Independence Day Picnic (Sept 19)

Today, Sept 19 is Independence Day. St. Kitts' version of the 4th of July in wrestling their independence from England occurred 30 years ago today. All over the island there were celebrations. At work, some of the employees threw some money together and had a picnic on the beach. Not everyone showed up but several brought their families.

The rustic kitchen was set up amongst the sea grapes. George Riley (AKA Twojon) is the grill master.

A giant plate of food included marinated, grilled chicken, beans and rice, breadfruit casserole, macaroni pie (more commonly known in the states as macaroni and cheese casserole), and pumpkin and orange casserole. There was also a great deal of beer and bootleg rum. [George Riley is the rum runner].

Twojon and Yvette (AKA Verna) prepared all of the food.

Clive Browne (Blackie) put up a tarp to prepare for rain (which did not make an appearance).

The men played dominos. Clockwise from the left (Blackie, Muta, Glack, and Clive). Dominos is played throughout the island. It is played ONLY by men. They smack the dominos down on the table with a big thwack! sound. It is a very macho thing to make the sound loud.

Here is a link to a youtube video of the dominos in action:

http://youtu.be/0wUD0-r1zPA

Twinkle (AKA Rennelle) makes his way towards the beer cooler.

This little girl is all decked out in "liberation colours" having come to the picnic from the independence parade.

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