Gold, aquamarine and black are the colours for the month of November during which we celebrate independence.
Therefore, I feel compelled to share some information with you about Bajan sugar cakes which has become a sweet tooth associated with Independence.
Naturally, sugar cakes are made from grated coconuts, sugar, bay leaf, water and spices. However, my sugar cakes are made with molasses instead of sugar. An AI [Artificial Intelligence] generated view states the health benefits of molasses: they can treat some bone health challenges, anemia and provides relief from constipation, are anti-inflammatory, help maintain healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. Molasses can also relieve menstrual cramps. You can research other health benefits of molasses.
Bajan story time. Bulkeley Factory is in full swing. The aroma of the boiling sugar fills the air. The closer we got to the factory the more we inhaled. The aroma was second to none. As the sweet scent penetrated the atmosphere, the sound of the factory horn filled the atmosphere. At the sound of the horn, my sister and I looked at each other. We knew that horn signalled lunch, and my father and grandfather would be on their way home.
What was also amazing to us was the bellowing smoke that rose into the air, seeing the donkey carts loaded with canes which were to be placed on the weigh bill and the sight of the sugar trucks being loaded with sugar to be transported to the sugar bonds.
I really miss seeing those long light blue trucks on the highway on their way to the port. This is a moment in time that we may never ever relive in St George. Nothing in society can replace those days of a factory in your community. Who remembers playing in the
bagasse and taking a glass bottle to get some hot “liquor” (juice of the freshly crushed canes)? What was also a treat was adding ice, silent doctor lime and water to the molasses. This brew was referred to as swank. However, as time passed the factory was closed.
Bulkeley Sugar Factory is now a reduced version of herself. She is very silent with no hustle and bustle, no workers, no more liquor, molasses or sugar departs from her inner works.
Goodbye, Bulkeley Sugar Factory. We thank you for the jobs you provided for the employees and the historical placement that you etched for us in the annals of St George and Barbadian history.
Finally, I wish all Barbadians a happy 59 years of Independence.
Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via silentdoctors@gmail. com or by telephone 828-1565.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.
