By Mutryce A. Williams BBA CTM
It is befitting that Tourism Week, should fall in the month that follows our nations independence, September 19th. The month of September is the month of national pride, and it is my conviction that National Pride and Tourism go hand in hand. If one is not proud and knowledgeable about his/her country then one would be doing an injustice to that country and also to him/herself.
As nationals of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis we often ask, What can I do to promote my country? How do I make a contribution to my country? As Kitti- Nevisians we need to learn everything that there is to know about our country.
As individuals we tend to boast about our accomplishments, sporting prowess, possessions, children, even our cooking! Why not boast about the land of our birth? As Kitti-Nevisians we are a proud people. We are a people who should be proud of our heritage, a people who should be proud to be called Kittitian or Nevisian, hence we should exhaust all possible avenues when we encounter a foreigner in order to sell our country.
As an ardent traveler, I am bombarded with assumptions, That accent is Jamaican, isnt it? Where are you from Haiti? I stand at attention, look the individual in the eye, and proudly respond, I am from the 68 square mile twin island federation of St. Kitts-Nevis. A tranquil island paradise situated in the northeastern Caribbean with a population of 45,000. My nationality, I can tell you that I am West Indian or simply Kittitian. In anticipation of the other question or comment, I say, No Sir/Madam, my island is not just sun, sand and sea. No sir all the Caribbean islands are not the same. My island is different. When you visit my island you get the experience that would leave lasting memories!
I often hear fellow Kittitians/Nevisians simply dismiss the twin island paradise with a trite response Oh it is near Jamaica you know or the U.S. V.I. The excuse is, Well everybody knows Jamaica. They wouldnt know where St. Kitts-Nevis is anyway. It is our duty to inform, to promote and boast about our twin island paradise. Your Garden of Eden isnt just a dot on the map or an insignificant nothing. Your Garden of Eden boasts a unique sect of people with their own virtues and values. Your Garden of Eden is a volcanic wonder with unimaginable picturesque views, and lush green cane fields cascading the undulating land. Your island paradise is rich in history, a history that is incorporated into our everyday life, and the architecture, the palatable dishes, oh I can go on.
The following are things that one can do to promote his country when traveling abroad.
v Whenever you travel flash or exhibit your passport. People are always curious about the passport of other nations. Volunteer to show off your passport. The coat of arms is inside let the person have a read. Share some knowledge.
v Take a few magazines or brochures with you when you are traveling. Distribute them while you are in transit or on the airport. These may be obtained free of cost at the Department of Tourism.
v Memorize the telephone number for the Ministry of Tourism, so that the eager tourist could call and enquire about St. Kitts-Nevis. The telephone number is 1-(869)-465-4040.
v When traveling wear an article of clothing inscribed with St. Kitts and Nevis. This is a simple form of advertisement. It may cost you EC$25.00 but it may generate mass revenue for your country.
v Every Kitti-Nevisian should own a pin, with the national flag. Be proud of your country wear the pin when traveling. If asked to explain the meaning of the flag, humbly oblige.
v In your deepest Kitti-Nevisian accent simply say, Excuse me, How are you today, this may spark a conversation. In your conversation put COUNTRY ABOVE SELF , volunteer information about St. Kitts and Nevis.
If you have traveled abroad, you would have a greater appreciation for St. Kitts-Nevis. You would realize that St. Kitts-Nevis is the most beautiful place that God has created on earth. The former National Calypso King Ellie Matt puts it best in the islands second national anthem,
I have traveled far and near
Been almost everywhere
No place can take the place of St. Kitts.
Other destinations may be nice or different but St. Kitts-Nevis is unique . Make St. Kitts-Nevis your Garden of Eden! Develop National Pride! Remember National Pride and Tourism Go Hand in Hand!
