A group of budding chefs boosted the Cayman Islands’ reputation for culinary excellence by winning silver at the World Junior BBQ League championships held in Memphis, Tennessee.
Two teams from the Cayman Islands attended the international event for high school students aged 13-18 and gained new skills in teamwork, pressure management and cooking techniques as well as the accolade.
The World Junior BBQ League is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to bringing the world of competitive barbecue to teenagers through its annual event.
Junior BBQ masters
With the support of Cayman’s National Youth Culinary Programme, two teams of youngsters representing high schools from across all three islands, battled it out on the smokers with other aspiring chefs from around the world for the chance to become the top junior barbecue masters.
A Cayman Select team, made up of Luan Cowan (captain), Samaya Ritch, Ezra Hawkins and Maryann Buchanan, placed second in the pork ribs contest while the Cayman Islands 2025 WJBL National Champions team from Clifton Hunter High School, comprising Tashiana Hyman (captain), Mackailia Cunningham, Marian Wheatle and Marley Wheatle, placed fourth in chicken, pork and beef.
James Myles, director, National Youth Culinary Programme, said, “The Cayman delegation’s performance this year is a feat we can all be very proud of and the National Youth Culinary Programme is very grateful for all of the support and encouragement as our youth look to make their mark in this world.”
The National Youth Culinary Programme seeks to “develop world class leaders and decision makers in and out of the kitchen, and to ensure that young people in the Cayman Islands continue to be part of the tourism and hospitality industry by learning a lifesaving and employable skill”, according to its mission statement.
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