Saint Lucia National Culinary Team shines at Taste of the Caribbean 2025
(Castries, Saint Lucia – November 21st 2025)- The Saint Lucia National Culinary Team returned to the island on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, following a highly competitive and successful stint at Taste of the Caribbean (TASTE) 2025.
Launched in 1993 by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), TASTE is the region’s premier culinary competition, food & beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. This year’s competition was held in Barbados from November 16-18th, featuring eleven countries. Bonaire was crowned the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year.
(Left to right) Bartender Ninus Charlouis, Junior Chef Damisa William, Pastry Chef Khapel Gee Alcee and Senior Chef Neville Joseph.
Team Saint Lucia excelled throughout the event, earning the following medals:
- Silver Medal in the National Team Category
- Senior Chef Neville Joseph (Anse Chastanet) — Silver Medal
- Junior Chef Damisa Wiliam (Royalton Saint Lucia) — Silver Medal
- Bartender Ninus Charlouis (Ladera Resort) — Silver Medal, Best Use of Watermelon & Best Rum Drink awards
- Pastry Chef Khapel Gee Alcee (Ladera Resort) — Silver Medal
In addition to the competitors, this year’s team included reserves Davidson Henry (Senior Chef), Shermal Victorin (Junior Chef) and Elissa Alcee (Bartender). By attending TASTE, the reserves gained first-hand exposure to the competition, participated in educational sessions, networked with industry professionals and observed the judging and competition process. This experience was important in helping them build their skills as professionals, gain industry insights and prepare for future competitions and events.
Providing guidance and support to the team was the Management Team comprising:
- SLHTA Director and Chair of the Culinary Committee Wadi Zakhour
- Team Manager Chef Fabian Vigee
- Consultant Chef Eike Lauff
- Executive Sous Chef Elijah Jules
- Bar Team Manager Alva Preville
- Project Coordinator Juliet Sutherland
Team Manager Chef Fabian Vigee commented, “Generally, I think we did well overall. But one has to understand that we have expectations and the team was quite confident going up there. The expectations did not come to fruition but we have to acknowledge that it was competitive. Sometimes when you set out for things you don’t necessarily get what you want but it brings that fire in you. And I think that fire is what’s important for the next step. I’m proud of the team, I’m proud of what they’ve done and I’m proud most of all of the consistency that you see within the team. There are some positive takeaways, we have everything to be grateful for and we just want to continue on that path.”
SLHTA President Erwin Louisy said, “On behalf of the SLHTA, I wish to congratulate the National Culinary Team on its strong showing at this year’s competition. You made your family, tourism industry and the nation extremely proud. Most importantly, you did what many others would not be able to do and challenged yourselves to step outside your comfort zone and perform with excellence. We applaud your dedication and look forward to many more remarkable things from you in the new year as you showcase at various events and exhibitions.”
The SLHTA and its Culinary Committee wishes to thank our sponsors — the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Invest Saint Lucia, The Harbor Club, and partner companies Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain, Royalton, Ladera Resort, StolenTime, The BodyHoliday and Uniforms & Accessories Limited — for investing in the development of Saint Lucia’s talented culinary professionals.
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