Devon Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago, was named Taste of the Caribbean Chef of the Year in 2012.

Caribbean culture will be on display at the annual Taste of the Caribbean, an event where chefs and bartenders from the region take center stage to compete for the Caribbean’s top culinary honors.

The annual gathering is presented by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and will be held June 26-30. The event will host a group of culinary enthusiasts and experts at the Hyatt Regency, Miami.

“The Caribbean is united in the promotion of the region’s indigenous flavors and products,” said Josef Forstmayr, chairman of CHTA and chairman of Taste of the Caribbean.

“Our distinct cuisines are part of our national identities and Taste of the Caribbean showcases our region in a very powerful way.”

There are currently nine Caribbean culinary teams registered for the event including Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The teams are vying for top honors including Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year, Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year and Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year.

This year’s program includes an enhanced “Taste of the Islands” festival for consumers on Saturday, June 29 featuring a pavilion of tourist boards where consumers can experience Caribbean culture through a variety of gourmet appetizers and desserts, sample signature cocktails, listen to authentic Caribbean music and gather information about exhibiting Caribbean countries.

Taste of the Caribbean, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com