When you charter the Caribbean, you will discover the islands are like no other place on Earth. As you explore, you will realize the beauty of each island extends beyond their extraordinary natural wonders. It is the smiles on the faces of the people, the unique sounds of their rich culture, the warm hospitality of their heritage and a colorful history. A perfect example of this is found in the British Virgin Islands. At one time, Ophelia "Feely" Thomas was known as the bush doctor on Tortola. She would visit people in the villages who were sick and give them remedies from "bush". Now, her granddaughter, Arona Fahie Forbes, deputy chief agricultural officer, continues to practice bush medicine. She does not make housecalls, but grows and packages bush tea which is still considered by many to have medicinal values.
Bush tea consists of locally grown herbs mixed together or individually steeped in hot water and later strained out. The ingredients vary depending upon the ailment. The herbal concoction has been part of Caribbean culture for 100s of years. When the BVI was being settled, there were no good doctors or surgeons available. African slaves and Indians, like the Arawak, Taino and Caribs, brought bush medicine with them. They found similar plants in this new area. Although nothing was documented, the recipes and knowledge were passed down through generations through word of mouth. Most BVIslanders know where to find the makings of a warm cup of bush tea. For some, the makings are as close as their backyard. However, as more development is occurring, some of these wild plantings are becoming scarce. That is why more farmers are starting to plant herbs as part of their crop. In Paraquita Bay, more than 40 people farm 25 acres. Most of them have a half-acre plot where they grow an assortment of fruits, vegetables and herbs. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College also has farmers who tend to a plot. The college provides all the lemon grass for the Road Town Bakery, which is filled most mornings with the aroma of bush tea. On average, the bakery sells about two gallons of bush tea each day. If you charter the Caribbean and are looking for a medicinal fix, check out the alley ways or where ever local produce stands are available. There is so much to see, do and learn on a charter Caribbean adventure, and learning about the culture is just the beginning! You will have miles and miles of sailing and exploring fun. - Donna
Bush tea consists of locally grown herbs mixed together or individually steeped in hot water and later strained out. The ingredients vary depending upon the ailment. The herbal concoction has been part of Caribbean culture for 100s of years. When the BVI was being settled, there were no good doctors or surgeons available. African slaves and Indians, like the Arawak, Taino and Caribs, brought bush medicine with them. They found similar plants in this new area. Although nothing was documented, the recipes and knowledge were passed down through generations through word of mouth. Most BVIslanders know where to find the makings of a warm cup of bush tea. For some, the makings are as close as their backyard. However, as more development is occurring, some of these wild plantings are becoming scarce. That is why more farmers are starting to plant herbs as part of their crop. In Paraquita Bay, more than 40 people farm 25 acres. Most of them have a half-acre plot where they grow an assortment of fruits, vegetables and herbs. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College also has farmers who tend to a plot. The college provides all the lemon grass for the Road Town Bakery, which is filled most mornings with the aroma of bush tea. On average, the bakery sells about two gallons of bush tea each day. If you charter the Caribbean and are looking for a medicinal fix, check out the alley ways or where ever local produce stands are available. There is so much to see, do and learn on a charter Caribbean adventure, and learning about the culture is just the beginning! You will have miles and miles of sailing and exploring fun. - Donna
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