Caribbeana 101
The CAC is a fairly young organization. We just recently had our anniversary celebration. Originally our intent was to provide a support network for Caribbean nationals living in Shanghai. A side idea was to support charitable associations. But the focus has become charity instead of networking? We still provide a network for Caribbeans. We get together for networking about once or twice a month, but now we're very integrated into two charities--Chi Heng and a migrant school. Originally we didn't realize that charity would take up almost half of what we do. And what do you do with these organizations? At Chang Lin Migrant School we teach classes about the Caribbean--in English, so they get a bit of a language lesson as well. We work with Chi Heng during their summer programs for children affected by HIV / Aids. We're also trying to support companies that are Caribbean-owned or Caribbean-minded. Any iconic Caribbean activities? Well, because of our group's diversity, we all have different hobbies and interests so what one person considers to be "Caribbean" may not be the same as another. One thing we do enjoy is getting together for celebrations and for food just like everyone. Indeed, food unites. There's a Caribbean restaurant that opened in Pudong called Uncle Mike's. We've heard of it. What exactly is Caribbean food? Basic Caribbean food has curry as a staple. Curried chicken, pork, fish and then you have jerk--it's spicy with pimentos and all kinds of peppers. So they've got good jerk chicken at Mike's? Well, I'm a vegetarian, but I heard the taste is authentic! How important do you think venues like these are to the Caribbean community? I think it really brings out feelings of pride and a sense of spreading your wings. Any good CAC stories? One 70-year-old man who'd come to Shanghai on his own heard about us in a newspaper. Turns out he used to play with my grandfather!

Details

What: Caribbean Association in China (CAC)
Email: caribbean.association.china@gmail.com