By Latrishka Thomas
Four of Antigua’s finest bakers have risen to the occasion, securing multiple nominations for the 2025 Caribbean Baking Awards.
These culinary artisans are part of a group of 70 nominees from across 18 Caribbean islands, all vying for the sugar-coated crown in various categories.
Timoy Titus, the mastermind behind ‘Teez Delights’, leads the Antiguan contingent with a whopping eight nominations.
These include, Best Wedding Cake, Best Buttercream Cake, Best Sculpted Cake, Cake Hero, Best Learning Experience, Innovative Baker of the Year, Best Cake Designer, and Best Cupcakes.
A teacher by profession with over a decade of baking experience, Titus was nominated in six categories last year and secured 3rd place in the final Cake Show Case.
He expressed his gratitude for being nominated again, saying, “The feeling is very similar to the last time. It’s a new experience once again to realize that my work is still being appreciated and persons are still there to encourage me…. the feeling is surreal. This is a really, really good feeling and I’m really appreciative for the opportunity again.”
Titus’ passion for baking is evident in his masterpieces.
Lana Williams, the heart of The Purple Rose Batter, has been nominated in three categories: Cake Hero, Innovative Baker of the Year, and Best Cake Designer.
Williams, who began baking in secondary school, and pursued it seriously as a side hustle starting in 2010, was pleasantly surprised by her nominations.
She shared, “Being nominated for three categories out of 18 in the Caribbean Baking Awards, it is a really great, overwhelming feeling. It was unexpected. I am so grateful to the persons that nominated me because even when I may have my moments of self-doubt, there are persons out there that believe in me and what it is that I’m doing.”
She thanked her supporters, whom she calls her “Sugar Babies.”
Williams’ skills go beyond cakes, she also makes other divine desserts like ice cream and cookies.
Kendel Harrigan of The KenDen has secured nominations in five categories: Best Wedding Cake, Best Buttercream Cake, Innovative Baker of the Year, Best Cake Designer, and Best Cupcakes.
Reflecting on the achievement, Harrigan said, “It was an amazing feeling being nominated for 5 different categories. Being recognized on such a regional level is something I will forever be grateful for.”
In 2017, Kendel Harrigan embarked on a culinary journey at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, setting the stage for what would become a flourishing business.
With strong support from friends and family, Harrigan transformed a personal passion into a successful enterprise, culminating in the creation of The KenDen.
Today, The KenDen stands as a testament to Harrigan’s dedication and growth, offering more than just bespoke cakes.
Shaarah Jackson, owner of Creative Confections, has been nominated in seven categories: Best Wedding Cake, Best Buttercream Cake, Best Sculpted Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, Best Cupcakes, and Best Traditional Caribbean Bakes.
Jackson, who was also nominated last year in two categories, earned her place in the finals in the Best Buttercream Cake category.
Her curiosity for baking was piqued as she watched her mother bake with her hands, leading to the creation of her first chocolate cake and sparking a lifelong passion for baking.
Founded in 2011, and officially opening its doors in 2012, ‘Creative Confections’ is the brainchild of Jackson-Lawrence.
The bakery is known for its diverse range of flavours and styles, transforming innovative ideas into mouth-watering treats.
The voting process for this year’s awards is streamlined into a single round, running from now until December 7. Fans can cast their votes at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com by clicking on “2025 Nominees” and following the provided links. The person with the most votes in each category will win.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Tortola, will be preceded by a bake-off on February 21. The theme for the competition is “Rum Fun,” with competitors required to infuse their cakes with rum from their respective Caribbean islands. The ceremony will take the form of a masquerade red carpet awards dinner.
The first 50 people to use the code ‘CBABVI50’ can enjoy a 50% discount on their gala dinner tickets.
InterCaribbean, the platinum sponsor, is also offering a 15% discount on travel bookings with the voucher code ‘BVIBAKING15’ for those wishing to attend the events. All persons are welcome to attend.
