Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development Champions Young Caymanians in Prestigious Culinary Competition

George Town, Cayman Islands – August 2024 – The Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development is proud to announce its support for the World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist Cayman Islands 2024 (WorldYYY) competition. This prestigious event is exclusively open to young Caymanians in the hospitality industry, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their talents on a national and international stage.

Event Highlights:

  *   Date and Venue: Final event at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on September 3, 2024.
  *   International Final: Winners will compete in the World Final in Singapore from November 15-17, 2024.
  *   Grand Prize: $15,000 for the Team World Final winners.

“The Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development is committed to nurturing the talents of our young Caymanians and providing them with opportunities to excel in their chosen fields,” said Minister Johany “Jay” Ebanks. “This competition not only highlights the skills and creativity of our young professionals, it aligns with our Food Security Policy and reinforces our commitment to positioning the Cayman Islands as a premier culinary destination.”

Robert Walton MBE, WorldYYY Chairman, stated, “As the Chairman of YYY, I am excited to witness the evolution of our competition, nurturing and showcasing the passion, skills, and dedication of the next generation of hospitality professionals. It is truly an honour to see that YYY will be hosted in the Cayman Islands for its third year, highlighting the region’s vibrant culinary scene and commitment to excellence. Furthermore, it’s great to have the support from the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development. Each year, YYY provides an unparalleled platform for young talents to excel, learn, and network, defining their careers in an ever-evolving industry. The Cayman Islands’ rich hospitality tradition makes it the perfect setting for this prestigious event.”

Aligning with National Policy:

This initiative aligns with the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy, underscoring the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing food security and promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality sector. Through such support, the Ministry encourages innovation and excellence among the next generation of culinary professionals.

The Cayman Islands, renowned for their stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant culinary scene, further solidify their reputation as a world-class dining destination through this partnership with WorldYYY.

About World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist (WorldYYY)

Since its establishment in 1979, the Young Chef Young Waiter competition has continued to promote hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and a vocation. Today, with its new revitalized format, Young Chef Young Waiter continues to honour the next culinary and service stars globally. World Young Chef Young Waiter, in partnership with Great Campaign UK and Northern Ireland and the Culinary Institute of America, seeks to discover the best young talents in the industry. The competition is open to Young Chefs, waiters, and mixologists under the age of 28 from diverse backgrounds, and WorldYYY ensures these young talents are equipped with relevant skills, current knowledge, and a network to help them succeed in the world of hospitality.

In 2023, the competition marked a significant milestone by expanding its reach to a global audience for its second year, with participants from nine countries striving for the title of World Young Chef Young Waiter Champion. Building on this success, the competition has returned in 2024, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the global hospitality industry and providing an expansive stage for the cultivation of creativity, education, and innovation that knows no geographical bounds. The event promises to surpass all previous iterations in size, quality, and sustainability.

About the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development

Under the guidance of Hon. Minister Johany “Jay” Ebanks, The Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic prosperity of the Cayman Islands through comprehensive planning, sustainable agriculture, efficient housing solutions, and critical infrastructure development. Our mission is to create a resilient and thriving future for all residents and visitors. (www.gov.ky/pahi/)

About the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy

The Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy aims to ensure all residents have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. The policy focuses on sustainable agriculture, responsible consumption, and food resilience, fostering a robust food system that supports health and prosperity for current and future generations. Link to the policy https://www.gov.ky/publication-detail/cayman-islands-food-and-nutrition-security-policy-2022-2036.

For more information on how to enter the Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist Cayman Islands 2024 competition, visit www.youngchefyoungwaiter.com/cayman-islands. The deadline for entries is August 11, 2024.