BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN its brief five-day visit, the LOGOS HOPE recorded in excess of 20 000 visitors to its floating book fair and onboard programmes, and for this the crew and staff have expressed their gratitude.
The new ship, operated by the international charity GBA Ships e. V., made its inaugural visit to St. Kitts and Nevis last Thursday (May 13) and in the last five days, 20 563 visits were made to the ship, while community involvement in both islands was able to touch the lives of many. The HOPE left last night at midnight (May 18) and is on its way to Dominica.
“For the full five days, and even now, I hear stories from crewmembers about how they were touched by the hospitality, warmth and interest of Kittitians and Nevisians.
“It was a relatively short port in comparison to our other ports, but the impact and exposure that we had in St. Kitts and Nevis was unique. With over 20,000 people visiting our ship, I believe everyone in the island knew about our visit. It wasn't just an 'event'; it was a community calendar event!” LOGOS HOPE Local Coordinator Andrea Choi told SKNVibes.
While on island, the LOGOS HOPE team went out into the various communities on both islands, partnering with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the local churches. They painted public baths and took their message of knowledge, help and hope to the hospital, prison and elderly and children’s home.
As many as 3600 students visited the ship in groups and the onboard youth events recorded thousands as well. According to Choi, many students and adults showed interest in joining the ship, adding that the interaction with locals was “incredible”.
“We had people sitting in our cafe for several hours a day, speaking and praying with our crewmembers. We have always hoped that our ship would be known as the ship of love or the ship of hope rather than it being just 'the book ship'. I think we achieved this through this visit. People were a lot more aware of our purpose, than ever before,” Choi noted.
The LOGOS HOPE may not be back until two year’s time, but the impact it has made would last much longer than that.
