Roadtown, Tortola - Acting Premier Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC is extending congratulatory words to the members of the BVI Culinary Team who captured bronze medals at the recent Taste of the Caribbean competition, held in Puerto Rico.

The team secured bronze medals in the bartender and team competitions at the June 12-14 event at the Caribe Hilton Hotel, which was organised by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Honourable Penn lauded the efforts of the team saying “their performance will help give greater visibility to the Virgin Islands (UK) as a preferred destination, both in terms of the natural environment and the culinary talent available.”

Lynette Harrigan of the BVI Tourist Board, who was in Puerto Rico to support the team, also offered words of congratulations. Ms. Harrigan who is the Niche, Emerging and Event Marketing Manager for the BVITB said the team performed remarkably.

“The BVI food for the night of the competition was fantastic and the whole atmosphere was supportive; everybody in that room including the food critics thought the BVI would come away with gold.”

Looking ahead to next year, Ms. Harrigan said “what we need to do is start early, once the team is selected, have the members focus on the judging criteria so that we can make a better showing.”

Ms. Harrigan also pointed out the need for community support. “We have a lot of work to do and the whole community needs to get involved because this is a great event which offers good exposure for the destination. Community support would help excite the team and motivate them to try even harder as they endeavour to do the Territory proud.”

For the competition, the BVI team prepared several dishes including pan seared Scotch Bonnet Rubber Grouper with pan fried vegetable fungi; citrus seasoned beef with red beets; mango thyme roll served with dark chocolate sauce and stewed guavas.

The BVI Culinary Team included Kenneth Molyneaux, Imran Ashton, Patrick Williams, Charlie Eversley, Jason Hadley, Wycliffe Gumbs along with team coach, Henry Prince.

Thirteen teams participated in this year’s Taste of the Caribbean competition.

It is envisaged that the work of the BVI Culinary team will help to further stimulate and develop culinary awareness in the Territory as well as establish the BVI as a top culinary destination.