(St. George, Grenada) — As part of the island’s Chocolate Festival, the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA) hosted the Cocoa and Spice Everything is Nice fundraiser on Tuesday, May 26 at Chez Louis with musical guests, Sabrina Francis and Cardell Byam. The event celebrated Grenada’s culinary heritage and rallied industry and community support for the GHTA National Culinary Team as they prepare to compete for gold at Taste of the Caribbean 2026.

Led by Team Manager Chef Andre Church along with logistic support and mentors Chef Belinda Bishop, Chef Ramces and Francesco Schmidt under the guidance of GHTA CEO Arlene Friday, the team showcased their craft and competition-ready creations for guests. The evening highlighted the talents of Senior Chef Elvis George, Junior Chef Rashid Cromwell, Pastry Chef Sasha Lessey, and Mixologist Antonio Bayne — each demonstrating dishes and cocktails inspired by Grenada’s cocoa and spices.

“Events like Cocoa and Spice bring our culinary community together and build the momentum our team needs,” said Arlene Friday, CEO of GHTA. “We are grateful to our partners and volunteers for their continued support as we prepare to represent Grenada on the regional stage.”

The fundraiser was made possible by generous sponsorship from GHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund, Westerhall Rums, SIFH Group, Umbrellas Beach Bar, Huggins, Blue Light Gin, Crayfish Bay, North South Wines, RTA Services, Flavours of Grenada and Chez Louis. Additional support and participation came from students of TAMCC and mixologist Lyndon of Silver Sands.

“Every tasting, critique and demonstration helps sharpen our performance,” said Team Manager Chef Andre. “We’re proud to carry Grenada’s flavors with us and thankful to everyone who has supported our journey.”

The GHTA National Culinary Team will continue intensive preparations in the months ahead. Members of the public and prospective supporters who wish to contribute or follow the team’s progress are invited to contact the GHTA at info@ghta.org.