It may come as a surprise to many that exotic fruits such as apples, grapes, strawberries and kiwis are being grown right here in our front and back yards in Trinidad.
Seven-year-old Aidan Ethan Gabriel Phillip, from Mt Lambert, is probably one of the youngest, if not the youngest person to successfully grow a grapevine bearing grapes in Trinidad. And he is very proud of his achievement.
Speaking to the Kids' Guardian about his achievement Aidan said "I grew grapes with my father in our garden. I was very surprised that they grew."
Many people, like Aidan, usually associate these exotic fruits with Christmas. However, after planting the exotic fruit, he can say different.
For those who are unaware, among the thousands of exotic and many rare trees, plants, flowers and fruits at Bert Manhin's 250-acre La Vega Estate, Gran Couva, are rambutan, native to Malaysia; lychee, indigenous to China; and longan from South Asia.
Rajesh Ram and Sadee Sanichar-Ram of the Exotic Fruit Plant Shed in New Grant, Princes Town, grow rambutan, rollinia, mamey sapote, kumquats and grapes.
Aidan Phillip
Strawberries, which require cooler temperatures, are found in areas in the Caribbean like Jamaica, more than 2,000 feet above sea level. These regions include Guy’s Hill in St Catherine, Adams Valley in Manchester, Gordon Town and Newcastle in St Andrew, and sections of Trelawny and St Mary.
Apples are grown in Guyana and many home gardens.
Grapes are usually cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions. However, grapes are also grown in the South American country of Guyana.
In Country Walk, Yallahs, St Thomas, Jamaica exotic fruits such as lychee and grapes are grown.
The Dominican Republic, Cuba and Curacao grow grapes to produce local wines.
In most cases, the cultivation of exotic plants and fruits lie in the domain of conglomerates, horticulturists, farmers, plant shop owners, people with agricultural titles, weekend gardeners, and hobbyists.
Young Aidan has joined the list.
Speaking about the grapes that he planted, Aidan said, "I don't know what variety it is. When the grapes are young they are green but when they are ripe, they are purple and yes, they are sweet!
"My father taught me to plant them. I planted the grapes about nine months ago.
"We are growing other fruits as well, besides the grapes, we're growing plums, dragonfruit, two types of mangoes, pineapples oranges and an apple tree."
He said he started gardening with his granny when he was just five years old, and his favourite plant that he has grown so far is mango.
Aidan also rears two fishes called Nemo and Goldie and has a dog named Buddy.
He attends Rosary Boys’ RC School, and the Standard One student's
favourite subject is mathematics. Aidan's hobby is dancing and he also likes swimming.
Aidan Phillip
When he grows up, he wants to be an astronaut because they go out into space and discover new things.
Aidan's favourite food is pizza and his favourite dessert is carrot cake that his mommy makes. His favourite television show is Pokemon, and his favourite movie is Trolls World Tour. Although his favourite music is soca, he likes every genre of music.
Aidan's father, Andrew Phillip, said that he and Aidan's mother, Deniece Hernandez, supported and encouraged him in his activities.
He disclosed that he wanted to do football and karate as well. Aidan was described as a loving, caring and intelligent child. They said all his friends and past teachers had seen and felt his love.
Phillip explained that his son had a great foundation from attending Sesame Place in Mt Lambert, where he excelled in his academics and sports and was introduced to swimming.
He added that Aidan was introduced to dancing in Rosary Boys' RC School with his dance instructor, Miss Takyha Springer. Phillip said that due to the pandemic, Aidan was doing online dance classes with his group Super Saturdays Juniors.
