BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER creating history in the 70s, the first Kaiso Monarch of the Federation has been living in the United States of America for a number of years and is contemplating on returning home.
As a vocal advocate for tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis, 68-year-old Levi ‘Entertainer’ Weekes said that in order for the Federation to increase tourist attraction, there is a need for competitiveness among other Caribbean countries.
“This is what tourism is about. Whenever I go I usually tell people when you need a vacation choose St. Kitts and Nevis, the food is fantastic and they have places to shop. These things don’t come overnight, you have to work towards it,” Weekes explained.
He added that there is need for further improvement in the tourism sector in St. Kitts and Nevis, adding that it is his belief that the level of tourism compared to some islands has not reached its true potential.
“I personally believe we can do much more. We send our people abroad to study these things and I won’t say they’re not doing their best, but it’s still not enough for us to compete with these other islands,” Entertainer disclosed.
Weekes noted that in the United States, hospitality and mannerism is a far cry compared to some regional countries, and that tourists visit the Caribbean to get away from the hustle and bustle in their everyday lives.
“These are things we need to educate our people about. The competition is there and most of these people don’t really come to St. Kitts alone; they might go to Antigua, St. Maarten and Tortola,” Weekes said.
Weekes also said that affordable gifts and items are important when it comes to tourists, adding that whenever these visitors travel to different islands they always look for the better price and value for their money.
Entertainer further said that there are many Kittitians globally who denounce their nationality.
“Regardless of what, you have to cherish where you are from. I mean we all have our ups and downs, but we have to make it work. The day we start understanding each other and living together and recognise when we are doing something wrong, it would be better for us,” Weekes posited.
His view on Calypso
Although he has not competed in the Federation for over two decades, Entertainer said that the calypsonians, some of whom he competed against, have done an impressive job on their music and lyrical content.
“My advice to the guys is that the idea of criticising government or opposition is not a bad idea. But what I would like to these guys do is to give solutions to the criticism that they are giving. You have to show them a way out,” Entertainer advised.
Weekes migrated to the United States in 1982 and was still composing music. In 2000 he compiled some of his singles and produced an album. “Right now I am thinking about getting some materials together.”
Where is he now?
Weekes still resides in the New York and is currently working as an electrician.
“I hope to retire at the end of the year and hopefully come back home and spend most of my time; but I will be going back and forth a few times. But my intention all the time is for the best to happen to St. Kitts and Nevis,” Entertainer said.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: SKNVibes solicits suggestions from the public in identifying other individuals who have made significant contributions to the Calypso art form in St. Kitts and Nevis. Feel free to email us at newsroom@sknvibes.com or call us at (869) 466-9242 or (869) 662-3901 and pass on the relevant information.
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