Dine VI Mixes Gospel Music With Good Food And The Result Is Delicious

ST. CROIX — Dine VI, the week-long set of activities sponsored by the Department of Tourism underway here from October 28 through November 8 showed no signs of weakness on Sunday, as yet another affair, dubbed Gospel Brunch — which saw church bands entertaining tourists and residents alike as they enjoyed local cuisine at The Palms at Pelican Cove, Sand Castle on the Beach and the Carambola Beach Resort — highlighted the rich culture of faith in this community, while giving the local restaurants a taste of something different on what would have otherwise been a par for the course Sunday afternoon.

The Gospel Brunch was the brainchild of Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Carlotta Luis, manager of Product Development and Sustainable Marketing at DOT told The Consortium at The Palms yesterday. Being acquainted with a similar offering in the South of the U.S., Mrs. Nicholson-Doty, familiar with the vibrant Christian community in the islands, deemed it an ideal opportunity and, according to Ms. Luis, “an untapped potential.”

Ms. Luis was on duty assuring that the activities were going as planned, but decided to stay longer as the Speak the Word Ministries band kept the atmosphere alive with gospel hits such as Shout Unto God, Glorious, Friend of God and Turn It Around, among others. Every performance was received with cheers and hand claps.  At one point, a tourist went to band members with tears in her eyes, thanking them for touching her emotions through their performance.

On the menu, the Palms’ regular offering and a separate Dine VI carte du jour, which included a lobster, seasoned rice and spinach dish (which I had), the end result being a reporter sated.

And the activities that took place in tandem at Sand Castle on the Beach and Carambola Beach Resort with the Victorious Believers Ministries band and Refuge Tabernacle band, respectively, satisfied those locations as well.

Events continue today with D. Hamilton Jackson celebrations at the 18th century buildings of the Estate Whim plantation. There, DOT is encouraging residents to come out and take part in the “interactive cultural demonstrations, reflect on the history, and sample the cuisine.”

Feature Image: A collage of Speak the Word Ministries’ band members.

Image Credit: VIC.