AARP Virgin Islands: Celebrating Culture, Resilience, and Coal Pot Cooking at the 27th Annual Bordeaux Fair

Troy de Chabert-Schuster

At AARP Virgin Islands, we are committed to uplifting the cultural traditions that strengthen our community and connect generations. This past weekend, the 27th Annual Bordeaux Farmers Agricultural & Cultural Vegan Food Fair on St. Thomas once again showcased the resilience, creativity, and agricultural brilliance of our Virgin Islands community. As proud supporters of the event, we were especially honored to sponsor its beloved highlight — the Coal Pot Lighting Competition.

This year, the celebration was even more meaningful for our AARP family: Mr. Rabsatt — an AARP VI volunteer and proud resident of St. John — won the Coal Pot Lighting Competition, demonstrating exceptional skill, cultural pride, and mastery of this cherished tradition.

Why Coal Pot Traditions Matter

Coal pot cooking has deep roots across the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than a method of cooking, it represents community, continuity, and cultural resilience. For generations, families prepared meals over the glowing coals of these small stoves, passing down techniques that reflected African and Caribbean heritage. During periods without electricity — including the months after hurricanes Irma and Maria — coal pots once again became essential sources of nourishment and connection.

Lighting a coal pot is both an art and a science. It requires patience, precision, and an understanding of airflow, coal placement, and timing. These skills, when shared between generations, help keep Virgin Islands heritage alive.

Troy de Chabert-Schuster

AARP VI at the Bordeaux Fair: Supporting Culture Through Community

Organized by We Grow Food, Inc., the Bordeaux Fair remains one of the most significant cultural and agricultural events in the territory, merging local farming, education, Afro‑Caribbean traditions, and community empowerment. This year’s theme — “In Agriculture, Many Problems to Fix — Support VI Farmers in 2026” — underscored the vital importance of local food production, seed security, and agricultural sustainability.
From workshops on heirloom seed saving to AfroEcology presentations and demonstrations led by local organizations, the fair emphasized the need for Virgin Islanders to grow, preserve, and share knowledge rooted in the land.

For AARP Virgin Islands, supporting this fair reflects our ongoing commitment to community health, resilience, and intergenerational connection.

A Tradition of Pride: The Coal Pot Lighting Competition

Each year, the Coal Pot Lighting Competition draws a spirited crowd eager to see who can master the delicate balance of technique and timing needed to bring a coal pot to full flame. Sponsored proudly by AARP Virgin Islands, the event celebrates cultural heritage, practical skill, and the joy of friendly community rivalry.

This year’s competition carried special pride for our organization. Mr. Rabsatt — an AARP VI volunteer known for his cultural knowledge and community dedication — claimed the winner’s title. His skillful technique, steady hand, and deep respect for tradition embodied the heart of the event. His victory is not only a personal achievement but a celebration for our entire AARP community across the Virgin Islands.

Coal Pots in a Modern Caribbean Context

Even with modern appliances available, coal pot cooking remains a cherished practice. Whether used at family beach days, holiday cookouts, or cultural celebrations such as the Bordeaux Fair, coal pots connect people to their roots. They bring out flavors that cannot be recreated elsewhere and create an atmosphere of togetherness that feels uniquely Virgin Islands.

The fair’s embrace of coal pot demonstrations, vegan food vendors, agricultural workshops, and youth cultural activities reinforces its role as a hub of community learning, creativity, and sustainability.

Honoring Our Past, Fueling Our Future

As we celebrate this year’s Bordeaux Fair, we extend our deepest congratulations to Mr. Rabsatt, whose victory in the Coal Pot Lighting Competition highlights both personal excellence and cultural pride. We are honored to have him as part of the AARP Virgin Islands volunteer family and proud to recognize his role in preserving the traditions that shape our identity.

AARP Virgin Islands remains committed to supporting local farmers, cultural practitioners, and community leaders as we work together toward a healthier, stronger, and more resilient future. Events like the Bordeaux Fair remind us that preserving tradition and empowering communities go hand in hand — and that the flame of culture grows brighter when we pass it on.