Mangoes, soursops, coconuts, passion fruits, hot peppers and other Virgin Islands-grown produce
may not travel well or be able to pass through many international agricultural screenings, but that doesn’t mean visitors can’t take home a bit of ripened-in-the-Caribbean-sun flavour.
Agriculture officer and long-time farmer Arona Fahie-Forbes started making preserves, hot sauce and coconut oil for the very practical reason that she wanted to get more life out of her produce.
Most of Ms. Fahie-Forbes’ customers live on Tortola, but at Crafts Alive Village in Road Town, many of Erminie Mathavious’ customers come in from visiting cruise ships.
Ms. Mathavious sells cold drinks, popsicles or “ice lollies,” and liqueurs made from locally grown fruits at her shop, Locally Yours. As the name of the shop suggests, she got into the business so she could sell items to tourists that were made in the territory.
See the June 28, 2012 edition for full coverage.