The U.S. Virgin Islands Culinary Team is set to compete at the Taste of the Caribbean in Miami, Florida, from Nov. 18 to 20, marking its return after a seven-year hiatus. The team, consisting of Chef Kerish Robles, pastry chef Azamat Sabyrkulov, and bartender Putrice Bush, has been preparing to bring home top honors in 2024, the Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (USVIHTA) announced.
Sponsoring the team for 13 years, the USVIHTA supports these professionally trained chefs in the annual culinary competition where they will face off against other Caribbean nations. The event features various timed challenges assessing creativity, presentation, and showmanship, according to the press release.
“We have a spectacularly talented team representing the USVI this year. The 2024 team is comprised of dedicated professionals who have evolved their expertise in numerous settings spanning the globe. We are delighted to see what this group of brilliant and creative individuals will cook up at the Taste of the Caribbean competition,” said USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton.
Chef Kerish Robles, who previously participated in the Junior Chef Competition at the Taste of the Caribbean, returns to the competition. Born and raised on St. Thomas, Robles is a certified vocational education teacher and culinary mentor with over 20 years of experience. Currently, she is developing a new culinary program for UVI CELL. Known for her innovative approach to cooking, Robles emphasizes unique flavors and elevating everyday ingredients, the press release stated.
“Being a part of building up a home has always been the most exciting part of my career and the most honorable decision I made in bringing my talents home to boost our community rather than using them elsewhere,” said Robles.
International pastry chef Azamat Sabyrkulov, originally from Kazakhstan, currently serves as the pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. He has previously worked at The Ajman Saray in Dubai and held a junior pastry sous chef position at The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. Sabyrkulov earned his hospitality degree from the Hospitality Management Professional Technical College in Astana and won first place in the 2016 World Skills Kazakhstan Pastry Competition, specializing in cake artistry and chocolate, the release stated.
Talented bartender Putrice Bush, self-proclaimed “city girl turned island girl,” who began her career in Atlanta, Georgia, shifted to a professional bartending role at The Buccaneer on St. Croix four years ago. She is passionate about connecting with people by offering memorable experiences through cocktails and conversation, it said.
“Embracing the Caribbean culture while exploring new flavors and textures has been a truly unique highlight of my voyage,” said Bush.
The team’s sponsors provide support for travel and accommodation, team jackets, fundraising, student apprentice training, and competition supplies. The USVIHTA expressed gratitude to the sponsors, including the USVI Department of Tourism (Platinum Sponsor), Captain Morgan, Island Designs Landscape & Storm Water Solutions LLC (Gold Sponsors), along with The Buccaneer, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, and VIYA (Bronze Sponsors), the release stated.
The Taste of the Caribbean event is organized by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association and takes place alongside the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum, bringing together tourism and hospitality professionals to engage with Caribbean culture and discuss relevant industry topics, it said.
