Famed Soup Maker Draws Market Crowds
Every Saturday, vendors and patrons gather at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town to celebrate local produce and culinary traditions. Among the market's main attractions is Sylvia Forbes of Island Delights, whose famous conch soup continues to draw loyal customers from across the Virgin Islands. The weekly gathering remains an enduring link to the Territory's agricultural history and inter-island trade.
Every Saturday morning in Road Town, the Sir Olva Georges Plaza comes alive with the sights, aromas, and vibrant energy of the local farmers market. Situated directly across from the Road Town Ferry Terminal, the marketplace serves as a bustling hub where residents and visitors gather to purchase homegrown produce and traditional Caribbean dishes.
Among the most popular fixtures at the weekly market is Sylvia Forbes of Island Delights. Renowned for her culinary craft, Forbes regularly draws a steady stream of dedicated patrons who come specifically for her signature pots of soup. On any given weekend, marketgoers such as Kimberly Crabbe can be seen stopping by to collect a piping hot bowl of fresh conch soup, a local favourite that reflects the rich gastronomic heritage of the Virgin Islands.
The location of the market carries significant historical weight for the British Virgin Islands. From the early decades of the twentieth century, local agriculturalists gathered at this very waterfront area to sell their harvest and coordinate shipments of fresh provisions to St. The site has long functioned as a vital commercial nexus, bridging local farming communities with wider regional markets.
While the number of active vendors has declined over the years compared to past generations, the market continues to hold strong cultural and economic value. Travellers arriving by ferry on Saturday mornings from sister islands like Virgin Gorda and Anegada, as well as visitors making the journey from St.
Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands, frequently make the plaza their first stop to stock up on fresh vegetables, ground provisions, and ready-to-eat local delicacies. For both longtime residents and weekend commuters, vendors like Sylvia Forbes do more than sell food; they preserve a vital community tradition.
As efforts continue across the Territory to encourage local food security and agricultural pride, the Saturday market at Sir Olva Georges Plaza remains a resilient testament to Virgin Islands culture, connection, and culinary excellence.
Primary source: Virgin Islands Daily News (Website)