The idea of escaping the mainland and setting sail through the Caribbean is tempting. However, it would help to get your affairs in order before jumping aboard. One of the first orders of business is figuring out what type of boat you need for a Caribbean vacation. The best strategy is following these four “S’s.”
Size
There’s not a specific size boat you need for a Caribbean getaway. A smaller boat of around 30-feet may be as effective for you as a 60-foot boat is for somebody else. Finding one in the meaty part of the curve might be your best bet. Another integral part of the boat other than size is the engine. You may opt for a battery-powered outboard motor for tranquility as you go from island to island, especially if you aren’t comfortable with the wind guiding you.
Space
You don’t need to have a yacht to live comfortably at sea, mainly if it’s just you and a partner. The answer to how much space you need to feel comfortable depends on who you ask. Going back and forth between the islands can be arduous if you don’t have enough room. Therefore, if you want endless space for your traditional living quarters, you should opt for a bigger boat.
Storage
You don’t have the luxury of having a full panty or shelf space to put your goods on, so you’ll need to be economical with what you bring. However, there are some items you cannot go without. For starters, make sure you have enough food to last the duration of the trip. An extra cooler or freezer helps keep things fresh.
You’ll also need clothes, but probably less than you realize. The odds are you will be alone for most of the time. There will be no one around to wardrobe shame you if you wear the same shirt for three days in a row.
Plus, you can take advantage of the climate and enjoy the bright sun. Lastly, bring along some water toys to have some fun and engage in activities like snorkeling.
Safe
Feeling safe in your vessel is of the utmost importance when you’re at sea. You want to guarantee that you don’t drift away and become friends with a discarded volleyball. You never know when an unexpected storm will wreak havoc on your adventure. Thus, getting a boat that’s easy to operate, is safe, and can secure you in a spot with an adequate anchor is the last step before your getaway.
Hopefully, this answers the question of “what type of boat do you need for a Caribbean vacation?” Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful sites of the gorgeous islands.
As descendants of the Caribbean diaspora, we have the privilege of being caretakers of a beautifully rich culture, from the bright colors and high-energy music of a Haitian Rara Festival to the rhythmic language of Jamaican Patois.
But part of being caretakers of a culture is ensuring it is passed down from generation to generation. And that process begins with our own children. These ways to help kids connect with their heritage will help keep the traditions of our culture alive.
Storytelling
Telling stories is an integral part of any culture, and anyone who has even been to the islands knows that this tradition is strong in the Caribbean. And since you can enjoy a story at any age, stories are one of the easiest ways to help kids connect with their heritage.
There are several ways to go about this. You can tell traditional folk stories from the Caribbean like stories of Anansi or Gang Gang Sara or buy them books set in the Caribbean. Alternatively, you can tell stories from your family’s experience.
Incorporate Traditions
There are plenty of cultural practices and traditions that you find on the islands that you don’t see elsewhere. The only way your children will know about it is if they hear about it from you.
Choose the traditions that you care about most and find ways to incorporate them into your life. For example:
Celebrate holidays like Carnival or the Pirate Festival
Listen to Caribbean music
Take a dance class in traditional styles as a family
Play “dress up” with traditional clothing
Food
Among cultural traditions out there, there are few more fun to take part in than making and eating food. If Caribbean cuisine isn’t already part of your family’s diet, then add jerk chicken or mofongo to dinnertime a few times a month.
If you have a little extra time, make cooking dinner a learning opportunity for your children. Bring your kids alongside you and teach them how to make your favorite traditional dishes. Not only are the skills practical, but you’ll give them the chance to feel they are part of the traditions themselves.
Interior Décor
Whether you’re currently living in the islands or abroad, you can still bring the sights and sounds of our culture into your home with your home décor. A few ways you can surround your kids with the images of your family’s heritage include:
Bringing in color schemes reminiscent of Caribbean neighborhoods or flags
Hanging traditional artwork
Adding tropical plants to your space
Choosing furniture and art made of traditional materials like wicker, bamboo, and rattan.
Since this is a more subtle form of introducing your kids to their culture, it’s never too early to start. Think about the islands when choosing your nursery color scheme or art for your kid’s room.
