ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – Taste of the Cultures entered a new chapter on Thursday evening as Blue Island Gems officially took over the organisation of the long-running monthly community event from the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF).
The handover marks the end of a decade during which the STDF developed the event into a popular gathering combining food, music, dance and cultural exchange. The foundation has now entrusted its future to Blue Island Gems, led by Daniela Richardson.
According to STDF Director Maya Pandt, the foundation is proud of the event’s legacy and looks forward to seeing it continue to grow under its new management.
Richardson is no stranger to Taste of the Cultures, having been involved since its inception through internships, event organisation and participation as a vendor. She said her goal is to preserve the event’s original spirit while expanding it into a broader cultural and heritage experience.
Plans for future editions include live cooking demonstrations, interactive cultural activities, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts displays, and the introduction of a souvenir “passport” featuring information about the participating cultures.
Diverse cultural heritage
The monthly event has become a longstanding fixture on St. Eustatius, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate the island’s diverse cultural heritage.
