In a significant cultural exchange, Nona Aquan, a Trinidad-born spiritual leader residing in New York, made a profound visit to the northeastern community of Fancy on Thursday, March 26, 2025. Despite being recognized as a “Carib queen,” Aquan prefers the maternal titles of “Mama” or “Aunty,” emphasizing her role as a community elder and spiritual guide rather than a monarch.
During her exclusive interview with iWitness News, Aquan articulated her philosophy of community support, stating: “I am here for the community as an elder who provides guidance in health, social matters, mental and physical wellbeing. My mission is to remind people to embrace sustainability by consuming what we cultivate in our gardens rather than manufactured foods.” She passionately advocated for a return to traditional practices, noting that “everything needed for healing, nourishment of body, mind, and soul can be found in the garden.”
The spiritual leader expressed particular concern for women and children, whom she identified as the foundation of community future. “Children offer unconditional love and honesty that adults often withhold,” Aquan observed, highlighting the special connection she shares with younger generations.
Her visit to Fancy left Aquan visibly moved, describing the experience as “wonderful” and “a blessing.” She recounted being brought to tears by the community’s singing and feeling a deep connection to her ancestors during the visit. The cultural exchange included Aquan sampling local delicacies such as boiled peanuts for the first time and noting similarities between Vincentian doucana and Trinidadian pastels.
Accompanied by a seven-member delegation including North Windward MP Shevern John (who also serves as Minister of Social Welfare, Community Empowerment, Disaster Management, and National Heritage), Aquan witnessed exhibitions of traditional crafts and foods at Fancy Government School. The display featured woven baskets, coconut oil, root crops, and indigenous foods including doucouna, sweet potato pudding, and farine, with meals served traditionally in calabashes.
Despite celebrating the thriving Garifuna culture in Fancy, Aquan raised concerns about the community’s declining population, evidenced by small classroom sizes. She humorously yet earnestly encouraged procreation, stating: “The classes should be like 20-30, not six or seven. The land provides for us.”
Fancy Government School holds distinction as the only educational institution in St. Vincent and the Grenadines where Garifuna language, heritage, and culture are formally taught, despite not being part of the official national curriculum. The school regularly performs the national anthem in Garifuna at national events, serving as a vital repository of indigenous cultural practices.