If you’ve had enough of the cold and snow and have decided that a southern tropical area is going to be the new place you call home, then the next step is to start planning your move. While summer seems like the best time to move, especially since quite a few challenges come with doing it in the winter, we’re here today to convince you that winter actually is the best season for a move. That’s why we put together this list of the top benefits of moving in the wintertime.
The Market Is Much Less Competitive
Due to the belief that summer is the best time for a move, that season is by far the most competitive in the housing market. With everyone trying to move simultaneously, your dream house could get snatched up before you even have a chance to react. Plus, everyone will contact moving companies all at once, spreading them thin or making them totally unavailable.
With fewer people trying to move in the winter, you’ll avoid all of those headaches and have a much smoother and stress-free time trying to get into your new home.
The Move Will Be Way Cheaper
Of course, the thing that comes with increased competition is a rise in costs. Whether it’s the price of the home you want to buy or the movers you wish to hire, both will be significantly more expensive in the summer than they would be in the winter. If you want to save a buck, it might be worth waiting until it’s cold out.
The Whole Process Should Be Faster
Another key factor to come out of having less competition is the fact that everything should happen much faster. Having multiple interested buyers slows the entire real estate process down for many reasons, but you’ll be more likely to get a quick response if you put an offer down during the slower months.
Plus, moving companies won’t be spread out nearly as thin in the winter, which means that they can send more people to pack your truck. On top of that, the cold weather might inspire them to hurry up, so they don’t have to spend too much time out in it.
You’ll Avoid the Heat
Since you’ll be coming down south, one of the top benefits of moving in the wintertime is you won’t have to worry about unpacking in the snow. Of course, that’s rarely a worry in southern states regardless of the time of year, but coming in the winter will help you avoid the scorching summer heat. Not only is unpacking in hot weather unpleasant, but depending on the severity, it could even be dangerous due to the possibility of heat exhaustion. As an added bonus, you’ll also get to leave during a season of unpleasant snowy weather and enjoy your first few months with a beautiful southern-style winter.
A summer Caribbean cruise is one of the ultimate vacations with many people using it as a way to explore places like Jamaica. It has something for everyone – from relaxing pool time and spa indulgence to adventurous shore excursions. With the many possible activities available, it can be difficult to not over pack. You only have limited space in your luggage and cabin, and you don’t want it cluttered up with items you won’t use. So to help you start your packing checklist, here are some things you should definitely not forget.
Clothes
If you want to really dress for a summer Caribbean cruise, you can wear some vibes that are similar to those created by Caribbean designers such as Bianca Saunders’ summer shirt. Below are more specific tips for clothes packing.
For day wear
Day wear calls for a comfortable outfit. The Caribbean has a generally tropical climate, so you want to wear something lightweight. Brands such as Natura Fab and Bamboo Tribe have shirts that are perfect for warm weather. Being made of bamboo, they’re soft and breathable. They also keep you odor-free. Cotton shirts keep you comfortable in the heat as well.
For footwear, Birkenstock sandals are both fashionable and comfortable. Aside from completing your cruiser look, they can also improve your walking gait, which can greatly reduce the chances of foot pain if you’re doing a lot of walking. For more versatile footwear, Noah and Adidas launched a Spring and Summer collection that included two suede pairs of shoes: the “Probound” and the “Rod Laver Super.” Both pairs have minimalist designs that you can easily wear with any outfit.
For evening wear
Most cruises have formal or semi-formal nights where you need to dress up for dinner. To help you pack light, you can actually wear the same suit for formal and semi-formal nights. Just make sure your evening wear is chosen with the climate in mind. Opt for light summer fabrics such as linen and cotton. As for shoes, black leather Oxfords or something similar are perfect. But remember that these are dress shoes — make sure to give them a shine before you pack them so they’re not dull.
Swimsuit
Don’t forget a swimsuit for your beach and pool time. The ideal length would be around two inches above your knees. For the waist, opt for either drawstring or elastic waistbands. If you’re wearing a rash guard as well, you can stay neutral with navy, black, or gray. But you can definitely choose to pair some colors and prints. Onia is a brand inspired by modern voyageurs, and their swimwear collection has prints that give an artsy look and feel.
Other necessities
Important documents
Keep your passport, government ID, and cruise documents on your carry on rather than checked luggage so you can easily pull them out if needed. A cruise lanyard is handy to put your cruise card in as it keeps your hands free.
