STAR Salute : Hyacinth Tyghter - guarding her family’s ‘sweet’ legacy

In Little London, Westmoreland, the name Hyacinth Tyghter is much revered.

She is a multitalented woman who has become the guardian of her family's rich legacy, which revolves around a beloved pastry store, a community landmark.

The 57-year-old Tyghter told THE WESTERN STAR that when she was growing up, the pastry store was part of a larger business, which her father, Thomas Tyghter, and her stepmother, Louise Tyghter, operated.

"I grew up in the business. At first it was a small business, until it expanded into a wholesale and a liquor store, along with a pastry shop," said Tyghter. "It was a family business, with my father, my stepmother and me.

"My parents have passed away ... my two sisters are in the United States and Canada, and my brother also died, so I am left alone here," said Tyghter, who is happily carrying on the family tradition.

However, with no other family member around to help her out, Tyghter took the decision to downsize the business, which has made it much more manageable for her.

SIMPLE PASTRY STORE

"It was getting too hectic and there was no other family [member] to help me," explained Tyghter, who also serves her community as a justice of the peace and president of the Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar. "Now it is a simple pastry store. I have rented out the liquor store and wholesale parts."

The pastry shop is a big hit in Little London and the surrounding communities, as Tyghter's delicious banana bread, cornmeal pudding, gizadas, patties, and ackee and salt fish sandwiches have all but taken on legendary status.

"I get very good support, especially from the schoolchildren and community people, who grew up with the business," said Tyghter. "Even people who travel abroad and return after many years will still come in to get their goodies. My father was a well- known person, so the name still stands strong."