WHAT IS BENE CARIBE?

by Abby Charles September 9, 2017

I started Bene Caribe in 2015 with the goal to highlight some of the GOOD happenings in our Caribbean islands through fashion.

I am from Trinidad and Tobago and I live in the US, and in my experience, not many people know very much about the Caribbean here. For the few people who actually know of Trinidad and Tobago or who have been to a Caribbean island, their memories or recollections share one of the following in common:

1. Carnival,

2. Cricket and Brian Lara (usually people of south Asian descent),

3. Rihanna

4. Usain Bolt,

5. A vacation in Jamaica

6. Beaches,

7. Spicy food,

8. A teacher or a nanny from a Caribbean island

The Caribbean is so much more than these things.

As a Trinidadian, reading the news back at home, it seemed that I was hearing more negativity in the news than positive happenings. Stories of murder, abuse, corruption, violence, car accidents, racism, violence, bullying, environmental degradation, disease and natural disasters riddle the airwaves, newspapers, twitter, Facebook and every media source. I was tired of the negativity and the single stories of the Caribbean.

I sought a platform where I could share some of the positive work of community based/grassroots organizations in the Caribbean diaspora and BENE CARIBE, evolved.

BENE (Latin): Well or good

CARIBE (Spanish): Caribbean

BENE CARIBE = Good for the Caribbean

BENE CARIBE AIMS TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE GOOD WORK OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN THE CARIBBEAN DIASPORA

I've encountered quite a few individuals and organizations doing GREAT work in the community across the Caribbean... trust me! There are many organizations across our Caribbean diaspora that you should know about and support. These organizations often seek volunteers, marketing and funding support.

Through Our blog, I'll be sharing information on the work of the individuals and organizations that I encounter on my adventures. I invite you to send me information on people and community organizations doing work for the good of the Caribbean/Caribbean diaspora. Join me on this journey to capture and promote the good happening in our region and support these phenomenal organizations in whatever way you can.

I'm so excited!