Sunshine - An expression of Nevis culture!!
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter- SKNVibes.com
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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – Calm, and surrounded by concerned friends and tourists at Mango’s Restaurant, as his popular and internationally acclaimed restaurant was being demolished, Llewellyn ‘Sunshine’ Caines said yesterday he could not blame anybody for what had taken place.
While many felt everything should have been done to prevent the demolition of one of the most outstanding expressions of Nevis culture and cuisine, Caines remained gentle as he answered reporters’ questions.
“It was beyond government’s control. The owner of the land wanted back their property. The present government has already facilitated me to get another piece of land. I thank present and past Nevis Island Administration (NIA) for the assistance they have given me for the past 21 years,” Caines said.
Caines said in an interview that he was relocating his restaurant next to Chevy’s Bar and Grill. His website discloses what makes Sunshine tick. Many potential tourists may not have heard about the quiet island of Nevis in the West Indies, but they have heard about its most popular beach bar, Sunshine's.
Famous for his tasty rum punch drink, the Killer Bee, and the best food on the island, Sunshine’s has been the most prominent tourist attraction in Nevis for over 12 years. No visit is complete without a stop in at Sunshine's where you can meet the legend himself.
While the legend will chat about almost anything, he is quite secretive about the exact ingredients in the Killer Bee. “First, there’s some rum, then some passion fruit juice,” he says. “Then some more rum.” ~~Adz:Right~~
The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, dancing and drinking. His menu consists of a variety of tasty BBQ dishes including fresh local lobster and fish, shrimp, chicken and ribs. Sunshine also makes delicious salads utilising the bounty of vegetables and fruits grown right here on Nevis.
Opens daily at 11 a.m., Caines and his staff will keep the bar hopping and the music cranking until the early morning hours, as long as the guests are happy and the Killer Bees are keeping everyone buzzing!
Caines was served with a High Court Order at his Jessups Estate on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. to vacate the property upon which the restaurant stood. The Order was executed by a High Court Bailiff as tourists, who had patronised the restaurant, watched helplessly as others took pictures.
The High Court Order delivered on January 30, 2008 reads, “You have failed to give up possession of the property described overleaf and the marshal is authorised to take possession of the property and deliver possession to the Claimant.”
Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Ianthea Leighterwood-Octave on January 30, 2008 delivered the judgement that established the Order.
The claimant is Mrs. Robin Herbert, who was represented by Herbert-Thompson and Miss Zara Lewis, while Mrs. Lenora Walwyn-Bowrin and Miss Shemica Maloney represented Caines.
A cross-section of tourists were saddened by the demolition of what they said expresses Nevisian culture and the island’s friendly people.
David Britten, a New Jersey resident, had this to say, “I come here because this is where I experience Nevisian culture. I enjoy the local food. If I cannot come to Sunshine’s then I might as well go to another island.” He is a repeat tourist who has been visiting Nevis for the past four years.
Another tourist who identified himself as Mark said, “It is a sad day here in Nevis. It is a beautiful day, but we are sad. We love Sunshine like a brother.”
A lady visiting the island was disappointed that she could not have gone to Sunshine’s last night, “We can’t go tonight.”
Edward Lewis described Caines as an institution. “He is a local...a Nevisian. He is an institution. He represents the island well. He represents the culture of Nevisian people. We are happy to learn it is re-opening close by. It will be new and improved.”
Chris Martin, General Manager, Horsfords, who sat with Caines at Mango’s, was optimistic that the demolition would give Sunshine an opportunity to implement plans he has had to build a new restaurant.
Martin said: “He says he was granted a gracious opportunity for the past 21 years. He knew he had to move. It was just the timing. He already has building plans for a new restaurant. It will be a beach lounge.”
