ABOUT ME
I’m Lily Datz, the writer, researcher, and over all crazy person who took on the feat of creating an entire digital magazine about a tiny island in the Caribbean.
But you might be wondering why: Why me? Why Nevis?
After starting to visit the island in the early 1990s, my family purchased a small cottage on Nevis in 1997. The house itself has historic significance on the island, as it was once the general store for Bath Village. The structure was later transported up island to our current property, which we call Mayorine Cottage, in the village of Morning Star. My parents began fixing the house with the hopes of visiting for extended periods of time. Eventually we began spending part of the winter here and my parents homeschooled me from the front porch for a month or so each year.
I learned how to count by watching the monkeys in the yard each day with my dad. I spent countless birthdays with friends I’d just met on the beach. I practiced my penmanship by copying down bar menus at Sunshine’s and Double Deuce, much to amusement of my teachers. I thought the hot pink bathtub on our front porch with a donkey skull next to it was the norm. All of these things are what make me love Nevis more than anywhere else.
Growing up part time on Nevis experience shaped the trajectory of my entire life. I learned directly from the environment I was surrounded by — about culture, history, food, people, and the environment. I became fascinated with the idea of exploring new places and meeting new people. I created long lasting friendships and relationships with many people across the island. Nevisians colloquially refer to my family as “Rachel, Steve, and Lily,” with our names always said together and very quickly as one. Our Nevis nickname of sorts.
It was with all these moments and stories in mind that I created this project, and I’ll forever be grateful to the many people who supported me in doing so.
