MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts:
This holiday season, the Agri Christmas Night Market, slated for Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, is set to be a vibrant celebration of local cuisine, entertainment, and culture. Among the exciting attractions, one figure stands out: Bobo the Jelly Man—a local favourite known for his refreshing coconut water and vibrant personality.
Hailing from Saddlers, The Jelly Man, whose real name is Alphonso Carey, has been a farmer for over 15 years and a staple in the local agricultural community. Famous for his skilful handling of fresh coconuts and his ability to engage customers with a smile and a story, he’s more than just a vendor; he’s a beloved part of the island’s culture.
In an interview with the Media and Communication Department in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources, St. Kitts, he expressed that the Agri Night Market isn’t just about business; it’s about connecting with people and sharing the vibrant agricultural culture of St. Kitts. He said, “It’s a vibe for me because we see a lot more faces; we see a lot more people to interact with. I’m here every Saturday and Monday, too, but Saturday is a really big day when I come and produce. I’m just interacting with my customers, showing them love, and giving them a piece of St. Kitts.”
Bobo’s offerings go beyond coconut water. His farm produces an impressive range of fresh, local goods, including cucumber, seasoning pepper, thyme, okra, pumpkin, and even onions when the season allows. Farming, for him, is a dynamic process: “When the season comes around, I plant certain things. It’s just vice versa in farming.”
He lauded the government’s Night Market initiative by highlighting how it has significantly enhanced opportunities for farmers and vendors, enabling them to expand their production to meet increasing demand. “If I used to have like a hundred jellies, I got to get two hundred; if I got to have like a hundred pounds of cucumber, I got to have four hundred pounds. So it boosts me a lot and gives me a little bit more income. Agriculture [department], they know what they are doing,” he noted.
Bobbo’s commitment to agriculture and his passion for serving the community have easily made him a crowd favourite. His fresh coconut water, often described locally as nature’s “heart cleansing” beverage, continues to attract both locals and visitors looking for a fresh taste of St. Kitts.
As the Christmas Night Market approaches, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, and Cooperatives, invites the public to support food producers and vendors like the Jelly Man, local artisans, agro-processors, creatives, and small businesses who are shaping a food-secure and sustainable future for St. Kitts and Nevis.