Students at the Morris Vanterpool Primary School (MVPS) were treated to a hearty taste of homegrown goodness on Thursday, 5th March 2026, as Anguilla joined a wider Caribbean movement promoting healthy eating and the use of locally produced foods.
The event formed part of the regional PÉYI BÒKAZ Caribbean initiative which seeks to inspire Caribbean communities — particularly young people — to embrace healthier diets built around ingredients grown in their own soil.
In Anguilla, the concept was brought to life through a pilot programme at MVPS, where children sampled dishes prepared from fresh vegetables and other locally sourced ingredients. The initiative was introduced locally through collaboration between the Department of Education and Mr. Salih Abdur-Raheem, owner and manager of Sensational Flavours. Mr. Abdur-Raheem approached education officials with the proposal to pilot the programme in a primary school, where students could experience the flavours and nutritional benefits of local foods first-hand.
Mrs. Susan Smith, Education Officer for Primary and Pre-Primary Education, explained that the Department was quick to support the effort.
“Of course, we welcomed the opportunity to introduce our children to local produce,” Mrs. Smith said. She added that the Department connected Mr. Abdur-Raheem with MVPS, where both the school leadership and kitchen staff embraced the idea.
“We are sampling the work that they have actually produced,” she said. “I sampled the green soup and it’s really good. We want to thank Raheem and Sensational Flavours and Citrus for stepping up and introducing this initiative to our schools. We look forward to other schools benefiting from a similar experience.”
During the lunchtime service, the school cafeteria filled with students from different grades curious to sample the dishes prepared especially for the day. Bowls of steaming soup — made with ingredients such as callaloo, potatoes, carrots, kale, peppers, flour dumplings and chicken — were served.
Reactions varied. Some students quickly cleaned their plates, while others took a little longer to warm up to the unfamiliar flavours. Yet the exercise offered a valuable introduction to foods that were once staples in the Anguillian diet.
Mr. Abdur-Raheem said the goal is to reconnect the younger generation with local agriculture and healthier eating habits.
“We want to entice the students and let their taste buds understand the importance of local produce,” he explained. “We want food security in Anguilla where the children understand that we cannot continue to eat fast foods all the time.”
He noted that the programme aims not only to influence eating habits but also to strengthen connections with local farmers and encourage hands-on learning.
According to Mr. Abdur-Raheem, the idea gained momentum following the Breadfruit Festival held on 11th January 2026.
“We recognised the importance of local organic produce that can be implemented in the school menu,” he said. “We started with MVPS and eventually we’re going to go to various schools.”
He also praised the many individuals and organisations that supported the effort, including the chefs and staff of MVPS as well as the event’s sponsors: Island Greens, Palm Grove, Anguilla Sands and Salts, and Sensational Flavours. Special acknowledgement was also given to donor Agnita Parris of the United Kingdom and to the teachers and principal of MVPS.
Catherine Emmanuel, Mr. Abdur-Raheem’s sister, also expressed gratitude on behalf of Sensational Flavours and the wider initiative. She emphasised the long-term importance of instilling healthy habits early in life.
“Health is wealth, and it’s important to start it from the little ones so that it can be incorporated into adulthood,” she said. “We’re looking forward to great things happening and a healthier lifestyle not only in Anguilla but throughout the Caribbean.”
The broader vision of the PÉYI BÒKAZ initiative goes beyond a single meal. Organisers say the movement aims to unite Caribbean nations around food, culture and cooperation while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and local economic development.
For the students at Morris Vanterpool Primary School, however, the lesson began with something simple — a warm bowl of soup made from the land around them. And while some may still be developing a taste for these traditional flavours, organisers believe the seeds of appreciation have already been planted.
By Janissa Fleming