Sunscreen
Even though you are on a cruise you’ll still be spending a lot of time under the sun. To protect your skin from the sun, it’s essential that you pack a bottle of good sunscreen. Everyday Health advises picking a brand that has a broad-spectrum. This is because they protect you from both UVA (which causes wrinkles) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn and skin cancer).
Now you’ve got the packing sorted, we hope you book a cruise soon and come visit us on the islands for a summer Caribbean cruise.
Lovingly named after designer David Rolle’s great grandmother, the RAPHELITA brand is one that continues to shock with bold designs and fearless, ready-to-wear style. Designing for a primarily Caribbean market, Rolle’s aesthetic is unapologetic, loud, confident, creative, intense and stunning all at once, intended to personify the women who will be wearing his fashions. “I am really inspired by the women around me. My task is to make a woman look good, but what I care about most is how she feels,” Rolle says.
The Bahamian designer and “Mission Catwalk” Season 5 winner’s artistic ability was clear early in his life, as is his dedication to fashion. “I feel like fashion chose me. I’ve always been creative, always artistic,” says Rolle. “I remember selling my car to do a show! You have to immerse yourself in anything that you want to be successful at.”
With a preferred palette of daring cuts and colors and an infatuation with island-inspired couture, the RAPHELITA brand seamlessly blends ready-to-wear style fashion with runway-worthy design.
Rolle composed this off-the-runway, ready-to-wear style set with the intention of creating a design that completely inspires confidence in the wearer. Layered in brocade fabric, this green blouse and these luxurious floral-printed pants are cinched at the waist with one of Rolle’s grandmother’s vintage belts. From the bold colored fabrics to the dramatic folds, the style is eye-catching. “You have to be kind of fearless. Everybody won’t always like it, but as long as it feels right to you, that’s what matters most,” says Rolle.
Ebony Onyx
Photo: CJermaine Photography
Rolle completely revitalized this once drab dress to create a timeless, show-stopping piece inspired by vintage prom dresses. Although a mix of laser-cut Quinlan and neoprene fabrics create an alluring bodice, the dress did not seem quite finished to Rolle when on set. In a last-minute effort, the designer quickly attached more laser-cut Quinlan mesh cape sleeves and the dress completely came to life.
Pretty in Pink
Photo: CJermaine Photography
As part of a collection Rolle designed for a Guyanese fashion showcase, this Caribbean design features a delicate floral lace long-sleeve blouse with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a hand-pinned brocade floral skirt. “All of those little falls [were] done by hand. It started off as a completely full skirt and I wanted it to look a little a little sexier. So we did pin tucks to expose the legs,” says Rolle.
Created with simply an idea in mind and fabric in hand, this gold, snake print and sequin dress was designed to push the envelope. “You get so much skin in the most tasteful way,” says Rolle, “I love the animal print. I love the sequins. I love the fluidity of the dress. If you’re that girl, you can show up to brunch in this dress.” The chic, asymmetrical design of the one shoulder and high slit just came to the designer as he was draping fabrics over a mannequin.
Golden Glamour
Photo: Shawn Hanna
Styled entirely on site, this gold mesh blouse is fitted with laser-cut medallions and paired with gold snake print shorts, a thick satin belt and busy fringe boots. And like all of Rolle’s pieces, though glamourous and red carpet inducing, this set is also designed with ready-to-wear style in mind. “I just happened to take a bunch of things that I like on set and then we made it up,” says Rolle of this spur-of-the-moment masterpiece. The outfit is a favorite for Rolle who says, “It speaks to the type of women I dress. I feel like this girl walks into the party and you know that she’s from the Caribbean. She has all the flavor, all the spice.”
Wanna Shag?
Photo: Shawn Hanna
This anything-but-basic mini features a malleable shift dress design and wide sleeves, all covered in shredded black crêpe georgette fabric. “Because the fabric was so extremely busy I [kept] the design very simple. So it’s just a shift dress with full sleeves, but you have tons of impact.”
Tired of white walls and monotonous spaces, artist and interior designer Kenzie Leon Perry launched Ze Haus Design Studio to transform Miami contemporary design and bring soulful richness to upscale tropical living in South Florida. With a career repertoire that includes hospitality interior design for Jamaica’s premier beachfront vacation spot, Sandals Resorts, Perry is no stranger to creating spaces that instantly feel like a personal refuge.
