Artisans within Barbados collaborated on International Crochet Day to facilitate the “Crochet for a Cause: Hooked on Healthy” project by creating replicas of fruit and vegetables for health education. The workshop featured presentations on spiritual, physical, and mental health to instruct attendees on good habits and best practices to ensure overall wellbeing.
The initiative brought together crochet businesses and students to create informational crocheted products as part of a day focused on healthy living. Hosted by Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, with support from the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ National Nutrition Centre and The Lions Club of Bridgetown and Christ Church chapters, participants received guidance from nutrition professionals, as well as free blood pressure and blood sugar checks to promote awareness of heart health and the risk of diabetes.
Founder of Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, Nikisha Toppin, said the initiative demonstrated how crochet can be used creatively to address contemporary social issues.
“Crochet is intrinsic to our intangible cultural heritage. The diversity of the art form enables us to utilise this skill as an effective tool to address current issues, including the prevalence of non-communicable diseases within our society,” Mrs. Toppin said. “Through the presentations facilitated by Annette Cumberbatch, Dr. Vicki Estwick and Lynriel Hunte, who addressed spiritual, physical, and mental health respectively, we are assured that participants gained a holistic appreciation for prioritising their whole self, even as they manage the responsibilities of life as entrepreneurs and students.”
Mrs. Toppin also expressed gratitude to the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), which, through the Cultural Industries Development Fund, provided the materials and resources required to execute the seminar. The Fund provides assistance to creative individuals, groups and businesses to develop their ideas, projects and cultural products.
The event also welcomed the Honourable Dr. Shantal Monro-Knight, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, in recognition of her previous service as Minister responsible for Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office and her guidance in programming related to the earlier “Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef” initiative.
The “Crochet for a Cause: Hooked on Healthy” programme will continue during the student mid-term break on October 22–23, 2026, with a specific focus on youth engagement. This next phase will further advance the initiative’s goal of building a multigenerational creative community while encouraging youth to make healthier food and lifestyle choices.
Back row – Renee Taylor-Sargeant, Romario Greenidge, Annette Cumberbatch, Susan Hunte, Norma Goaddard, Lauraine Clarke, Alexis Powlett, Esther Harris, Bianca Gibbons, Akeshia Alleyne, Karen Roberts, Sheelene Wood, Makayla Marshall-St. Aimee, Carlene St. Aimee
Front row – Allison Holford, Nicole Chambers, Rykia Thorpe, Lenda Hurdle, N’tarie Hinds, Sybil Angela Fiedler, Honourable Dr. Shantal Monro-Knight, Nikisha Toppin, Evoyne Harewood, Dr. Vicki Estwick
Presenters: Health Specialist, Dr. Vicki Estwick, Applied Psychologist Lynriel Hunte, Founder Nikisha Toppin, and Christian Counsellor Annette Cumberbatch
Ministry of Health and Wellness National Nutrition Centre Nutritionists Ms. Leanda Hurde and Ms. Rykia Thorpe.
The Lions Club of Bridgetown and Christ Church chapter representatives who facilitated the blood pressure and blood sugar testing
Youth participant, Alexis Powlett crocheting
Bianca Gibbons selects yarn in preparation for crocheting the fruits and vegetables
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