Gran Kaz hosts residents of La Retraite Home for a memorable Creole themed tea party |20 October 2023

On October 17, Gran Kaz hosted a heart-warming event that celebrated the cherished citizens of our community.

This event was a unique fusion of two important occasions: International Day of the Elderly, which falls on October 1, and the celebration of our Creole heritage known as the Festival Kreol, held annually in the last week of October.

Gran Kaz transformed its Bel Ombre outdoor dining area into a scene of nostalgic delight, treating the elderly residents of La Retraite Home to a Creole-themed tea party they hope will be treasured forever.

Shama Amesbury, the PR and communications manager at Gran Kaz, expressed the motivation behind this heartening event, saying, “We decided to marry these two events and create a lovely afternoon that would bring back memories of their youth through flavours, music, and entertainment that honour our traditions. It was a beautiful gesture that brought smiles and joy to the elderly citizens who have contributed so much to our community over the years.”

The event welcomed a total of 14 attendees who gathered in Gran Kaz at Bel Ombre. Here, a captivating setup awaited them, complete with a live band playing the traditional ‘kanmtole’ music that resonated with the souls of all present. The patio was adorned with a variety of traditional snacks, cakes, teas, and tisanes, a delightful spread that would evoke memories of yesteryear.

At present, the La Retraite Home for the Elderly accommodates a total of 22 residents. While regrettably not all of them were able to partake, the day was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by those in attendance.

Director of the home,  Lindy Roucou, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Gran Kaz for organising this memorable outing.

Ms Roucou remarked, “The residents get restless staying at the home day in and day out. It was wonderful to see the excitement of going out for the afternoon. The theme of the tea party also brought smiles to their faces as they got to relive some of the tastes and sounds from their youth.”

Shama Amesbury emphasised the importance of this event, stating that Gran Kaz was deeply honoured to host the residents of La Retraite Home for the Elderly. She remarked, “The elderly are truly a treasured group in our community. They are a bridge to the past, to wonderful stories of how life used to be, to our traditions, our old ways of doing things; crafting, cooking, and living in general. Having this connection to our past is so important as we navigate the present and create a future for the generations to come. It's important to keep our traditions alive.”

Indeed, Gran Kaz's initiative to honour and celebrate our elderly citizens while paying homage to our rich Creole heritage is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and unity. This Creole-themed tea party not only brought joy to the hearts of the elderly but also served as a reminder that our traditions and stories are the threads that weave our community together, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture and history.

As we look to the future, let us remember the invaluable wisdom and experiences of our elderly citizens and continue to celebrate our heritage with events like these, ensuring that our traditions and stories are passed down through the generations. Gran Kaz's thoughtful gesture serves as a shining example of how a community can come together to create meaningful moments that transcend time and leave a lasting impact on all those involved.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the activity.

Contributed