News

The Honourable Minister Johany ‘Jay’ Ebanks, MP, alongside this year’s winners of the 2024 Young Chef, Young Waiter, and Young Mixologist competitions, recently visited Beacon Farm for a tour organized by the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and Development. The event offered the talented young professionals—Brittany Bodden, Steff McDermont, and Kody Wright—a unique opportunity to explore and experience the variety of local agricultural products that Beacon Farm cultivates, underscoring the Ministry's commitment to sustainability and food security through the “Grown in Cayman” initiative.

The tour provided the winners with a first-hand experience of the wide array of agricultural food products grown locally in the Cayman Islands. Beacon Farm, a prominent local agricultural site, is known for its diverse production of fruits and vegetables, supporting the island's food supply. This initiative is a key part of the “Grown in Cayman” campaign and the Cayman Islands Nutrition and Food Security Policy. The tour highlights the importance of supporting locally sourced produce, promoting sustainability, and bolstering the country's food security.

Minister Ebanks, a driving force behind the initiative, expressed his enthusiasm about the visit.

"It is essential that our future culinary and hospitality leaders gain an understanding of where their ingredients come from. Today’s tour of Beacon Farm demonstrates the diversity and quality of locally grown produce, and I’m proud to see such talent embracing our ‘Grown in Cayman’ initiative. This is just the beginning of a series of tours designed to engage our youth in sustainable practices and ensure the next generation is equipped to promote local food security," said Minister Ebanks.

This tour is the first in a series of educational initiatives aimed at inspiring young Caymanians to appreciate the value of local produce and agriculture. As Brittany, Steff, and Kody prepare to compete in the Young Chef, Young Waiter, and Young Mixologist World Finals in Singapore this November, they are being provided with invaluable insights into sustainable sourcing, which will be a key focus of their presentations on the world stage. More information on the competition can be found at youngchefyoungwaiter.com.

Reflections from the 2024 Winners:

• Brittany Bodden, Young Chef Winner: “Seeing the vast selection of fruits and vegetables grown right here in Cayman is inspiring. I can’t wait to incorporate these ingredients into my dishes as I prepare for the competition in Singapore. It’s incredible to see how sustainability can start at home.”
• Steff McDermont, Young Waiter Winner: “Today’s experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the local farmers who work tirelessly to bring fresh, high-quality produce to our tables. As I prepare for the international competition, I feel more connected to my roots and committed to showcasing the Cayman Islands in a sustainable way.”
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• Kody Wright, Young Mixologist Winner: “Learning about the ingredients I use from the ground up has been eye-opening. It’s given me new ideas and inspiration for how I can incorporate local flavours into my creations as I represent Cayman in Singapore.”

The Ministry’s tour of Beacon Farm not only served as an educational experience for the young professionals but also reinforced the importance of the Grown in Cayman initiative in fostering a more sustainable and self-reliant future. The Cayman Islands government remains committed to promoting local food production, which is pivotal for achieving the objectives set out in the National Food Security Policy.

As these talented young individuals prepare to represent the Cayman Islands on the global stage, the Ministry will continue to support their journey, ensuring they carry the values of sustainability and local pride with them.