The Virgin Islands proudly headlined the grand finale of the 5th Festival de la Gastronomie in St Martin on November 22, 2025, sharing the vibrant flavours, culture, and spirit of our islands with our Caribbean neighbours. Photo: BVITB

Virgin Islands' chef Tonya Smith’s did a delicious tasting of the national dish, Fungi and Fish, at the 5th Festival de la Gastronomie in St Martin. Photo: BVITB

Patrons visiting the VI booth were treated to a refreshing passion-fruit-inspired signature cocktail crafted by Long Bay mixologists Lesroy Baptiste and Stephen Marcellin. Photo: BVITB

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) is set to spotlight the destination’s rich culinary heritage as the featured guest destination at the grand finale of the 5th Festival de la Gastronomie (Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival) on November 22, 2025. Photo: www.festival-st-martin.com

The BVITBFC’s participation follows an official invitation from the Saint Martin Tourist Board to headline the festival’s closing celebration. Photo: www.festival-st-martin.com

The BVITBFC’s presence at the festival finale also provides a timely opportunity to promote the upcoming Anegada Lobster Festival, taking place from November 28-30, 2025, as well as highlight signature events on the VI’s 2026 events calendar. Photo: BVITB

Led by Regional Marketing Manager RaeNisia L. Scatliffe and assisted by International Marketing Manager Feliza D. Fenty-Clifford, the VI team showcased the best of the Virgin Islands' culinary heritage — from Chef Tonya Smith’s delicious tasting of the national dish, Fungi and Fish, to a refreshing passion-fruit-inspired signature cocktail crafted by Long Bay mixologists Lesroy Baptiste and Stephen Marcellin.

See previous article published November 20, 2025

VI to headline grand finale of St Martin’s 5th Festival de la Gastronomie 

- Destination showcases VI's culinary culture & promotes Anegada Lobster Festival

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) is set to spotlight the destination’s rich culinary heritage as the featured guest destination at the grand finale of the 5th Festival de la Gastronomie (Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival) on November 22, 2025.

The BVITBFC’s participation follows an official invitation from the Saint Martin Tourist Board to headline the festival’s closing celebration.

“The British Virgin Islands is honoured to be showcased as the star destination for the closing night of the Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival,” said RaeNisia L. Scatliffe, Regional Marketing Manager for the BVITBFC, in a press release.

“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. It aligns perfectly with our strategy to increase engagement within the region, particularly with destinations that offer direct connections to the BVI. We look forward to strengthening regional relationships and sharing the vibrant flavours of the BVI with our Caribbean family."

VI delegation

Ms Scatliffe will lead the VI delegation, joined by Events Manager Dirk L. Walters and International Marketing Manager Feliza D. Fenty-Clifford. The team will be accompanied by special guests including Chef Tonya Smith, a Virgin Islands culinary educator and caterer, who will treat attendees to tasting portions of the Territory’s beloved national dish, Fungi and Fish:, and celebrated Long Bay mixologists Lesroy Baptiste and Stephen Marcellin, who will present a signature cocktail highlighting the festival’s featured ingredient, passion fruit, for an authentic and "refreshing BVI twist".

The BVITBFC’s presence at the festival finale also provides a timely opportunity to promote the upcoming Anegada Lobster Festival, taking place from November 28-30, 2025, as well as highlight signature events on the VI’s 2026 events calendar.