SAINT PAUL, Minn. — On St. Paul’s busy Rice Street, Nanny's Jamaican Kitchen is a testament of the vibrant Caribbean community that calls the Twin Cities home.

“It’s a vital part of the Twin Cities, and really good food,” said Merina Neal as she stood on the sidewalk outside of the restaurant on Monday. "The Caribbean people are just outstanding. We're resilient people."

Neal has been active in the Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund of Minnesota and the Jamaica Minnesota Organization for nearly two decades, as the organizations work year-round to educate Minnesotans about Caribbean cultures and provide support in times of need.

“I was raised in Trinidad, from 10 to 19,” Neal said. “I definitely know what it is to have no water and no lights, because that just happens with the lack of infras

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