Chef Wandile Mabaso is a creative food artist full of global experiences. He has a vast international experience and has worked with internationally renowned Chefs in Michelin star restaurants in New York and Paris.

Classically trained in French cuisine, he currently specialises in contemporary French haute cuisine, where only the finest luxury ingredients are used and treated with extreme perfection in the most bespoke settings.

Today, Chef Wandile Mabaso is the owner of Les Créatifs Restaurant, which is shaking up the Johannesburg food scene with its unique offering; an experimental form of dining that takes guests on an exciting gastronomic journey.

With over 12 years of culinary expertise, Chef Jae-Anthony has built his reputation on reimagining Caribbean cuisine for a modern audience.

Born out of his passion for blending tradition with innovation, he created the Jerk Chicken Poutine in 2012 - a Caribbean-Canadian staple that has since become legendary.

Chef Jae-Anthony has been featured on Top Chef Canada, served as a judge on Food Network's Wall of Chefs, and appeared on Big Food Bucket List. His restaurant Tropikal was recognized by Canada's 100 Best and Air Canada enRoute Magazine as one of the best restaurants in the country in 2021. That same year, he made history as the first Black chef to be featured on the cover of enRoute Magazine, one of Canada's most prestigious lifestyle publications.

Over the course of his career, he has cooked for countless celebrities, developed menus and recipes for national restaurant chains, and founded two acclaimed restaurants:

Seasoned Dreams (2012)
Launched in his parents' garage, a quick-service spot that introduced his community to his unique take on Caribbean classics.

Tropikal (Montreal & Ottawa)
A full-service, upscale restaurant celebrating Caribbean flavors in a refined dining setting.

Debra Sardinha—known to many as Chef Debbie—is a celebrated chef, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador with a rich career that has elevated the cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago on global stages. A graduate of New York City Technical College, she made history as the first female Executive Chef for Hilton in the Americas and Caribbean. Her journey includes roles in the UN Executive Dining Room, the Myriad Restaurant Group, and even the test kitchen at Ladies’ Home Journal.

Chef Debbie has cooked for royalty—having been invited by the President’s House to cater for Queen Elizabeth II, and prepared a special Caribbean luncheon for the Duke of Wales. She’s appeared on BBC Fast Track, Gary Rhodes Across the Caribbean, The Today Show with Al Roker, and hosted the Caribbean cooking show Bon Manje.

She’s led culinary promotions from the World Travel Market in London to ITB Berlin, served as a celebrity chef at Taste of Barbados, and was the first female judge at Taste of the Caribbean. She’s also consulted for William Sonoma, Food & Wine Magazine events, and represented Trinidad and Tobago at countless international forums.

Now the Executive Chef and visionary behind Food Lingo—a Chef’s Table and catering concept—Chef Debbie continues to merge art and tradition to tell Caribbean stories through food. Please welcome an extraordinary chef, a cultural storyteller, and a proud Trinbagonian—Chef Debra Sardinha.

Chef Aiko “Chef Aiks” Rudder-Jones is the Founder and Executive Chef of Bim Street Eats, a Toronto-based Bajan food brand celebrating the flavours, culture and hospitality of Barbados.

Born in Barbados and raised between Barbados and Canada, Chef Aiks refined her craft in Toronto’s restaurant industry before completing her Culinary Management studies at George Brown College. Her experience includes contributing to high-profile dining experiences that served notable guests such as Drake, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, former President of Barbados.

Since launching Bim Street Eats in 2020, Chef Aiks has built a growing culinary brand known for authentic Bajan flavours, cultural storytelling, and community connection. Through pop-ups, catering, festivals and collaborative culinary experiences, she continues to introduce new audiences to the richness of Barbadian cuisine while celebrating the heritage, flavours and hospitality that define Barbadian culture.

Chef Jason Howard is a Barbadian-born, British-based chef, author and culinary consultant known for his modern approach to Caribbean cuisine.

Classically trained in British and French cuisine, Jason refined his craft at the three-Michelin-starred Connaught Hotel in London, working under Hélène Darroze. His cooking combines classical technique with the flavours, ingredients and stories of Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

Jason is the author of The Modern Caribbean Chef, an Emmy Award winner and has been recognised by the James Beard Foundation. He also competed on Great British Menu, showcasing his distinctive approach to modern Caribbean cooking.

