Antigua and Barbuda, October 8, 2024: The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is thrilled to announce the start of the 2024 Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition, an exciting event showcasing the culinary talents of young chefs from ten schools across the island. The preliminary rounds will be held on Friday, October 11, at the Home Economics Lab of the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and the finale will take place on November 8 at the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI).

Participating schools in the first round include Antigua Seventh-Day Adventist School, Christ the King High School, Glanvilles Secondary School, Irene B. Williams Secondary School, and Pares Secondary School. In the second round, students from All Saints Secondary School, Antigua Girls’ High School, Antigua Grammar School, Jennings Secondary School, and St. Joseph’s Academy School will showcase their skills.

The young chefs will be competing in two intense rounds using the star ingredient—curry—provided by the CHIEF brand of products, distributed by Mega Distributors.

During the Media Launch held today, students had the opportunity to sample curry fish and chicken, giving them a preview of the culinary excellence required to impress the judges. These dishes provided insight into the flavor profiles and culinary techniques that the judges will be expecting from the competitors.

Executive Director of the ABHTA, Patrice Simon, shared her enthusiasm for the event: “This competition is not just about winning; it’s about learning, growing, and preparing for the future. It reflects our island’s deep love for food and culture, and we are dedicated to supporting the next generation of culinary professionals” Simon remarked.

Cathy-Ann Edwards Joseph, Director of the ABHTA Board, encouraged the junior chefs to seize the opportunity, stating, “The kitchen is not only a place of preparation but a place of innovation, exploration, and passion. I urge our junior chefs to take risks and bring their unique ideas to the table” Edwards Joseph noted.

The competition will offer generous prizes for the winning schools:

  • The 1st place school will receive a grand prize of $10,000, generously sponsored by Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB).
  • The 2nd place school will receive $5,000, thanks to the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU).
  • The 3rd place school will receive $2,500, sponsored by the CHIEF brand of products.

In addition, individual winners will receive scholarships to ABHTI, all sponsored by the ABHTA, giving them the opportunity to further their culinary education. Teachers who have mentored the junior chefs will also be celebrated with luxury prizes, including a staycation, a day pass and dinner at leading resorts on Antigua and Barbuda.

The ABHTA, along with its partners—Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank, CHIEF, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, the Ministry of Education, Sport and Creative Industries and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment —is proud to support this competition, which highlights the remarkable talent and potential of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth.

Stay tuned as the island’s most promising young chefs embark on this exciting culinary journey. Let the competition begin!