As a citizen of the USA, I relocated here early 2014. Recently, I had my adult son join me in building a life in St. Kitts. Having traveled extensively, I wanted to offer a response to the recent BBC Newsday report which effectively labeled the Federation as an unsafe place.
If you have lived and walked in major cities within the USA, South America, and Europe, then you know walking at night in Bogota Colombia or San Francisco’s Tenderloin district is vastly more dangerous than walking through the toughest areas of St. Kitts.
While the murder rate is alarming given the size of SKN, it’s by no means near the threat or risk level experienced in hundreds of cities worldwide. Per capita murder rates in nations with millions represents an entirely different challenge to overcome than a nation with less than 55,000 residents.
My concern with reports such as produced by BBC’s Nick Davis, is how easy it can be to take a statistic in isolation and build a story around this narrow context that carries potential to negatively impact a country’s brand and image.
A nation’s brand matters!
When it comes to tourism, economic development, attracting investment and improving the quality of life, one must understand how vital it is to have a solid national brand governed by a sound nation building framework as a central focus to counter negative press.
This of course is the duty and responsibility of government.
With a new government in place, there exists today, a unique opportunity to elevate St. Kitts and Nevis on a world stage. Instead of an isolated statistic occupying international attention; this can be replaced with positive stories and narrative surrounding transformative government, economic development, academic excellence, achievement, and the introduction of new financial models, renewable energy, and job creation.
Here are some constructive and positive focus areas that will, in time, shift international attention away from crime:
1. Governance. This is the single most important factor in building a strong national image and brand. Governance includes the ability to effectively implement policies that protect its people and goals, and removing the presence of corruption on a macro- or micro-level. This include implementation of a strong Nation Building Framework. Good governance informs a nation’s vision for the future.
2. Investment. Securing foreign investment and proper allocation of domestic financial resources reflect a country’s financial commitment to its future vision. The Government of National Unity must place priority on building a framework that produces and elevates infrastructure, education, healthcare, communications, technology and international partnerships.
3. Human Capital. I arrived in Nevis prior to your elections, and it became clear, especially after February 16, that lingering emotions and divisions still exist today, and continue to play a role in SKN’s national identity. Shifting focus and energy away from division and toward a united effort to strength education, youth, productivity, health and happiness is important.
4. Growth. Growth is just good for business and this represents to the region and international community there is momentum behind a growing SKN GDP, tourism, economic citizenship program, and manufacturing. To the outside world, if this government can show an upward trajectory, outside investment will surely follow.
5. Sustainability. SKN’s financial management, resource dependence and adherence to international norms is vital. There has been discussion about this nation’s economic conditions as expressed in public forums. I hold no judgement related to the efficacy, purpose, or intent — as long this government develop and articulate to an international audience its strategy for continued success and progress.
Getting back to crime. One does not become a murderer overnight. The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” is true. When government, church, school, families, and individuals become united around their youth, murder CAN BE STAMPED OUT completely. We do not live in a nation of millions, we live in small, caring communities.
A truly unified government can make an extraordinarily positive impact when youth are ensured avenues to explore art, music, sport, and enterprise. When villages are supported with programs that meet a young child where their passion and purpose align with available programs, a path of crime and poor choices is averted. In the absence of positive outlets, crime becomes more attractive. It is my sincere hope that over the next five years, each village has even greater access to such programs.
This BBC report seems to be a wakeup call. Yes, it was sensationalistic and isolated and casts a false sense of SKN’s safety. The answer? We all come together to create a positive national brand that attracts and elevates investment, tourism, commerce; and that translates to stronger economy, more jobs, and increased standard of living.
A negative image and brand can set St. Kitts and Nevis back decades. Loss of Tourism, loss of economic citizenship, and continued political division can have devastating consequences. The choice is yours. And, it really is just a matter of choice and resolve.
When government is managed from a strong and unified National Framework centered on the above five (5) key areas of focus, transformation happens. It’s my prayer that nationals can fully resolve to get past divided emotions of past politics. There is work to be done for you, your family, and future generations.
St. Kitts and Nevis has accomplished so much. Your rich culture and existing economic base was a factor that lead to my family’s decision to relocate here. The Federation is at the cusp of even greater success. Let’s build. Let’s unite. Let’s work to transform from a great nation with a temporary negative murder statistic, to an even more vibrant and growing economy. Never in your history has there been a more opportune moment then now.
As a new family living in your country, you can count on us for our full support, love, and commitment to this cause.
Disclaimer
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers.