Now Chef in Residence at Local & Co. Barbados, Jason continues to champion a local-first, farm-to-table philosophy, working closely with farmers, fishers and producers while bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the cuisine of his home island.

Zaria's mixology journey began in 2018 creating her path and passion for cocktails, spirits, and mixology.

After taking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to the industry with a renewed drive to grow her skills and knowledge. Absorbing all she could from events to rum shop bars, also cocktail kitchen. Now currently working at Uva Barbados. She has dedicated herself to learning classic and modern cocktail recipes, refining her techniques, and expanding understanding of spirits and flavour development.

Now with about 8 years in the industry, she has begun competing in mixology competitions, challenging herself creatively and professionally while gaining valuable experience.

Zaria has recently entered and concluded the El Dorado heritage competition and the BHTA Taste of the Barbados Bartender of the year the competition as a competitor. Being new to that side of mixology it has increased her hunger and passion to continue to develop her craft, drawing inspiration from her mentors, work in different bar scenes, fellow mixologist and wherever knowledge can be found.

Her passion has helped her in forming a career she can be proud of and with a goal of creating memorable cocktail experiences and growing as a mixologist.

For more than 15 years, Orwin ‘O’ Findlay has been transforming cocktails into memorable experiences. Known for his ability to blend premium spirits with local ingredients, he believes every great drink should do more than taste exceptional, it should create a moment worth remembering.

A respected Bar Manager and mixologist, Orwin has earned a reputation for his precise, polished, and detail-oriented approach behind the bar. His cocktail style is defined by balance, flavour, smoothness, and energy, delivering drinks that are both approachable and unforgettable.

With a deep appreciation for rum and Caribbean flavours, Orwin draws inspiration from Barbados’ rich culture and agricultural heritage. He enjoys incorporating locally grown fruits, herbs, and botanicals into his creations, crafting cocktails that showcase the vibrant character and authenticity of the island.

For Orwin, mixology extends far beyond mixing ingredients. His greatest reward comes from witnessing a guest’s reaction after the very first sip, that unmistakable expression of complete satisfaction that signals a truly memorable experience. It is this pursuit of connection and hospitality that continues to fuel his passion for the craft.

Throughout his career, Orwin has developed cocktails for brand activations, special events, and premium hospitality experiences, earning a reputation for creativity, professionalism, and consistency. Beyond the bar, he remains committed to mentoring emerging mixologists and sharing the knowledge gained through years of industry experience, helping to shape the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Whether creating an innovative rum cocktail or elevating a guest experience, Orwin brings authenticity, expertise, and genuine Caribbean warmth to every interaction. His passion for flavour, people, and hospitality continues to make him a respected figure within Barbados’ vibrant food and beverage community.

Duran Leacock’s journey into the hospitality industry began after an early setback—failing two CXC examinations—which became a turning point in his life. Determined not to remain idle after cadet summer camp, his sister helped him secure a part-time job as a waiter. What started as a simple opportunity quickly evolved into a passion-driven career.

Entering the industry as a blank slate, Duran brought with him determination, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Despite being initially timid and inexperienced, he was frequently called upon to work behind the bar, where he quickly discovered his natural aptitude and began to thrive.

Over the next decade, Duran gained extensive experience working across four all-inclusive resorts, steadily refining his craft. His ambition to grow was further ignited after attending the Elevate event, where he was inspired by renowned mixologists such as Dameain Williams, Antonio Busby, David Barker, Ryan Adamson, and Phillip Casanova.

Driven by this inspiration, Duran pursued professional development through Art of Bartending training seminars led by Frank Parris and David Barker. He also gained valuable early experience competing in cocktail competitions under the guidance of Ryan Adamson. Additionally, he was frequently called upon by these respected mixologists to assist with numerous Crop Over events, each opportunity fuelling his desire to learn and improve.

Another pivotal influence in his journey was Alex Davinci, whose mentorship encouraged Duran to further refine his skills. This led him to immerse himself in the extensive knowledge shared by Jamaal Bowen, ultimately enrolling in Top Shelf Bar Academy. His time there proved instrumental, sharpening his attention to detail and reinforcing the importance of consistency—both critical elements of his professional growth.