Perry brought these skills to new heights for one special family’s apartment located in the heart of South Miami. The clients had recently overcome extreme adversity and wanted to transform their outdated space into a healing sanctuary. Having two adopted children from China, they also needed to give their girls some semblance of consistency during a season of change. So for Perry, this project became more than making beautiful rooms. It was also about respecting the past and connecting cultures through thoughtful art and design. “When you’re working with a client for residential, the space is very personal to them,” he explains of his process.
“It’s really about learning their backstory and how they want to implement nostalgic pieces into a space that is new and refreshed.” What was first supposed to be a kitchen gut and remodel turned into a major renovation, with a new living and dining room offering a delicate blend of Miami contemporary design with traditional Asian art and motifs. Perry found a harmonious balance between both sensibilities by composing a serene, organic palette prominently featuring warm woods and botanical prints.
Minimalist Kitchen
The custom kitchen functions as the heart of this home. So in addition to incorporating two new walls of crisp white cabinetry, the center island became the design’s true cornerstone. Illuminated by four brass Enkel pendant lights from Kuzco, this 12-foot long custom island features an eye-catching wood slab that was purposefully designed as “a showpiece where you can gather but also used as a kitchen block to cook,” says Perry.
“I also wanted to break up the space and introduce a different material. It was important that there was contrast there and that the kitchen flowed organically and naturally with the rest of the space.” Some open shelving allowed the bespoke creation to house live plants and Asian art reflective of their daughters’ culture.
Contemporary Breakfast Nook
Perry carved out an additional corner for intimate gatherings with this cozy breakfast nook, outfitted with Slope leather-clad dining chairs and a Liv Round lacquer dining table, both from West Elm. To punctuate the nook within the open layout, the designer also installed a custom red maple leaf wallpaper, which he commissioned from FrameWorks in Miami.
Perry, who recently launched his own wallpaper collaborations with Bijou and Spoonflower, chose the maple leaf as a subtle nod to its prevalence in traditional Chinese art and decoration. “I wanted to bring in that cultural aspect and a pop of color, because [the space] was just creams and beige before,” he explains. “I also wanted to create more layers, so I framed certain areas to feel like a three-dimensional art installation.”
Eclectic Living Room
Pulling from the family’s collection of existing furniture and Asian art, the living room has a more eclectic feeling when compared to the minimalist kitchen. However, seamlessly mixing the home’s overall contemporary style with these more ornate pieces wasn’t easy, says the designer. “A happy medium was keeping the space relatively modern with clean lines,” he notes. “The Asian pieces already have a lot of details and intricacies that cause your eye to want to look at [them],” he explained. So to balance the sleeker finishes with the older, more patinated pieces, the designer incorporated naturally warm tones for new additions like peel-and-stick wood panels and a custom TV console.
All photography courtesy of Justin Helmick, Howwls
The best of Caribbean travel is almost impossible to narrow down. Though, if you’re only going to the islands once, we’ve selected a few places, experiences and tasty treasures that truly stand above the rest.
Best Foodie Destinations
Martinique
Martinique should always be at, or near, the top of any respectable Best of Caribbean Travel Eats list. The steamy marriage of traditional French, Afro-Caribbean, Indian, Taino and Creole flavors that comprise Martinican cuisine yields a singular gastronomic experience unparalleled throughout the West Indies. The uncompromising commitment to excellence in food prep and presentation is prevalent everywhere and anywhere you can dine on the island. From the humblest roadside BBQ shack to gourmet beach bars like Le Petibonum (home to local celebrity chef Guy Ferdinand, aka Chef Hot Pants) and celebrated five-star restaurants like Le Zandoli, Martinique’s cuisine never disappoints.
Hôtel Plein Soleil Gourmet Restaurant | Photo: Courtesy Steve Bennett/UncommonCaribbean.com
French Saint Martin
A close second to Martinique that’s a lot more accessible to U.S. travelers, French Saint Martin is similarly devoted to the culinary arts. Fantastic French-Creole food is everywhere, and in particular, the seaside village of Grand Case is not to be missed. Local, rustic eateries here, known as Lolo’s, serve up the best of the island at nice prices.
