MPLAHI Celebrates 2026 Young Hospitality Champions

Bradley McLaughlin, Gaby Christian and Julius Parsons to represent the Cayman Islands at the YYY World Finals in March 2027

The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI) congratulates Bradley McLaughlin, Gaby Christian and Julius Parsons on being crowned the Cayman Islands’ 2026 Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist Champions. The 2026 Cayman Islands Champions are:

• Young Chef: Bradley McLaughlin, Anchor & Apron Private Catering

• Young Waiter: Gaby Christian, formerly of Bella Trattoria

• Young Mixologist: Julius Parsons, Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

The three champions emerged from a closely contested Regional Final held on Wednesday, 2 September at POM POM Rooftop, Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, where nine young hospitality professionals representing restaurants, hotels and hospitality businesses across the Cayman Islands competed across the three disciplines.

Their victories were announced later that evening during the official awards ceremony at Hotel Indigo’s Azure Ballroom. Bradley, Gaby and Julius will represent the Cayman Islands at the YYY World Finals in March 2027, competing alongside regional champions from YYY’s international competition program.

YYY is now in its third year in the Cayman Islands, providing emerging hospitality professionals with opportunities to develop their skills, gain experience and build connections within the international hospitality industry.

As presenting partner of the 2026 Cayman Islands Regional Finals, MPLAHI’s support reflects the objectives of the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy, strengthening connections between local agriculture, hospitality professionals and consumers while helping to build greater awareness of and demand for Cayman-grown products.

Through the Ministry’s sponsorship, contestants received a specially curated Chef’s Larder featuring fresh, locally grown produce and Cayman agro-products. The initiative connected farmers and producers with hospitality professionals, encouraging competitors to incorporate Cayman-grown ingredients into their creations and showcase the quality and versatility of local produce. The Honourable Johany “Jay” Ebanks, MP, JP, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, said:

“What I am most proud of is seeing young Caymanians given an opportunity to demonstrate their talent, compete at a high level and now represent the Cayman Islands on the world stage. Bradley, Gaby and Julius have earned this opportunity, and I congratulate them and every young person who stepped forward to compete.

“As they prepare for the World Finals in March, I know they will represent Cayman with the same skill, professionalism and pride they demonstrated here at home. We want to continue creating opportunities that allow Caymanian talent to develop, succeed and compete at the very highest level.”

The Regional Final tested competitors across technical ability, creativity, sustainability, communication, adaptability and professionalism before an international judging panel. While competing for individual titles, the finalists also worked collaboratively to deliver a complete guest experience incorporating food, beverage and front-of-house service during a live VIP reception and three-course lunch.

The three-day programme began on Tuesday, 1 September with the official YYY Cayman Islands Regional Launch at ONE | GT // Byū and concluded on Thursday, 3 September with the annual YYY Cayman Islands Winners’ Dinner.

MPLAHI also congratulates the six other finalists for their strong performances throughout the competition:

• Kris Mason, Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa — Young Chef

• Renee Mosley, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman — Young Chef

• Rochanni Cornwall, Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman — Young Waiter

• Daniel Ancel, Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa — Young Waiter

• Diandra “Dee” Ramirez, Pepper’s Bar & Grill — Young Mixologist

• Joseph Roberto — Young Mixologist

The Ministry thanks the contestants, judges, local farmers and producers, hospitality partners, sponsors and organisers whose contributions supported the successful delivery of the 2026 programme.

MPLAHI will continue supporting initiatives that strengthen links between local agriculture, food security and Caymanian talent development, while expanding opportunities for Cayman-grown products within the hospitality sector.

For more information, visit: www.youngchefyoungwaiter.com/cayman-islands