U.S.Virgin Islands

Transfer Day

On March 31, 1917 the Danish West Indies were officially transferred to the United States for $25 million. Ceremonies were held simultaneously on St Croix and St Thomas at 4pm on the date to commemorate the transfer. The negotiations began almost 50 years prior during the Civil War when the United States recognized that the islands provided a strategic outpost for the navy (fueling ships and protecting interests in the Panama Canal). Today, because of the transfer, the United States Virgin Islands benefit from several conveniences for travelers from the US. We use the US Dollar $, the official language is English and US Citizens do not need to carry a passport when visiting the USVI. All persons leaving the territory via plane will pass through US Customs, so if you have a passport – we still recommend carrying it to make the process that much faster.

Callaloo

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 20 large prawns
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 4 thick slices of bacon diced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 10 okra sliced or 1 frozen package steamed
  • 1 pound of washed swiss chard chopped and steamed
  • 1 pound of washed spinach
  • 1 medium yam or sweet potato peeled, diced and steamed firm
  • Salt and pepper

Method:

In a large pan add oil and fry the bacon and onions for 5 minutes then add garlic, thyme and cook for 1 minute. Add prawns to the pan with bacon mixture cook for 3 minutes. Drop in okra, yams and greens simmer for 5 minutes . Serve with hot sauce and corn bread (Fungi)

Try with:

Bushwacker or Dry Rose’                     Cheers!!