BVI Showcases Culinary Heritage at Saint Martin
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) led a delegation to headline the closing night of Saint Martin’s 5th Festival de la Gastronomie on November 22, 2025, showcasing the best of the Territory’s culinary heritage. Led by Regional Marketing Manager RaeNisia L. Scatliffe and accompanied by Chef Tonya Smith and Long Bay mixologists Lesroy Baptiste and Stephen Marcellin, the team presented tasting portions of Fungi and Fish and a passion-fruit–inspired cocktail while promoting the upcoming Anegada Lobster Festival and 2026 events. This article updates earlier coverage with confirmation that the VI delegation successfully showcased its cuisine and heritage at the festival, based on reporting from VINO and a BVITBFC press release.
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) led a high-profile delegation to headline the closing night of Saint Martin’s 5th Festival de la Gastronomie on November 22, 2025, bringing the Territory’s cuisine and cultural ties into the regional spotlight. The BVITBFC’s participation followed an official invitation from the Saint Martin Tourist Board and was confirmed in a BVITBFC press release and coverage by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Scatliffe led the VI team, accompanied by International Marketing Manager Feliza D. Fenty-Clifford and Events Manager Dirk L. According to VINO’s update, the delegation aimed to showcase "the best of the Virgin Islands' culinary heritage" to a regional audience and strengthen engagement with neighbouring markets that share close cultural and travel links with the BVI.
At the festival finale, Virgin Islands culinary educator and caterer Chef Tonya Smith served tasting portions of the Territory’s national dish, Fungi and Fish, introducing Saint Martin attendees to a core element of BVI culinary identity. Long Bay mixologists Lesroy Baptiste and Stephen Marcellin presented a passion-fruit–inspired signature cocktail described by organisers as a refreshing BVI twist that aligned with the festival’s featured ingredient.
VINO reported that the presentations were well received and highlighted local flavours and techniques. BVITBFC representatives used the event not only to share food and drink but also to promote upcoming highlights on the BVI calendar. Delegates spotlighted the Anegada Lobster Festival, scheduled for November 28–30, 2025, and drew attention to signature events planned for 2026 as attractions for visitors seeking authentic island experiences.
Those promotions were part of a broader strategy to drive visitor interest and support the Territory’s hospitality sector and local producers. Scatliffe said, "The British Virgin Islands is honoured to be showcased as the star destination for the closing night of the Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival.
This platform presents an exceptional opportunity to promote the British Virgin Islands within a neighbouring market that shares deep cultural ties with us, through our food, music, and people." She added that the effort aligns with the BVITBFC’s strategy to deepen regional relationships and increase engagement with destinations offering direct connections to the BVI.
For BVI residents, the delegation’s appearance underscores ongoing efforts by the tourist board to broaden the Territory’s regional profile and sustain cultural visibility for local chefs, bartenders and event vendors. Showcasing signature dishes and local talent abroad creates opportunities for small businesses and helps maintain the BVI’s presence within the Caribbean culinary scene.
The event and the BVITBFC’s messaging were documented by VINO, which published initial and updated coverage of the delegation’s role at the Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival. The participation forms part of a wider push to market the BVI within neighbouring markets and attract tourism that supports local businesses and events across the Territory.
Primary source: VINO