavors. Callendar’s future aspirations include exploring Japanese cuisine and opening a restaurant that fuses Caribbean authenticity with global techniques. Her story is a celebration of Barbadian heritage, creativity, and the evolving identity of its cuisine on the global stage.

In the heart of Barbados, a hidden genius is reshaping public spaces with his extraordinary sculptures. Christopher Chandler, an artist with over three decades of experience, has been quietly transforming stone, wood, and discarded materials into breathtaking works of art. His creations, ranging from the Parris Hill mural in St Joseph to the Reviving Humanity monument in Egypt, are not just decorative pieces but profound statements of creativity and shared humanity. Chandler’s philosophy is simple yet profound: he doesn’t create art; he reveals what already exists in the materials he works with. His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that every piece tells its own story, whether it’s a tree trunk carved with expressive faces or a monumental sculpture that stands as a testament to human resilience. Despite his international acclaim, Chandler remains a low-profile figure, preferring to let his work speak for itself. He believes that art should be accessible to everyone, not confined to galleries or private collections. His pieces, which can take anywhere from half an hour to a year to complete, are designed to engage the public and provoke thought. Chandler’s journey as an artist is a testament to the power of vision and dedication. Without formal training, he has carved a niche for himself in the global art scene, inspiring young artists to see beyond aesthetics and engage with the world around them. His work is a dialogue between people and the environment, a reminder that art is not just about decoration but about noticing and paying attention to the small things in life.