While working with Raising the Bar Beverage Catering, Duran was rostered to service his first Food & Rum Festival event at the Barbados Concorde Experience. There, he witnessed some of the industry’s top mixologists in action, inspiring him to envision himself among them. Strangely enough, beginning the very next year and continuing annually, he was invited by Alex Davinci to assist at the same prestigious events—an opportunity he embraced with gratitude.

In 2025, Duran was offered his own platform to showcase his talents at the Food & Rum Festival, a milestone that filled him with excitement. Unfortunately, a roller-skating accident resulted in a broken leg, forcing him to miss the opportunity. Now, a year later, he once again has the honour of being invited to participate among Barbados’ finest, and he is eager to make his mark.

Duran acknowledges that while mixology may appear glamorous from the outside, it demands an immense level of preparation, dedication, and discipline to deliver a truly exceptional and unique cocktail experience. For him, this journey represents continuous growth—one of his greatest opportunities to challenge himself and fully realize his potential.

My passion for mixology began right after leaving school while working in my father's bar. One day, a friend visited and asked for a Rum and Coke. At the time, that wasn't a drink we typically served, so I went to my father and asked if I could make it. His response was simple: "Use a mini brown rum and a small Coke, and when you're finished, make sure the price you're charging makes sense." That moment sparked a passion that has stayed with me ever since.

From that day forward, I dedicated myself to learning and perfecting the art of bartending and mixology. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of working alongside and learning from some incredible industry professionals, including Carl Henry, Shane McClean, the one and only Alexander Chandler, and Jamaal Bowen. Their mentorship and expertise have helped shape my skills and approach behind the bar.

To further develop my craft, I attended Top Shelf Bartending Academy, where I mastered advanced bartending techniques, customer service excellence, and the principles of professional mixology. I also have extensive experience working at both public and private events, bringing professionalism, creativity, and exceptional service to every occasion.

In addition to my bartending career, I am the founder of Eggnotic Christmas, a seasonal business specializing in handcrafted eggnog that has become a favorite among customers during the holiday season.

Today, I continue to pursue excellence in mixology, creating memorable experiences through innovative cocktails, exceptional service, and a genuine passion for the craft that started with one simple Rum and Coke.

Mixology is more than just making drinks for me—it's about creativity, hospitality, and bringing people together, one mix at a time.

My passion started for cooking at a young age in which I loved to create new dishes in the kitchen. This love made me enter NIFCA’ Barbados Best Cook Competition in 2017 that was aired on television. I then went on to win the entire competition and impressed the judges using rum infused into many of my dishes.

I then wanted to start a new challenge and career and found a passion for mixology, in which I attended Barbados Vocational Training Board’s Bartending course and Topshelf Bartending Academy, where my foundation was built along with prominent Mixologist Damonein Williams, who led the charge towards my development by introducing me to the events industry side of bartending.

I then still wanted to challenge myself even more and entered many other bartending competitions, in which in 2019 and currently in 2026 I won the prestigious Barbados Bartender Of The Year Competition held by the BHTA in contentions to represent Barbados at Taste of the Caribbean.

When I started this career, to travel and compete was one of my main targets, and also in 2026 I achieved this by winning El Dorado’s Rum Heritage Competition, Barbados leg, and going to Demerara, Guyana to compete against winners from seven other countries in which I placed second place and left a huge impact, as it was the first time another Caribbean island was in the competition other than the host Guyana in its third year of commencing.

I look forward to continuing changing taste perspectives and crafting memorable experiences behind the bar while travelling the globe for many patrons, along with giving back to the next generation to become even better than I ever dreamt of becoming, not just a Mixologist but a “Fluid Maestro” who conducts flavours to melodic symphonies of your palate.

Chad Carter, better known in the nightlife and event circles as The Liquid Chemist, is a dynamic and accomplished mixologist with over five years of experience crafting exceptional cocktails and unforgettable experiences. His journey began behind the bars of local nightclubs, where his creativity, precision, and passion for flavour quickly earned him a reputation as a standout talent in the industry. Drawing inspiration from the rich flavours of the Caribbean, Chad expertly blends premium spirits and fresh ingredients with innovative techniques to create masterful cocktails that are as visually captivating as they are delectable.

