By Latrishka Thomas
Antigua and Barbuda’s baking community is making a strong showing at the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards, with nine local bakers securing nominations across multiple categories in the regional competition.
The Antiguan nominees include two returning competitors who have previously earned recognition at the awards.
Amongst the contingent is Lana Williams of ‘The Purple Rose Batter’, who has been nominated for Innovative Baker of the Year. Williams won the Cake Hero award at last year’s competition, making her return to the awards particularly significant as she seeks to add another title to her achievements.
Timoy Titus of ‘Teez Delights’ has secured his third consecutive nomination in the Best Cake Designer category. Titus earned third place overall in the Best Cake in Show category at the inaugural Caribbean Baking Awards held in Tortola in 2024.
Rolanda Hyde of ‘Confection Connection 268’ has received nominations in two categories: Best Cake Designer and Best All Buttercream Designer. Rochelle Rovedas of ‘Little Rock Confections’ has been nominated for Best Bakery Shop of the Year, while Sammona Hillhouse of ‘Mixing Bowl Delights’ has also been nominated for Best Cake Designer.
Carlonar Gerald of ‘Beaucar’s Bakery and Pastisserie’ has emerged as one of the most nominated Antiguan bakers, competing across four categories: Innovative Baker of the Year, Best Vegan or Plant-Based Baker, Pastry Chef of the Year, and Cake Hero.
Rounding out the Antiguan nominees are Cheni Greene of ‘Sweet Things with Cheni’, nominated for Best Learning Experience; Danielle George-John of ‘Sweet Dreams Anu’, nominated for Best Sculpted Cake; and Gabrielle Thomas of ‘The Vanilla Orchid’, nominated for Pastry Chef of the Year.
Nominations closed on February 1, with public voting set to open on March 1 and run through April 1, 2026, giving supporters across the region the opportunity to cast their votes for their favourite bakers.
The awards have attracted over 60 nominees from across the Caribbean, with countries represented including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Maarten and St. Martin, the US Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Guyana, Anguilla, The Bahamas, Grenada, the British Virgin Islands, Haiti, and Aruba.
The 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards will take place in Saint Martin from July 24 to 26.
