British Virgin Islands shines at Taste of the Caribbean
Island team reaps mulitple awards to become "culinary giant"
Maura Curley
Fanfare was in the air at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in Tortola June 27 when the BVI National Culinary Team, returned laden with medals from the weekend's Taste of the Caribbean culinary competion in Miami June 23 to 26.
The BVI, competed with much larger competitiors such as Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago and excelled, earning five gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Honors included citations for "Best junior chef of the year", " Bartender of the Year" and medals in Pastry, ice-carving and seafood preparation. Team captian Kenneth Molyneaux also received two godl awards for overall excellence and best use of certifeid Angus beef.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE was among the well wishers who welcomed the team.“This accomplishment shows what could be done when people work together and remain committed, dedicated and focused in completing a task.
” Premier O’Neal, who is also Minister for Tourism, said. “This is an example for our youth to follow,” he added. Neil Blyden, chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, said this achievement means “we have another outstanding product to sell.” He added that the BVI can now boast being a “culinary giant”.
Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) Dr. Bernie Harrigan observed the team was like a “symphony working together.” She said the practise sessions at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Tortola and dinners at hotels and restaurants around the Territory helped the team hone its skills. Head coach of the culinary team chef Henry Prince of HLSCC, said the team spent nine months preparing for the competition. “The goal during preparations was to keep the team at a striking level so that the team remains consistent and close to the gold,” he said.
The team participated in qualifying rounds of “live kitchen” competitions. They prepared a three-course meal in less than four hours using a mystery basket of ingredients. The team also competed in ice carving, beef and seafood preparations. Team members in addition to Henry Prince include Team Captain Chef Kenneth Molyneaux, Treasure Isle Hotel; Chef Imran Ashton, Charlie’s; Chef Caswall Ponte, Little Dix Bay Resort; Junior Chef Mikhala Bagot; Pastry Chef Macgarvey Thompson and Brentfield Lettsome, HLSCC; Jason Dalmida Jr., Bitter End Yacht Club; Pastry Chefs Ansony Salmon, Peter Island Resort & Spa; and Bartender Elton Sprauve, Mine Shaft Cafe. This year’s competition included culinary teams from Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, BVI, Curacao, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USVI. The other teams that won gold included Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Top: Mikhala Bagot named " Junior Chef of the Year" at Taste of the Caribbean. Photo courtesy Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Industry.
Group photo: Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE poses with the BVI National Culinary Team. Photo courtesy GIS/Ronielle Frazer
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