Beyond the glass, Chad is a full-on vibe curator, known for his undeniable ability to create meaningful connections with guests. His charismatic personality and genuine passion for people allow him to transform every cocktail into a memorable experience. Whether serving guests at exclusive private events, large-scale festivals, or luxury brand activations, Chad brings energy, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Chad participated in the 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival as featured talent, where he showcased his skills and expertise alongside some of the country’s leading mixologists. This experience further solidified his reputation as one of Barbados’ new generation elites in the mixology sector and highlighted his ability to perform on some of the industry’s most respected stages.

For Chad, mixology is more than a profession—it is a form of “liquid chemistry” that brings together flavour, culture, emotion, and storytelling. His personal mantra, “I don’t just create cocktails—I create experiences that last a lifetime,” reflects his dedication to elevating every event and every guest interaction. Chad Carter remains committed to pushing creative boundaries and redefining what it means to be a modern mixologist—one unforgettable cocktail at a time.

Hailing proudly from the parish of St. Philip, Ashley Morgan has spent her life shaping her path in the Barbadian hospitality industry. Her journey began at Foster & Ince at the Barbados Port Inc back in 2014, where she welcomed visitors to the island with genuine warmth and professionalism. It was there that her passion for service excellence first took root.

In 2019, while working an event at the historic George Washington House, Ashley found herself captivated by the energy and creativity behind the bar. That moment sparked a new ambition. Determined to enter the world of mixology, she enrolled at TopShelf Bartending Academy, completing their four levels of training and sharpening both her technical skill and artistic flair. Since then, Ashley has become a familiar and respected presence across Barbados’ event landscape. She works tirelessly at major productions such as BHTA Gala Dinner, Bliss by Esquire Entertainment, Food Festivals, National Armoury Day by The Barbados Defence Force, Villa Demos, School Demos along with numerous Corporate functions and Staff Parties. In the private events space, she has built a strong reputation for designing bespoke cocktails for weddings, social gatherings, and intimate celebrations—always tailoring each drink to the moment and the people she serves.

Her dedication and growing influence led to a major milestone: being selected as one of the featured mixologists for the Barbados Food & Rum Festival in both 2024 and 2025. At the Rise and Rum Breakfast Party, she showcased her creativity, confidence, and deepening mastery of the craft to locals and visitors alike.

In 2025, Ashley achieved the goal she had set for herself from the very beginning. She accepted a coveted role as the Resident Mixologist at the Copper Still Bar at the prestigious Foursquare Rum Distillery. She also entered Barbados Cocktail Of The Festival competition and won first place prize against her peers.

Today, she can be found crafting refined cocktails, serving curated rum flights, and educating guests on the amazing rums produced at the distillery, thus bringing her journey full circle from hospitality ambassador to rum and cocktail specialist.

In June of 2026, she was selected to be a judge for the BHTA Taste Of Barbados Bartender Of The Year Competition as the lone female on the panel. For the competition she was asked to evaluate the technical skills of the competitors and critique the quality of their cocktails.

Ashley continues to rise as one of Barbados’ promising talents in mixology, blending passion, discipline, and a genuine love for creating memorable experiences.

My name is Kyle Sandiford, and I am a hospitality professional and mixologist currently employed at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, where I have been a dedicated team member since 2019. My journey in bartending began there as a Bar Back, where I quickly discovered a passion for mixology and exceptional guest service.

Over the years, I have continued to refine my expertise in cocktail creation, spirit knowledge, and service excellence. As an LQA Champion, I take pride in upholding the highest standards of hospitality while delivering memorable guest experiences with professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.

A career highlight was participating in the 2025 Food and Rum Festival hosted by the National Cultural Foundation, where I had the opportunity to showcase my skills while celebrating Barbados’ rich culinary and rum heritage.

I am passionate about the art of mixology and committed to continuous growth within the hospitality industry. Whether crafting innovative cocktails or creating meaningful connections with guests, I strive to bring energy, authenticity, and excellence to every experience, and I look forward to where the wonderful world of mixology takes me next.

