BARBADIAN ALEX CHANDLER NAMED CARIBBEAN BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

BARBADOS is celebrating a major regional triumph as Barbadian Alex Chandler captured the coveted Caribbean Bartender of the Year title at the 2025 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Taste of the Caribbean competition this week.

Delivering an outstanding performance, Chandler dominated the mixology segment of the competition, winning the only gold medal awarded in that category. He also secured two additional special awards – Most Creative Bartender and Best Use of Amaro di Angostura in the Mystery Basket challenge.

Fellow Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Barbados National Culinary Team members, Senior Chef Rynaldo Joseph and Pastry Chef Rickeena Kirton, also did the island proud, each copping silver medals in their respective categories. Junior Chef Dejuan Toppin was also honoured with a special award for Best Use of Certified Angus Beef.

The 2025 Caribbean Bartender of the Year Alex Chandler (centre) with Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association representatives at the Taste of the Caribbean Awards Ceremony held this week.

In total, Team Barbados’ strong showing at the highly competitive event earned an impressive eight medals, including Team Bronze, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a leader in culinary excellence in the Caribbean.

BHTA’s Special Projects Manager, Tessalee Moore, congratulated Team Barbados, noting that titles and medals are the icing on the cake as the team continues to raise the bar for the island’s hospitality and culinary sectors. 

Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s CEO Ryan Forde (right) and Special Projects Manager Tessalee Moore (left), with the 2025 BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team at the 2025 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Taste of the Caribbean competition held this week.

She said, “The culinary team continues to show tremendous growth, both as a unit and also as individuals. At the BHTA, our focus is on ensuring that each team member remains focused and grounded as they represent the island at competitions or events. We also encourage them to share their skills, growth and experiences with their colleagues and the next generation to follow; as we continue to position Barbados as the leading culinary destination through talent development. Congratulations to Team Barbados, well done.” (PR)