By Steve Thomas
Observer Nevis Editor
(Pinneys Beach, Nevis) – The sun is shining on Sunshine’s again.
Four days after being evicted from his restaurant’s 20-year site, Llewllyn Caines, “Sunshine” himself and owner of Sunshine’s Restaurant and Bar, opened a new, temporary location on government-owned land, adjacent to Chevy’s Bar.
How good does Sunshine feel about the new site?
“I’m inviting the whole island over for a free Killer Bee,” he said, referring to the famous rum concoction lauded by consumers for its flavor and relaxing effects.
Sunshine’s offer is good from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, one drink per person.
Sunshine’s and Chevy’s are located north of Charlestown and south of the Four Seasons Resort along the Main Road. Signs along the Main Road indicate where to turn to reach the establishments.
After being evicted on March 6, Sunshine and his staff set up a covered bar, benches, furniture and tents at the new site and opened on March 9.
“We served 120 lunches,” Sunshine said on opening day.
The restaurant was busy throughout the afternoon, with a mix of locals, newcomers and regular tourists making up the crowd.
John and Katie Cleary of Massachusetts, USA, have visited Nevis more than 20 times and always visit Sunshine’s.
“It’s good to see him up and running,” Mr. Cleary said. “We have full faith in Sunshine.”
John and Sharon Donovan, also of Massachusetts, are also long-time visitors to Nevis and Sunshine’s patrons.
“The whole moving of the bar from (its previous site) was kind of a shock,” Mr. Donovan said. “It was sad, but it was kind of exciting” to watch it happen.
Sunshine was pleased with the outpouring of support.
“I’m feeling on top of the world, man. It’s beautiful support, from locals and visitors alike. It’s been reassuring. It gives me a reason to go on,” he said.
Oscar Carter describes himself as a “hanger-outer” at Sunshine’s for the last three years.
“Initially, it was kind of like a shock, a sadness,” Mr. Carter said. “With this new spirit, he can raise it to a new level. He is the greatest host in the world.”
Colis Caines is a member of Sunshine’s staff and assisted in the move.
“We’re very ambitious people. We rise to the challenge. We treat people well and that’s that.”
Sarah Lewis of Vermont, USA, offered her own view of Sunshine’s, which she and her family have patronized for many years;
“Sunshine’s is a local institution. It says all that’s good about the Nevisian people.”