I am a Saint Michael-born mixologist and hospitality professional. For almost 14 years, I have dedicated my life to the hospitality industry, transforming simple ingredients into unforgettable guest experiences. Currently, I serve as the Senior Mixologist and Bar Manager at the luxury [Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club] on the Platinum Coast. One of my proudest professional milestones was serving on the management team that guided [Blue Monkey] through its journey from a raw construction zone to the breathtaking, five-star destination it is today.

My work behind the bar is driven by a deep passion for creation. I love pushing boundaries by crafting unique ingredients, experimenting with innovative tools, and building cocktail recipes that challenge the norm. For me, the ultimate reward is seeing the joy on my guests' faces and creating lasting memories through the libations I pour. This passion for liquid storytelling earned me a spot as a featured talent at the prestigious Barbados Food and Rum Festival for two consecutive years (2025 and 2026). When I’m not actively behind the bar or fuelled by my profound love for a great cup of coffee, you can find me using my downtime to experiment with new methods and continuously strengthen my craft.

Natasha Jules has over two decades worth of experience in the local high-paced bar industry.

Her journey began at a well-known establishment in Christ Church, located in the busy, high-traffic area of St. Lawrence Gap, where she started her bartending career.

Driven by her passion for learning, Natasha enrolled at The Topshelf Bartending Academy, where she trained under Jamaal Bowen and Thaddeus Sealy. Their mentorship provided her with a deeper understanding of the industry and refined her skills.

With the knowledge she acquired, Natasha has worked at two of the busiest cocktail bars on the west coast, as well as one of the longest-standing restaurants in Holetown.

Her expertise and talent paved the way for her to become the first female mixologist selected for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. She was also chosen as an ambassador for Barbados, traveling throughout the Caribbean and Latin America to showcase Barbados’ pride and industry.

Natasha has also served as a judge for numerous mixology competitions over the years, and she remains committed to growing and excelling within the industry.

Work Experience
Dameain Williams is a Mixologist by profession. He works at the West Indies Rum Distillery as the Rummelier, VIP Tour Guide and Brand Ambassador for Stades and Planteray & Rums.
As his thirst for knowledge grew, he took part in several extensive training workshops, seminars, mixology sessions and competitions throughout his 19-year career. In addition; he attained his degree in “Food, Beverage & Hospitality Management” at the Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute. Dameain also travels to the U.S.A, Canada and U.K and Caribbean to showcase Barbados Rums at the renowned Rum Festivals and Signature Events.
He is also one of the Culinary Ambassadors at the prestigious “Barbados Food and Rum Festival” for the last 13 years.

Award Winning Mixologist
Dameain also co-owns a rapidly growing bar services company called “The Barman” and co-owns a trending bar called Flaming Pelican.
His popularity grew significantly with the TV show “In Da Mix” and “Caribbean Cooking Channel”. In addition; he is the only Level 3 Rummelier in Barbados on the path to becoming Master Rummelier. He was awarded Mixologist of the year in Barbados for 2022 & 2023.
More recently he was nominated and voted in the top 5 best brand ambassadors in the region at the Rum Lab Rum Festivals. Dameain was also awarded: Embassy Chef Challenge overall winners Team Barbados 2024 in Washington DC. He is also Level 2 WSET certified in Spirits.

Mixologist Alex Chandler, better known as Alexander DaVinci, is a Land Surveyor by profession. The former Lodge School Student, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Geomatics from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, he was introduced to the world of bartending during his Land Surveyors internship program.

“He was asked to be a promotion rep for Cockspur at Girlfriends Expo. During the job, the mixologist Dameain Williams had to step out and there was no one to replace him, therefore I volunteered to help. Mr. Williams showed me how to make my first cocktail, “The Mojito”. Later that day I was told to further seek knowledge and pursue a career in this profession by Dameain Williams and Bazil Jemmott.

