NEW YORK, USA: As part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)'s Caribbean Week festivities taking place in New York City, May 31 - June 5, 2004, 24 chefs from world-class resorts and restaurants around the region will participate in the Celebrity Chef Programme and spice up the week's activities with a mix of culinary creativity and tropical flavours. Through the Celebrity Chef Programme, the Caribbean chefs will prepare and showcase their signature dishes and culinary styles at these Caribbean Week events: the Picnic in the Park following the Interfaith Celebration on Memorial Day, May 31; the Travel Journalist Media Marketplace on June 1; the Caribbean Fair on June 2; and the 31st Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball, taking place on June 4. In addition to being featured at select Caribbean Week events, the chefs will conduct in-store cooking demonstrations at two major New York City department stores, Bloomingdale's and Williams-Sonoma, on Tues., June 1 through Sat., June 5, 2004. Select chefs will also participate in a series of country-themed culinary nights at Bambou Restaurant, located at 243 East 14th Street, Tues., June 1 through Thurs., June 3, 2004. Each night, chefs will work as teams with other celebrity chefs from their respective countries to prepare dishes and add their personal touch, flavours, and flair to the Caribbean-themed menu at this famed New York City restaurant. "We know our celebrity chefs will present the most enticing recipes the region has to offer," said Hugh Riley, CTO's director of marketing for the Americas. "We consider the 24 chefs in the programme to be 'celebrities' because each one exhibits extensive culinary experience and strong knowledge of their trade. Their participation in Caribbean Week activities, including the in-store cooking demonstrations, will allow New Yorkers and visitors to learn about Caribbean food preparation as well as sample many fine delicacies," he added. Following is a list of the chefs, in alphabetical order of country, who will participate in this year's Celebrity Chef Programme: Chef James B. Hassell and Sous Chef Kevin Paul, Straw Hat Resort, Anguilla Chef Maurice Leduc and Assistant Chef Dexter Connor, Altamer Resort, Anguilla Chef Deon Thomas, Deon's Overlook Restaurant, Anguilla Chef Jaap Ellis, Papiamento Restaurant, Aruba Chef Craig Bethell, Sheraton and Westin at Our Lucaya, The Bahamas Chef Wayde G. Sweeting, Wyndham Cable Beach Resort, The Bahamas Chef Willow Stoutt, Peter Island Resort, British Virgin Islands Chef Keith Griffin, Bacchus Restaurant & Wine Bar, the Cayman Islands Chef Hanibel Ranking, Hard Rock Café, the Cayman Islands Chef Daniel Andrew, Garraway Hotel, Dominica Chef Craig Copeland, Bel Air Plantation, Grenada Chef Linval Green, Sans Souci Resort & Spa, Jamaica Chef Martin Maginley and Chef Adrian Weichenberger, SuperClubs Grand Lido Negril, Jamaica Chef Steve Sowa, Beaches Grande Sport Resort & Spa, Ocho Rios, Jamaica Chef Pablo Budet, Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa, Puerto Rico Chef Alex Duggins, OTI, St. Kitts Chef Goldha Laidley, Marriott Resort, St. Kitts Chef Bobo Bergstrom, Caribbean Culinary Federation's Chef of the Year, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St. Lucia Chef Johnny Bridgewaters, Johnny Under the Tree, St. Maarten Chef Kingsley Sancroft, Gecko Grill, Turks & Caicos Chef Ric Ade, Bolongo Bay Beach Club, USVI "There has been a tremendous show of support from our public and private sector members for this year's Celebrity Chef Programme," noted Riley. "We applaud the Celebrity Chefs for taking advantage of this opportunity to showcase their culinary talents, and we are look forward to having them here for a successful and rewarding week of Caribbean culture, flair and flavours." SOURCE: CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION