Garifuna Bakery Reopens in Saint Vincent
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March 16, 2022The Garifuna Bakery, located in Sandy Bay, is owned and operated by the Roman Catholic Church. Begun under the auspices of theRedemptorists of the Baltimore Province.
The bakery roof collapsed under the weight of heavy ash from volcanic eruptions in April of last year. Compounded by torrential rains and subsequent rushing water from the mountain above its location, the bakery – to put it mildly – was a mess after the natural disasters.
Over twenty-five years of continuous service to the local community came to a grinding halt on April 9, 2021 – the date La Soufriere volcano first erupted. Suddenly the bakery, and all of Sandy Bay, was in the Red Zone. As a result, dedicated associates of the bakery were out of work overnight.
Homes were evacuated, schools opened doors as shelters, and families out of immediate danger swelled as relatives and friends were welcomed to board. As night turned into day, many wondered how long it would last. Occupancy of the Sandy Bay area and beyond was strictly restricted for several weeks.
By early June, with clearance from the armed-police checkpoint on the road, passage was possible; however, under extreme caution. Roads, still filled with ash and fallen trees, made for dangerous detours, and curves – difficult at times to navigate under normal circumstances – was more treacherous due to limited visibility ahead. Yet, the vision was clear: the Garifuna Bakery must reopen!
Committed young persons from the parish and community worked tirelessly to clear mud, ash, and fallen lumber from inside the bakery. Barrow after barrow of debris was wheeled out to the road for pick up by a steady chorus of dump trucks – not known for melodious sounds, but now creating a symphony of solidarity among relief workers.
The cutting of wood and pounding of hammers soon gave rise to a new song – one of renewed hope as work on the bakery roof began. Fortunately, local laborers, who are usually committed elsewhere, were available. Given their considerable talent for masonry and carpentry, coupled with dedication to the church and community, and a longing for freshly-baked bread, motivation ran high. Although it took nearly a month to complete, the roof seemed to rise in no time thanks to the skills of those involved.
With shelter now in place, work moved to the inside. New counters were built, electrical wiring and accessories were restored, and plumbing work repaired damaged pipes. Rusted ovens were given a good scouring and new gas lines to operate them installed. Name the need, it was there. Again, in gratitude to the local craftsmen and young volunteers, work moved along at a steady pace.
Passersby began to wonder if the bread was ready. Soon, they were told. “When?” Soon come, in common parlance, soon come. As they waited and hoped, the exterior and interior of the building received fresh coats of paint. Clean up of the yard, especially in the back where water raged and left an indelible mark, continued. And, a deep trench was dug so as to divert further water from wreaking more havoc to the building. Final touch-ups here and there were also in the works.
Opening day was, perhaps, just around the corner. A goal of Christmas was in sight for the renaissance. The staff gathered with excitement to clean and prepare for production and sales. A new
commercial refrigerator was purchased and installed, and a chest freezer was relocated from another site. Testing of the two large ovens proved positive. Not so, however, with the main mixer. Working when electricity was restored, it failed to operate when the switch was turned on. What would have been a batch of bread for Christmas Eve bowed to the reality that, without the mixer, no creature could stir, not even the baker.
The passing disappointment gave way to joyful celebrations of Christmas. During the week, one of two known mechanics on-island skilled in mixer-motor repair was found. He came to the bakery as a wise man, charging for his services not by the hour but by experience. Through the gift of his hands, the hum of the mixer now lifted the hearts of staff and volunteers as if it were a newly composed Christmas carol. A slight, unrelated, plumbing problem then arose. A village farmer able to attend to the need was quickly summoned. Leaving his fields, he too brought his gift. All saw and believed that the rebirth of the bakery was near at hand.
After hard work from the community and generous donations, the bakery is back open and able to serve homemade bread and more to the community. In spite of the difficulties, there is cause for rejoicing and much to celebrate – always keeping in mind through whom the work is accomplished. The bread begotten, baked, and broken comes from the bounty of the Incarnate One. His birth beckons those near and far. Poor shepherds and kings alike come, each bearing gifts, each having a place at the crib.
From Bethlehem – a name meaning House of Bread – the message is always celebrated anew. True in a special way this year for all who helped restore the bakery mission. With gratitude to all – volunteers, staff, laborers, and donors – doors reopened on January 12. Excitement fills the air as friends from near and far are welcomed once again to the Garifuna House of Bread in Sandy Bay!
(Courtesy of Baltimore Beacon.)
