I was born and raised in the Caribbean. People are wrong to reduce it to sun, sea, and sand.

I was fortunate enough to be immersed in the carnival experience at a very young age by watching my family members and wearing my own costumes.

From the Caribbean to Canada

I was almost 19 when I moved to Toronto, where my mom had been living for 16 years.

I didn’t want to go to university in Trinidad because I had read so much about different cultures, and I was encouraged to explore beyond home shores.

I migrated in the middle of the Carnival season in February 2003, which was a devastating reality because I loved Carnival so much.

I want people to know that the Caribbean region is so much more than the sun, sea, and sand. It’s unfortunate when visitors, regardless of their background, don’t give themselves the grace to change their minds about our region.

Our history is really complex and requires a lot of nuance.

I deeply appreciate the thrust for community tourism initiatives because people are so intent on having experiences rather than things. It gives tourists the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in our culture, our heritage, and our shared identity in a responsible way.

Some people might be looking for a party environment; Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of Carnival, would be the perfect spot for that. Some people might be looking for marine life; Grenada is excellent for that. Just last year, the region expanded its underwater sculpture park, where people can snorkel and see detailed sculptures just underneath the surface.

I would make those recommendations because that’s what my world looks like right now, but that might be subject to change.

And that’s the beauty of the Caribbean region — even if you do change your mind, you can still find something that aligns with that new idea.

I would definitely recommend any tourist to get familiar with the community and to make new friends with the people who live there. The citizens will know the off-the-beaten paths.

There’s no better research than making a new friend. And that’s where kindness comes in — it will get you so much further than your money can ever do.