Puerto Rico
If you like your culinary adventures with a more Latin flair, then Puerto Rico is your top choice. When it comes to the best of Caribbean travel, two areas, in particular, Piñones and Guavate, get your taste buds uniquely in tune with the local sabor. The collection of kiosks that line the beach in Piñones just east of San Juan is nothing short of street-food heaven. Guavate, located in the mountain town of Cayey, is ground zero for Puerto Rico’s famed lechoneras. These restaurants are purveyors of the most mouth-watering slow-cooked roast pork anywhere on the planet. And, of course, Puerto Rico has many resorts for those looking to take it a little easier.
Best Places to Stay
The Waves at Cane Bay, Saint Croix
The Waves at Cane Bay | Photo: Courtesy Steve Bennett/UncommonCaribbean.com
New, ever-larger and more impersonal megaresorts across the Caribbean continue to push the limits of sustainability. At the opposite end of the spectrum are updated or reimagined versions of previously existing hotels like the King Christian and The Waves at Cane Bay in St. Croix. Instead of completely tearing down the old structures, the new owners of both properties worked within the existing footprint of each structure, adding modern amenities and a fresh breath of style.
Saba Rock, British Virgin Islands
Saba Rock Resort | Photo: Courtesy of Saba Rock
The new owners of Saba Rock weren’t as fortunate as their fellow hoteliers in St. Croix. A one-acre private-island resort enclave, Saba Rock, built in the 1960s, was once the most legendary scuba diving outpost. Hurricane Irma, though, flattened the place completely in 2017. The new Saba Rock, which opened in October 2021, is a complete (and more upscale) reimagining of the resort. Its greatest luxury is still its location in the heart of the British Virgin Islands.
Nevaeh Anguilla, Anguilla
Nevaeh Anguilla | Photo: Courtesy Steve Bennett/UncommonCaribbean.com
Further up the posh scale, the many and varied private luxury villas across the Caribbean continue to elevate rooming options to new heights. Nevaeh Anguilla, in particular, is utterly amazing. The property’s nine uniquely-appointed rooms, expansive pool complete with grotto and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, movie theater, fitness center, huge gourmet kitchen and secluded beachfront address on the sands of Long Bay make for an unforgettable vacation spot. It’s the warm and attentive service provided by Winston Jones and the rest of Nevaeh’s staff, though, that truly made my September 2021 stay here priceless.
Best Attractions
Haiti
A major earthquake, a presidential assassination and prolonged political unrest combined to make 2021 a less-than-ideal time to visit Haiti. The once and future Pearl of the Antilles, though, still boasts the most incredible collection of attractions anywhere in the Caribbean. From the jaw-dropping impossibility that is the mountain fortress of The Citadelle to the bastion of Caribbean history, art and crown jewels inside the MUPANAH Museum, and otherworldly natural sites like Bassin Bleu and Grotte Marie Jeanne, Haiti’s wonders absolutely astound.
Terre-de-Haut
Terre-de-Haut Beaches | Photo: Courtesy Steve Bennett/UncommonCaribbean.com
The islet of Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes archipelago within the islands of Guadeloupe is definitively tiny. The few historic attractions here – Fort Napoléon chief among them – are interesting. The island is so small, though, that you can actually see them all in less than a day. That, however, leaves loads of time for the main attraction here: the beaches. More than ten different sublime stretches of sand encircle Terre-de-Haut’s scant 2.32 square miles, making this one of the smallest, yet most dynamic, beach paradises in the Caribbean.
Costa Rica
For natural attractions, it’s hard to beat Costa Rica. That goes double in Tortuguero. The remote enclave, accessible solely by boat or very small plane, consists of more than 120 square miles of virgin rainforest set along the Caribbean coast. The protected area is home to scores of tropical bird and lizard species, three types of monkeys, sharks, manatees, crocodiles and even sloths. Hiking, kayaking and beachcombing here present next-level opportunities to get up close and personal with nature.
Best Spa Destinations
Bubble Beach Spa, Dominica
Natural is always best when it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation for me, so it’s no surprise that Dominica is my top spa destination. Thermal hot springs all across Nature Island, like Ti Kwen Glo Cho, provide a brand of natural healing that modern spas just can’t match. The quaint and kitschy Bubble Beach Spa is another uncommon option, adding natural soothing treatments to sun, sand and sea.