That was ten years ago (2015), I took the advice, and it was the guiding sign that led me to where I am today. Following that advice; I gain knowledge in Mixology and Bartending with: ➢ David Barker & Dameain Williams ➢ The Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute ➢ The Barbados Culinary Team 2018, 2019 & 2024 ➢ He has worked many Private Events locally and internationally ➢ He is currently working at Cocktail Kitchen’s Uva ➢ He is also the Resident Mixologist at Sentia

With this knowledge as well as being inspired by his grandmother’s cooking, he enjoys using local flavors and recipes to create cocktails of an international standard. His passion for the art and craft of mixology has granted him the opportunity to represent Barbados at Taste of the Caribbean on three occasions.

On his second occasion, he returned from Taste of the Caribbean stage with a gold medal for his outstanding performance. DaVinci is not only thrilled about his achievements, but he is also honored to have had the opportunity to contribute the Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association Culinary Team of the Year 2019…BARBADOS!

Afterwards he felt like something was missing, my libations were great but not complete. That feeling of, “Oh My God…I would drink this cocktail the entire night!” was missing from my creations. While seeking PERFECTION, my METICULOUS nature lead me down a path to seek more knowledge. The first step to satisfying this urge came from doing Top Shelf Academy Inc. mixology and bartending courses. The vast knowledge gained from those courses as well as having Jamaal Bowen as a Mentor has propelled my Craft and its Creations. Kobe once said,” A few seek Perfection because it is impossible, however an individual that get close to perfection will always be better than GREAT!” These words never left him since he watched that interview and he truly understood why.

Since then, he has flown across the globe to showcase his Country’s Cuisine as Liquid Libations Creations. As a Barbados Culinary Ambassador, he visited places like Scotland, France, Germany, London, Dubai, The Hamptons, Boston, Long Island, Cayman Islands, Panama, Washington DC and Rhode Island just to mention a few.

In 2024 he wanted to test how much he has ameliorated his craft and lust for knowledge. He entered and won: ➢ Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association Bartender of the Year 2024 ➢ Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktail 2024 ➢ Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Team of the Year Gold medalist 2024

In 2025 he entered and won: ➢ Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Bartender of the Year 2025 ➢ Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Most Creative Bartender 2025 ➢ Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Best Use of Angostura Products in the Mystery Bar Category 2025

As a three-time international Gold Medalist and C.H.T.A Caribbean Number One Bartender 2025, he believes in continuing the pursue of knowledge to master his craft as well as, “Creating memories in every Glass!”

Crafting unforgettable cocktail experiences isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. With a passion for creativity, precision, and a touch of flair, I transform every sip into a moment worth remembering.

Renowned for my flamboyant style and innovation, I have had the privilege of elevating the beverage scene locally, regionally, and internationally. My expertise has made me the go-to liquid artist for A-list celebrities and luxury brands. I am a multiple ‘Barbados Bartender of the Year’ and have proudly represented my country on the world stage, winning gold at ‘Taste of the Caribbean,’ ‘Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge,’ ‘CHTA Rum & Rhythm,’ and the ‘New York Rum Rumble’. A defining moment in my career was outshining 45 countries to become the first ever ‘Embassy Chef Challenge Mixologist of the Year.’

As the founder and lead liquid artist of Casanova Liquid Artistry, I specialize in crafted bottled cocktails—our version of liquid art—designed for elite clientele and high-end experiences. We create immersive bar experiences for luxury venues and exclusive events, blending tradition with innovation. At Casanova Liquid Artistry, ‘We don't just make drinks, we create experiences that last a lifetime!’.

Beyond mixology, I am honored to serve as a National Culinary Ambassador, representing Barbados on the global stage. Through my craft, I showcase the island’s rich flavors, culture, and artistry, sharing the essence of my culture—one expertly crafted cocktail at a time.

I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with your esteemed establishment, bringing a world-class, refined beverage experience to your guests.

Rhea Cox is an award-winning Barbadian Beverage Professional, Spirits Educator, and experiential host with over 12 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and beverage education. Known for her engaging approach to storytelling and sensory discovery, she is passionate about helping people connect with the culture, craftsmanship, and traditions behind the beverages they enjoy.

Rhea spent more than a decade with Mount Gay Distilleries, where she designed and delivered premium tastings, food and rum pairings, cocktail workshops, and educational masterclasses for visitors from around the world. Her work played an important role in showcasing Barbados’ rich rum heritage and elevating the island’s reputation as a premier food and beverage destination.

