National

Expert Teaches the Art Of Harvesting

ACKLINS, BAHAMAS – I had heard countless stories about the importance of Acklins cascarilla to the local economy. Islanders have a special technique for harvesting it.

Published

8 months ago

March 14, 2024

Kendeno Knowles

ACKLINS, BAHAMAS – I had heard countless stories about the importance of Acklins cascarilla to the local economy.

Islanders have a special technique for harvesting it, and now it was my turn to learn, with Acklins islander Anita Collie Verdecia as my guide.

And now it was my turn to put my cutlass skills to the test.

Finally, I had mastered the art of chopping, but I feel it’s important to note that despite this week-long immersion, I’m still an Eleuthera native.

I left home at 14, missing out on some of the skills my grandmother Dorothy Viola tried to impart before I departed for Nassau, known back then as “going to town”.

But now, my focus was on beating the bark.

I believe we did Acklins proud, and it’s all thanks to Anita’s expert guidance. She’s a member of my extended family, and in the short time we’ve spent together, she’s become like an aunt!

We have even more adventures in store for you, including the captivating journey of how Anita transforms this natural resource into something infinitely more tangible. Until then…