Saint Lucia Botanical Gardens, Saint Lucia
Two islands south of Dominica, Saint Lucia also satiates the needs of natural spa lovers. When it comes to the best of Caribbean travel, The “Drive-in Volcano” in Soufriere may draw the biggest crowds, but the public baths inside the Saint Lucia Botanical Gardens are equally rejuvenating, if less muddy.
Sol-Mer Spa, Jamaica
Sol-Mer Spa, Jamaica | Photo: Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay/SBPR
For an even cleaner (okay, entirely pristine) spa experience that still espouses the essence of the West Indies, check into Jamaica’s Sol-Mer Spa. Nestled within a lush and quiet corner of the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay, the Sol-Mer Spa features a full array of holistic, restorative services, including massage therapy, reflexology, waxing, scrubs, wraps, facials, manicure/pedicure and hairstyling. Uniquely Jamaican accents are woven into many of the treatments. The menu of massages, for instance, offers guests a choice of natural Jamaican oils. One option, a Jamaican bitter orange oil, is specially formulated to de-stress and relax muscles, while another, a Jamaican fever grass oil, works wonders on tension and anxiety – the icing on the cake of any Caribbean escape.
It’s all love at Chelly’s. Owned and operated by Parnette Peoples since 2013, the family-run operation is filled with loving energy and fabulous cuisine. This is a quaint, homey spot, serving up authentic Jamaican comfort food with a narrow dining area. It has counter service where to-go and pick-up orders are collected, but also seating for up to 50 people.
Peoples credits her daughter, Natalie McKay, with making it happen from day one. Her daughter, a doctor, financed the project. And as I dined at Chelly’s, I met Peoples’ daughter-in-law, husband and other family members, who all assist with making the family business work.
Peoples, who hails from Savannah-la-Mar in Jamaica and migrated to the United States in 2006, explains that her dream to be a chef and restaurant owner culminated in opening Chelly’s.
Their menu is filled with traditional Jamaican comfort foods and less typical offerings, including seafood like shrimp, lobster and conch. My server, Samantha, was also the manager on duty and was quick to suggest that I try their jerk chicken, curried conch and peppered shrimp.
Chelly’s peppered shrimp is delish. Ever wonder how they get those to be so amazingly bright red? The shrimps are sauteed in a bath of mixed spices like scotch bonnet, paprika or cayenne pepper from which they absorb the color. These shrimp are a throwback to my childhood trips through BlackRiver in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. I would see people selling river shrimp in small, clear plastic bags on the side of the road for a tasty snack. The ones on the table before me were large shrimp in-shell, with a crunchy exterior, tender and flavorful meat, and dangerously spicy. Be cautious and enjoy.
Photogaphy by David I Muir
The curried conch is the star of the show, smothered in a light and loose Caribbean curry sauce sweet peppers, onions, and carrots. The dish offers undercurrents of thyme and Scotch Bonnet peppers. This is genuinely a winner. The conch is surprisingly tender with the slightest of breading, and I’m definitely going back for more. Although I had this as just an appetizer-sized sampling, it is regularly available as a complete meal with rice.
Photo by David I Muir
My main course was jerk chicken with rice and peas, steamed vegetables and fried plantains. It was quite unique and interesting. The appearance and flavor were authentic, however, the texture varies from what I expected. Jerk is typically served as dry, grilled meat, sometimes with a sauce to offer some moisture, but at Chelly’s the meat remains extremely moist. I thought for a moment that the chicken was a stew but it wasn’t served in a gravy. The steamed vegetables were soft and well seasoned, and included cabbage, carrot, corn and string beans. The fried plantain was ripe, sweet and a perfect compliment to the meal.
Photo by David I Muir
If you’re looking for authentic Jamaican comfort food to take you back to your roots, Chelly’s is the spot.
9160 W. Commercial Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351 (Sunrise West Shopping Center on Commercial Boulevard near Pine Island Road)
When the British occupied many of the Caribbean islands beginning in the 1700s, they brought with them traditions and customs that would influence the region long after their forces withdrew. Emancipation was ordered by the Brits on August 1, 1834, now officially known throughout the region as Emancipation Day.