She holds the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines, Level 3 Award in Spirits, and is a certified WSET Spirits Educator. Throughout her career, she has trained and mentored more than 100 beverage professionals and enthusiasts, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of spirits, most notably rum as Barbados’ national product.

In 2024, Rhea was crowned champion of the Gold Coin Challenge at the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. She has proudly represented Barbados on the international stage at the ITB Berlin, the BTMI Bajan Roadshow Germany, and the BTMI Bajan Safari UK. She has also represented Barbados at the Forbes Food & Wine Festival Mexico 2024 and was a member of the Barbados National Culinary Team 2020 and 2024. Her contributions to the hospitality sector were recognized with the Women in Tourism Award 2022.

Beyond education and hospitality, Rhea has collaborated with premium brands to create memorable beverage experiences, including developing bespoke cocktails for Fenty Barbados.

Today, Rhea works closely with chefs, restaurateurs, hotels, and hospitality professionals to create memorable tasting experiences, food and beverage pairings, and educational events that celebrate both international beverages and Caribbean culinary culture.

As a featured talent at the Barbados Food and Rum Festival 2026, Rhea brings a unique blend of expertise, authenticity, and passion for sharing the stories behind every glass.

Rohan Hackshaw’s professional journey began in landscaping, where he worked for two years before transitioning into butchering for another two years. Although these early experiences helped shape his work ethic, he soon realized his true passion lay elsewhere. Determined to find a career that aligned with his interests, Rohan completed a Food and Beverage course and secured a position as a waiter at Almond Beach Village. It was there that his passion for the hospitality industry began to flourish.

Having always enjoyed cooking, Rohan embraced a new opportunity in 2007 when Sandy Lane Hotel offered him a position as an Assistant Bartender. He seized the opportunity and quickly discovered a deep passion for bartending and mixology. The excitement of creating cocktails and interacting with guests inspired him to dedicate himself to mastering the craft.

Rohan’s competitive spirit emerged after participating in his first in-house bartending competition. The thrill of competition fueled his desire to continually improve his skills and knowledge. Over the years, he competed in numerous local and regional competitions, earning several prestigious accolades. He placed second in the Angostura Mix Master Challenge in both 2010 and 2011 before claiming the championship title in 2012. That same year, he was crowned Barbados Bartender of the Year, earning a silver medal and the award for Most Creative Cocktail.

His success continued in 2013 when he won the local leg of the Angostura Mix Master Challenge and went on to capture the regional title, securing a place in the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge. In 2014, he successfully retained his Barbados Bartender of the Year title, earning the opportunity to represent the Barbados Culinary Team at Taste of the Caribbean in Miami. There, he achieved further success by winning awards for Best Rum Drink and Best Non-Alcoholic Drink.

After several successful years at Sandy Lane, Rohan accepted an opportunity in 2016 to broaden his international experience. He relocated to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he joined Hilton Hotel as a Beverage Manager, overseeing three bars. During his fourteen-month tenure, he gained valuable leadership experience while working alongside colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Seeking to return closer to the Caribbean, Rohan later accepted a position at the Pink Sand Club, managed by Mandarin Oriental, in Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As a Vincentian by birth, he found great fulfillment in sharing his expertise and contributing to the development of hospitality professionals within the region. After two years, he returned to Barbados, which had been his home for more than three decades, and joined Sandals Resorts International.

Following three successful years with Sandals, Rohan embraced a new challenge at Ocean Two Resort & Residences in Dover, Christ Church, Barbados, where he served as Bar Manager. Throughout his career, he has remained committed not only to his own professional growth but also to mentoring the next generation of bartenders.

In 2024, Rohan was appointed Mixology Coach for the Barbados National Culinary Team. One of his proudest achievements in this role came in 2025 when he coached Alex Challendler to victory as Caribbean Bartender of the Year at Taste of the Caribbean.

By nature, Rohan is quiet and reserved, but his passion for hospitality, mixology, and culinary arts speaks volumes. His long-term ambition is to combine his expertise as both a mixologist and culinary professional, ultimately advancing into a Food and Beverage Director role. Through dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence, Rohan continues to make a significant impact on the hospitality industry both in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean.