Freelance Correspondent
In the cool morning air of Paramin, before the sun fully rises over the hills, a group of ten men gathers in the same place they always have. They move with purpose, setting up tables, unpacking bread, preparing saltfish, and making sure everything is just right. There’s no big announcement, no grand stage, just 550 sandwiches waiting to be handed out to the people of their village.
For Colin Romany and the team (Hiyo, Pirate, Joel, Mike, Kevin, Chris, Brad, Lennon and Lamy) this is more than just a yearly tradition. It’s a way to give back to the community that raised him. At 45, he still lives in the same home where he was born, surrounded by the familiar faces of friends he grew up with. By day, he works as a technician with Flow, and in his free time, he enjoys fishing and barbecuing. But in between all of that, there’s one thing he and his friends never forget–helping others.
“The guys in the neighbourhood just decided that instead of just liming, which we normally do, we sit down and have a couple of drinks for ourselves. One day, let’s do it for the community, so we wouldn’t be looked at as idle all the time. And we really started with that, so that was the original concept,” he said.
They call themselves The Bamboo Crew, a name tied to their roots in Morne Cyril, Saut D’Eau Road, Paramin, an area once filled with towering Chinese bamboo. What started as a simple idea–a few friends deciding to do something positive instead of just liming–has turned into something much bigger.
The first Breakfast Giveaway happened in 2012, with no real plan. They didn’t advertise it. They just met up, made sandwiches, and handed them out to people heading to work or school. It was a quiet act of kindness, but one that grew into a tradition. This year, on Tuesday, February 25, they prepared and distributed 550 sandwiches before most of the village had even started their day. Between 6:15 am and 8 am, everything was gone.
But for the Bamboo Crew, it’s never just about breakfast. It’s about bringing people together. After the morning rush, they spend the rest of the day cooking and serving lunch and dinner for anyone in the village who wants a warm meal.
Their generosity doesn’t stop there. A few years ago, they hosted a Christmas party, using the same concept, giving back to the community in whatever way they could. This year, they hope to bring it back, adding another layer to their tradition of giving.
Some years ago, breakfast was made possible in part by Joel Thomas, a gardener, who decided after his last harvest that he would sponsor the food for another giveaway. This year he offered fresh seasoning. Beca meat shop provided saltfish. Claire R0many (Colin’s mom) and Angela Lancaster offered their homes, time, and energy.
Others chipped in where they could, with one person providing eggs, and another contributing saltfish. But for the most part, the Bamboo Crew funds everything themselves.
It hasn’t always been easy. With Carnival season in full swing, many members were stretched thin, making it harder to set up the night before. The rising cost of ingredients also posed a challenge. Hoping to make things a little more official, they approached Carib this year for jerseys and stock so they could look more professional while serving their community. Campari gave them cups and stock.
Beyond food, the Bamboo Crew has also started a community fitness group, encouraging residents to take charge of their health and well-being. For them, it’s not just about giving; it’s about strengthening the bond within their village, creating something bigger than themselves.
No one in the Bamboo Crew is looking for recognition. They don’t do this for praise. They do it because Paramin is their home, and this is their way of saying thank you. Year after year, sandwich after sandwich, they prove that small acts of kindness can create something truly special.
