Approximately 40 residents from across the Virgin Islands deepened their understanding of local bush and medicinal plants during a recent cultural education workshop hosted by the Department of Culture, strengthening efforts to preserve traditional knowledge and promote healthier living through natural practices.

Participants explored the uses, benefits and cultural significance of a variety of locally known medicinal plants during the workshop, facilitated by herbalist Mrs. Arona Fahie Forbes on Wednesday, 23 September. Attendees had the opportunity to examine actual plant samples while learning about their traditional applications and the role they continue to play in Virgin Islands heritage.

Mrs. Fahie Forbes, a former Acting Chief Agricultural Officer, farmer, businesswoman and author, shared insights on the use of local plants and their contribution to healthy lifestyles through natural remedies and wellness practices.

Deputy Director of Culture, Ms. Anne Lennard, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions. "We came together to learn, share and preserve the knowledge, traditions and practices that are an important part of our Virgin Islands culture. It was encouraging to see so many persons interested in safeguarding knowledge passed down through generations.”

She said local plants are more than just part of the landscape. “They carry stories, they carry traditions and, most importantly, they carry knowledge that connects us to our land and to those who came before us. When you know the plants, you know the land," she said.

The workshop forms part of the Department of Culture's ongoing series of cultural educational workshops designed to document, preserve and share aspects of Virgin Islands heritage with the wider community.

The next workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October and will feature Ms. Janice Nibbs Blyden, who will share information on the traditional art of making Virgin Islands Guavaberry Liqueur.

For more information about upcoming workshops and programmes, persons may contact the Department of Culture at +1-284-468-4374/4408.