Nevis Mango Festival: St. Maarten Secures 3rd Place in Chef Competition

Culinary Instructor Chef Renata de Weever and Junior Chef Jaenanena Joseph of the National Institute for Professional Advancement secured third place in the Nevis Mango Festival Chef Competition on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Melissa D. Gumbs announced the achievement, having attended the festival in Nevis by invitation from the Nevis Tourism Authority. The competition involved chefs preparing dishes from mystery baskets, with the initial round requiring a plant-based dish utilizing green banana and soursop. The Nevis Mango Festival is a significant cultural event on the island, featuring numerous culinary experiences centered around its diverse mango varieties.