Dr. Dwight Robinson

Senior Lecturer - UWI

Dr. Dwight Robinson is a Senior Lecturer and former Head of the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus. He has a BSc in Chemistry and a PhD in entomology. He specializes in the ecology and management of arthropod pests, and the fate and management of pesticides, in tropical island ecosystems. Over the last 34 years he has been involved in research related to the monitoring and fate of pesticides in the Jamaican environment. Dr. Robinson is member of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Academy of Science, Jamaica Chapter and Chairman of the Pesticides Control Authority’s Pesticides Review Committee.

Liz Solms

Organic Farming Consultant

Liz Solms has lived and worked in Jamaica for 20 years. As a farmer, she cultivates specialty organic produce in St. Elizabeth. As a sustainable agricultural and culinary consultant, she has completed successful projects at private coastal villas, hotels, and small farms. Liz has also worked for NGOs that focus on sustainable agriculture, establishing one of the first organic farming cooperatives in the Caribbean, in addition to starting the region’s first farm-to-table dinner series. Currently she is working on a groundbreaking pesticide residue as part of a partnership with both private, public, and academic entities in Jamaica. As of 2022 she splits her time between Jamaica and New Orleans, LA where she lives with her husband and daughter.

Christopher Binns

Co-owner, Stush in the Bush

Christopher Binns, a son of the soil of St Ann, emigrated to Canada as a child. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto, and worked for a number of years in both the restaurant and health services industry, where he became even more aware of the vital connection between food and health. On his return to Jamaica in 1996, Christopher concentrated his energies in building the community where he was born, and used his family land as the main vehicle for giving back. Many of the young people in the community helped him to establish the farm. They in turn benefitted from learning first-hand about sustainable agriculture and community development. In the early days of developing Zionites Farm, Christopher was encouraged by a couple of his mentors to join the Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement to enhance his knowledge of organic farming practices. He eventually became the Chair of JOAM’s North-East region, and initiated a programme of site visits to small farms from St Ann to Portland, in order to introduce farmers to organic principles and assist them in setting up their farms accordingly. 2009 was the year that Christopher and his wife, Lisa, co-created Stush in the Bush, one of Jamaica’s first vegetarian farm to table fine dining experiences. Stush in the Bush has grown from strength to strength, building on the same principles that it was founded on: Love first. Love for the earth and all that she provides. Love for the plant and animal life, and love for each other. Award-winning Stush in the Bush caters to a discerning local and international clientele.

Chef Brian Lumley

Award-Winning Executive Chef

Meet Brian Lumley, an award-winning executive chef who has etched his name among Jamaica's finest culinarians. Distinguished by his trademark white jacket and black rimmed glasses, Chef Lumley's culinary prowess goes far beyond appearances, with a rich reserve of dedication and creativity fuelling his success. Renowned for his humility, warmth, and impeccable work ethic both inside and outside the kitchen, he stands out as a respected figure in the culinary industry. From an early age, Chef Lumley displayed a creative vision and ambition to open his own restaurant, drawing inspiration from the renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay. True to his aspirations, at just 26 years old, he founded "689 By Brian Lumley," which quickly became one of Jamaica's most beloved restaurants, earning critical acclaim. Despite its successful two-year run, Chef Lumley eventually left the restaurant business behind to explore new culinary horizons. His journey took him across oceans, with stints in Doha, Qatar, and St. Georges, Grenada, before eventually returning to his roots in Kingston, Jamaica. Over the last decade, Chef Lumley has been honoured on numerous occasions for his outstanding accomplishments, solidifying his place among the culinary elite. Notably, he became the youngest chef to be awarded the prestigious "Chef of the Year" title at the Taste of Jamaica competition, securing the honour twice, first at the age of 21 and then at 25. Additionally, he joined forces with the Jamaica national culinary team, winning a team gold medal and a personal bronze at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in 2009. The following year, he received the Hans Schenk prize for "Most Innovative Use of Caribbean Ingredients" and a personal silver medal at the same competition. In 2013, Chef Lumley reached a pinnacle in his career by winning the esteemed "Caribbean Chef of the Year" award at the Taste of the Caribbean's regional culinary showcase, marking a significant achievement for a Jamaican chef since 1999. This momentous recognition solidified his position as a true culinary prodigy. Outside of the kitchen, Chef Lumley passionately lends his voice and support to various fundraising efforts, including events like the Heart Foundation of Jamaica's annual Simply Red and the Shaggy and Friends Benefit Concert. He also shares his expertise and experiences as a regular speaker at national vocational institutes, infirmaries, and numerous private foundation activities. Continuing to operate in excellence, Chef Lumley recently completed his American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef (CEC) course, and he was among the first cohort of chefs participating in the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) - Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation program. Looking ahead, he envisions a bigger educational role, particularly in working with children and young people, aiming to instil in them an appreciation for Jamaica's rich biodiversity both on land and in the sea. His goal is to promote beneficial dietary habits through education, dispelling myths that hinder people from fully embracing a healthy lifestyle without drastic diet changes. Ever the trailblazer, Chef Lumley collaborates with beloved brands like MAGGI Jamaica, elevating their culinary profile and delighting generations of consumers with a blend of innovation and taste. As a corporate chef, Brian Lumley's journey is a testament to his exceptional skills, boundless creativity, and unwavering dedication to the culinary arts, and his future is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of gastronomy.