Award-winning comedian, social media star, and mental health advocate, Julie Mango, is set to bring her signature charm and wit to the 2025 Caribbean Baking Awards as the official host.

Julie Mango, whose real name is Juliet Angelique Bodley, has captivated audiences worldwide with her relatable comedic skits that spotlight Jamaican culture. With millions of followers across social media platforms, Mango’s presence at the awards is expected to add an extra layer of excitement. Her ability to engage with audiences and her dynamic stage presence make her a perfect fit for the event, which honors the best in Caribbean baking.

The festivities will commence on February 21st with the “Ultimate Bake-Off,” a dynamic competition where ten Caribbean islands will vie for baking supremacy under the theme “Rum Fun.” Teams from Trinidad & Tobago, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Guyana, Dominica, Barbados, and Saint Lucia will present their finest creations, each infused with regional flair and the distinctive essence of Caribbean rum.

Adding a unique twist, beloved British Virgin Islands artists—Boss, Brent, Jougo, and Pascal Da Artist—will trade microphones for mixing bowls in a celebrity grudge match, bringing their creativity from the stage to the kitchen. The event will also spotlight young culinary talents from the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and M.A.L.E., who will showcase their skills in a friendly cupcake competition.

The celebration will culminate on February 22nd with the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner. Attendees can anticipate a lavish evening featuring a gourmet feast, live entertainment, and the much-anticipated announcement of award winners across various categories. The gala aims to honor the region’s top bakers, recognizing their creativity, innovation, and dedication to preserving Caribbean culinary traditions.

In the lead-up to the awards, the CBA encouraged public participation through an online voting platform, allowing fans to support their favorite bakers in categories such as Rising Star, Best Traditional Caribbean Bakes, and Pastry Chef of the Year. Voting was open from September 7th to December 7th, 2024.

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Get ready for the sweetest showdown in the Caribbean! The region’s top bakers will gather at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, On February 21, to compete for baking supremacy at The Ultimate Bake-Off: Caribbean Baking Awards.

Trinidad & Tobago is returning with a powerhouse lineup—“Flavor Masters Possé,” “Trini Cakes Revellers,” and “Flour Power”—but can they take back the crown? Last year, the twin island dominated the competition, winning Best of Show at the inaugural Caribbean Baking Awards Wine & Cake Tasting Showcase Competition. The top prize, which included a $2,000 cash award, a trophy, and more, went to Dexter Cambridge, whose cake, “Queen of Bacchanal,” was a tribute to calypso legend Destra Garcia. This year, the twin-island nation is back to defend their title, but the competition is fiercer than ever.

Representing the US Virgin Islands, Team “Hibiscus Sweets” is ready to make a statement, while the British Virgin Islands’ own “Bombshell” is bringing bold flavors and local flair. Antigua & Barbuda’s “The Glass Jar” and “Sweet Art 268” are prepared to wow the judges, while Jamaica’s “Sweet Success” and “The Dynamic Duo” are aiming to bring the heat.

Guyana’s “Sweet Secrets” is out to prove their baking mastery, and Dominica’s “Donmnik Dou,” last year’s standout, looks to rise to the occasion. Akim Ismael from Dominica claimed first place at last year’s Wine & Cake Tasting Showcase, and this year, the Spice Island is aiming to repeat their success, even with fierce competition from the rest of the Caribbean nations.

Barbados’ “Bimstars” plans to steal the spotlight, and Saint Lucia’s “Fruit Boss” is entering the fray with their own unique flair.

The race for the title is anyone’s game!

This is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of Caribbean talent, tradition, and flavor. The atmosphere will be electric, as each team vies for the prestigious title.

#CaribbeanBakingAwards #TheUltimateBakeOff #SweetVictory

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Five delegates from across the Caribbean are set to compete in the inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

The pageant will feature contestants representing the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, and Turks & Caicos Islands. Each delegate brings experience in pageantry and community representation.

Representing the British Virgin Islands is Sylvanna L. Charles, who was crowned BVI Festival Princess in 2005. Hasanna Graham, Miss US Virgin Islands, previously held the title of Miss Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2012. Mekelia A. Miller, Miss Trinidad & Tobago, won the title of Miss La Reine Rive’ (Miss Best Village) in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. Milove J. S. Fontaine, representing Antigua & Barbuda, was crowned Miss Charisma in 2020. Tinell N. Garland, Miss Turks & Caicos Islands, will also compete for the title.

The competition will highlight cultural pride, elegance, and confidence among plus-size women in the region. The winner will be the first to hold the title of Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen.

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