Regional Resilience: CTO Chief to Headline 2026 Caribbean Food Forum
Dona Regis-Prosper, the Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Caribbean Food Forum.
Scheduled for May 21 in St. John’s, Antigua, the event marks a critical intersection between the region’s tourism and agricultural sectors.
Speaking under the theme “The Future Is Local: Caribbean Food at the Crossroads of Global Impact,” Regis-Prosper is expected to address the urgent need for regenerative tourism and the strengthening of sustainable food systems across the archipelago.
The forum, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and sponsored by Grace Foods, serves as a cornerstone of the island's Annual Culinary Month. The gathering at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Center will bring together policy makers, culinary artisans, and international investors to discuss the Caribbean's evolving role in the global food economy. In addition to the keynote, the program features Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism, who will lead discussions on agritourism as a primary driver for economic growth.
According to ABTA CEO Colin C. James, the initiative is a strategic priority for the destination. James emphasized that linking local producers with the hospitality industry not only enhances the visitor experience but also creates a more resilient economy. The forum arrives at a time when the Caribbean is increasingly focused on reducing its food import bill and promoting food sovereignty through innovative technology and climate resilience strategies.
The day-long hybrid event will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options, ensuring wide reach across the diaspora and the broader international community. Beyond the speeches, attendees will participate in a marketplace experience featuring Antiguan brands and regional entrepreneurs. Organizers have noted that the ultimate goal of the 2026 session is to produce a white paper outlining an actionable roadmap for regional collaboration in the agrifood sector.
Donyelle Bird-Browne, the forum's lead organizer, highlighted that the endorsement from the CTO underscores the vital link between what visitors eat and the cultural identity of the destination. As Antigua and Barbuda continues to position itself as a culinary capital, this forum provides the intellectual framework for long-term investment in sustainable gastronomy.
Registration for the event remains open until Tuesday, May 19. Interested participants can secure their spots through the ABTA website or by contacting the authority directly. For those traveling to the event, the Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week will continue through mid-May, offering a comprehensive culinary journey that perfectly complements the forum's strategic goals.
