BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A new and exciting addition to St. Kitts’ tourism product was recently launched and it is guaranteed to provide tourists with an adventurous, fun and exciting activity in which to participate while visiting the beautiful shores of the island.
The initiative is that of Sugar City Adventures, and for those who are fans of the 2009 American Comedy movie starring Kevin James, ‘Mall Cop’, just the mention of the word “Segway” might bring a smile to their face.
For the first time in the history of St. Kitts, visitors to our picturesque island – and even locals – have an opportunity to tour sections of the island as part of the Segway Tours.
The initiative was launched late last week in the Fortlands area during an intimate ceremony in the presence of a small gathering that included Parliamentary Representative for the area and Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable Sam T. Condor and General Manager of the Development Bank Len Harris and man of the cloth, Rev. Isaiah Phillip.
It is brainchild of husband and wife team Vaughn and Cleo Richards, and the fleet of 12 Segway machines was officially commissioned and the trained tour operators stand ready to take their clients on any of the three available tours.
For the beach lovers, the Beach Lime Tour might be a suitable option. This tour – according to its organisers – is a three-for-one package, allowing participants to view the development in the Frigate Bay area, enjoy a free delectable lunch and enjoy the serene beaches.
And for those who might be more interested in visiting some of the historic sites just on the outskirts of the Basseterre area, there is a tour for you too. It begins at Port Zante – which means it is easily accessible for cruise tourists – and works its way along the Bay Road passing by the War Memorial and Fort Thomas Hotel with a break at the beautiful Palm Court Garden.
There are those to whom adventure beckons and for you the Sugar Lands Tour might be ideal! Simply put, this is a tour of the Olivees Mountain which offers panoramic views over a somewhat rugged terrain.
The Richards have been commended by both Condor and Harris for their initiative, for diversifying the tourism product and for their determination in seeing their brainchild through to birth.
While the ceremony held some intrigue because of the nature of the venture and its uniqueness to our shores, the fun did not begin for members of the audience until they had the opportunity to learn about the apparatuses and took a ‘spin’ while been ably guided by trained personnel.
This writer was more than excited to operate one of the battery-powered, electric two-wheeled self-balancing vehicles. And with safety helmet secured on head, shaky knees threatened to take over when the time arrived to mount the apparatus.
However, the reassuring attitude and instructions of the tour guides went a long way in allaying any fear and brought the spirit of confidence to the fore.
It was a great experience!
Deputy Prime Minister Condor and Reverend Phillip were also among those who participated in the exhibition exercise, and while most gave their fears the boot, one individual is yet to find a front seat for her courage to occupy.
Cleo – who is also an experienced tour operator – told this publication that the idea of introducing a Segway Tour in St. Kitts has its genesis during a sabbatical trip she took with her husband some time ago.
She explained that during the trip, they had encountered the machines and decided to see how they work.
Cleo said she was amazed at how much fun it was, and to those who may be apprehensive about trying the tour, she advised, “It is more adventurous! It takes little effort to get on the Segway and there is much to see, depending on which tour you choose.”