Over the centuries, cuisine across the Anglo-Caribbean territories became a mix of English, African, Latin and Amerindian tastes. Try these recipes for authentic British Caribbean cuisine.
Jamaica: Mackerel Rundown
A tasty “old Jamaican” breakfast dish that is a creamy, salty and savory vestige of the island’s colonial past.
What You’ll Need
2 pounds salted mackerel
Lime juice
2 cups coconut milk
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped after seeds removed
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 sprigs thyme
salt and black pepper to taste
parsley for garnish
What To Do
Wash the mackerel with water and lime juice, then boil in hot water for 10 minutes to remove excess salt.
Drain and then break the mackerel into small pieces.
Add coconut milk to a pan and boil on medium simmer until it reduces, becoming oily.
Stir in onion, garlic, thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper and tomatoes. Add the mackerel and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with other Jamaican sides like dumplings or ground provisions.
The Bahamas: Banana Pudding
Traditional British puddings were steamed in small vessels covered with greased paper and foil. This Bahamian banana-flavored pudding is close to bread but retains its chewy texture with no baking powder added.
What You’ll Need
7 ripe bananas
1 cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring
2 eggs, beaten
¾ stick butter, melted
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
What To Do
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas.
Mix in the sugar, salt, milk, vanilla, eggs, butter and nutmeg, then the flour until completely combined.
Pour into a buttered 9 x 12 inch rectangular pan.
Bake on the middle rack for about 40 minutes until browned on top and a toothpick or knife inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool at least slightly, then cut into squares and serve hot or cold.
Saint Vincent: Breadfruit Puffs
Breadfruit was first brought to the Caribbean islands by the British in the late 1700s. These savory Vincentian breadfruit puffs create the perfect snack or party appetizer.
What You’ll Need
1 whole breadfruit
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup chopped green onions
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped and seeds removed
½ teaspoon salt
pinch of black pepper
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Oil, for frying
What To Do
Cut an “X” into the breadfruit to pierce the skin, then boil, fully submerged, until it is easy to insert and remove a knife. Remove and drain.
Once cool to the touch, remove the skin and core. Add the breadfruit to a large bowl and mash while the flesh is still warm.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then add to the breadfruit.
Add the onion, Scotch bonnet pepper, green onions, parsley, salt and pepper to the mix and combine.
Pour 1 ½ cups of breadcrumbs into a small bowl and mix together with remaining salt and pepper.
Form the puffs by taking a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and, with oiled hands, rolling it into a ball, repeating until the entire mixture has been used.
Toss the puffs in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
In a pot or deep fryer over medium heat, add enough oil to cover the puffs. Once hot, add the puffs and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with tongs or a metal spoon. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Then enjoy!
Foundational relationships, like the ones formed with family, are central to character and personality development in young people.
The first and most influential relationship we have is with family, so social service organization Gang Alternative, Inc. (GA) begins there, making Family Strengthening one of their guiding Pillars of Service.
The goal of this pillar is to equip families in underserved communities with support programs focused specifically on children and parents to foster or maintain healthy relationships. In-home counseling and the Circle of Strength Parenting (COSP) program, for example, offer essential tools for creating a healthy home environment. After learning how to communicate better with COSP, Ester, a mother of one, says, “I am grateful [because the program helped] bring my relationship with my child closer.”
When family bonds are tested by traumatic events or negative circumstances, strengthening and repairing these relationships is important to a young person’s mental health and well-being.
Families impacted by abuse, neglect and violence are served by support groups, case management and more to facilitate the healing process through the organization’s UPLIFT program.
Health & Wellness is another of GA’s five Pillars of Service, providing prevention and intervention programs for both mental and physical wellbeing.
To manage mental health issues like anxiety or depression experienced by trauma survivors, the Circle of Strength program offers in-home therapy. Natasha, a 17-year-old participant in this program, has only been with GA for about four months, but she has already learned that prioritizing mental health and family strengthening is an important step toward achieving overall wellness.
Other program areas that deal with physical health include Screening, Testing, Education and Prevention Urban Partnership (STEP-UP) and Supporting Urban Populations with Prevention Opportunities to Reduce Transmission (SUPPORT), both designed to educate individuals 13 to 24 years old on safe sexual health practices.
To learn more about Gang Alternative, Inc. and how you can support their efforts, visit myga.org.
