Antigua and Barbuda, December 10, 2024 – Tamarlie Williams of Pares Secondary School has been crowned the winner of the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition 2024. Guided by his mentor, Chef Lemuel Duberry of Mill Reef Club, and inspired by his Home Economics teacher, Shennette Whyte, who served as the driving force behind his entry, Tamarlie impressed the judges with his exceptional dish, “Spicy Island Beef with Beet, Plantain Gnocchi and Cabbage Pineapple Pickliz,” earning the top honor in this celebrated culinary showcase.

The competition challenged students to transform a simple ingredient—dumpling—into a unique culinary masterpiece, pairing it with either beef or fish, adding plantain, and incorporating the secret ingredient, papaya. The finalists rose to the occasion, showcasing their creativity and technical skills in front of an esteemed panel of judges. The judging panel included Chef Maurine Bowers of Curtain Bluff, Chef Caryl Smith of the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, Chef Jean-Pierre Tuitt of Jumby Bay Island, and Alex Grimley of The Rocks Group.

The competition featured talented junior chefs from across Antigua and Barbuda, who were winners even before the event began. All finalists were awarded full two-year scholarships to the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI), sponsored by the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA).

The placements were as follows:

  • Winner: Tamarlie Williams, Pares Secondary School. Chef Mentor: Chef Lemuel Duberry, Mill Reef Club.
  • 2nd Place: Italis Christian, Glanvilles Secondary School. Chef Mentor: Chef Ronald Wilson
  • 3rd Place: Nyiema Williams, All Saints Secondary School. Chef Mentor: Chef Lindon Alfred, Hodges Bay Resort.
  • 4th Place: Calbert Francis III, St. Joseph’s Academy. Chef Mentor: Chef Naomi Thomas, C & C Wine House.

Pares Secondary School received EC$10,000, sponsored by the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) and presented by General Manager Michael Spencer. The second-place school was awarded EC$5,000, sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) and presented by Kem Riley. The third- and fourth-place schools each received EC$2,500, sponsored by CHIEF brand products, distributed by Mega Distributors, and the ABHTA. These prizes were presented by Mohan Dharchand and ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall, respectively.

Craig Marshall expressed his pride in the participants, saying, “The creativity and dedication of these young chefs are inspiring. Each finalist has shown immense potential, and the ABHTA is thrilled to invest in their future through scholarships and continued support. Their efforts signal a bright future for Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary and hospitality industries.”

Tamarlie Williams received a scholarship to ABHTI, a 15-inch Acer laptop sponsored by Total Imports Supplies Ltd., presented by Johnisha Walsh, and a gift package from Salt Patch, presented by Dede Russell. Chef Lemuel Duberry was also recognized for his outstanding mentorship.

The Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition was made possible through the support of key partners, including ECAB, ABWU, Mega Distributors, ABHTA, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, Total Imports Supplies Ltd. and Salt Patch. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to youth development and culinary excellence in Antigua and Barbuda.