Winners Announced for the 2024 Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist Cayman Islands Competition

Brittany Bodden

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – September 4, 2024 – The Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development (PAHITD) and the Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist (YYYC) are delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist Cayman Islands Competition. This prestigious event, celebrating the finest young talent in the Cayman Islands’ hospitality industry, concluded on September 3rd after a thrilling few days of culinary, mixology and service excellence.

The competition began September 2nd with an elegant reception at the Governor’s House, graciously hosted by Her Excellency Jane Owen. This set the stage for the intense challenges that followed at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where finalists showcased their exceptional skills. The event reached its finale at the grand awards ceremony, where the winners were announced.
The 2024 Cayman Islands Winners:

  *   Young Chef Champion:               Brittany Bodden
  *   Young Waiter Champion:            Steff McDermott
  *   Young Mixologist Champion:     Kody Wright

Steff McDermott

These talented individuals now have the honour of representing the Cayman Islands at the 2024 YYY World Finals in Singapore, scheduled for November 15-17. There, they will compete against the best young professionals from around the globe for the ultimate reward of $15,000 for the winning team.

The Minister of PAHITD, the Hon. Johany ‘Jay’ Ebanks, expressed his pride in the competition’s outcome, stating, “The Young Chef Young, Waiter and Young Mixologist competition not only showcases the incredible talent we have here in the Cayman Islands but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability and food security. We are immensely proud of all the participants and especially our winners, who will carry the Cayman flag to the world stage in Singapore.”

This event, sponsored by the Ministry of PAHITD, highlights the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing local talent and advancing the Cayman Islands’ hospitality sector. Open to Caymanian nationals and naturalized Caymanians aged 28 and under, the competition offered a vital platform for young chefs, waiters, and mixologists to demonstrate their expertise and earn their place on the global stage.

Kody Wright

The Ministry’s Chief Officer Mr. Eric Bush remarked, “This event marks another significant milestone in our journey towards a self-sustaining Cayman. By showcasing local agriculture on a prestigious platform, we are advancing towards our vision of a food-secure nation. We are immensely thankful to Her Excellency, the Governor, for her continued support and to our partners at YYYC and the Ritz-Carlton for making this event possible.”

The event was a collaborative success, made possible by the partnership between the Ministry, Cayman’s local farming/agricultural community, the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and other local businesses. Contestants were provided with a “Chef’s larder” stocked with premium Caymanian produce, meats, eggs and agro-products, aligning with the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy (CINFSP) and promoting the use of local, sustainable ingredients.

Robert Walton MBE, Chairman of YYYC, added, “Hosting this event in the Cayman Islands highlights our commitment to discovering and nurturing the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders worldwide.”

The Ministry extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Their hard work and dedication are a testament to the thriving talent in the Cayman Islands. We invite the community to join us in celebrating their achievements as they prepare to represent the Cayman Islands on the world stage. Congratulations to our winners as they continue to make the Cayman Islands proud!

For more information about the competition and to follow our finalists’ journey, visit www.youngchefyoungwaiter.com/cayman-islands

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.

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/<http://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)