A FAMILY ADVENTURE FROM FRANCE TO ST. VINCENT

Ben Harrison-International Correspondent

In July of 2003 an adventurous young couple Laure Chiquillo and her partner Gildas Courrier, along with their two year old daughter Lola, left the Brittany Region of France in a 32 foot sloop called ‘Obock’, They were setting off on a nine month adventure that was to take them to the island of Martinique, where they lived for two years while Laure taught primary school and gave birth to their second daughter Enore.

In September of 2007, Laure was recruited by Alliance Française in St. Vincent to be its Executive Director. Again the good sloop ‘Obcock’ carried the family to St. Vincent where they now live.

Three weeks ago, the family sailed to Union Island in the Grenadines where they met Laure’s parents from France, plus friends from Martinique and Union Island. On April 5, anchored in picturesque Saline Bay off the island of Mayreau, Fr. Andrew from Union Island united the couple in marriage.

The Alliance Française of St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened its doors in 1969. It is a not-for-profit organization, part of a world-wide network of 1085 Alliances. Under the directorship of Laure, it coordinates artistic and cultural shows, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, films, lectures and a music festival. It provides French language lessons to upwards of 200 students each year. With its many activities it has significantly added to the cultural profile of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

We are fortunate to have Alliance Française located in St. Vincent. We congratulate Laure and her husband Gildas on their marriage and warmly welcome the two of them along with their daughters as members of our island community.

THE POWER OF ONE

Ben Harrison-International Correspondent

What is the colour of green? Through the years, ‘green’ has been referred to as money, jealousy, a seasick person looking green, or perhaps it is just our favourite colour. More recently however, green has become an icon of responsibility; an attitude towards creating and sustaining an eco-friendly planet. Governments, institutions, schools, corporations, and individuals are focusing on ‘green’ especially during April when we celebrate Earth Day.

April 22, 2008 has been officially designated as Earth Day with numerous special activities planned. The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Ministry of Health, in association with Cable and Wireless, authored the theme: Think Globally, Act Locally and held National Earth Fest ’08. It included a street parade and school rally at Victoria Park, a family fun day, special foods and featured musical and dance artistes.

Under this year’s theme: Plant a Tree today, feed a child tomorrow. Let’s keep SVG clean, green and serene, Karib Cable the television cable/internet service provider has donated fruit trees to schools for students to plant and maintain.

We applaud these and many other initiatives, especially those that extend beyond the official Earth Day focus. Our concern and caring for planet earth must be a continuous and sustained effort to change generations of patterns and habits that have created the environmental crises that threatens the very survival of the world as we know it today.

The Vincentian has discovered at least one company in St. Vincent & the Grenadines that is taking positive steps to encourage environmental protection, not just on an officially designated Earth Day, but year round.

Mary Barnard Owner/Manager and Phillip Barnard Director of Operations Barefoot Yacht Charters

Earlier this year, Barefoot Yacht Charters made a corporate decision to set an example by taking a leadership initiative towards sustainable, environmentally-friendly yacht chartering. At its full-service marina facility on Blue Lagoon it is currently installing a state-of-the-art sewage treatment system as well as capturing rain water and recycled grey water for watering its gardens. It also uses only biodegradable products in its laundry.During any given year, Barefoot welcomes upwards of 2000 charter guests from around the world. It presents them with a small potted Casuarinas or a Coconut plant at the start of their charter. Guests are encouraged to help off-set the carbon emissions resulting from their air travel by planting a tree in the Grenadines , which will help compensate the depletion of vegetation by livestock grazing and weather systems.

Georgia Gravel-University Business Student, Executive Assistant

Barefoot has developed a “Green Pledge” for all charter skippers to sign before setting sale. It states:
“I pledge to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired to improve and sustain the natural world and resources around me. Furthermore, I pledge to minimize the impact of my ecological footprint and promise to take action to fulfill this commitment”.

Key issues attached to the Pledge include:
· Reduction, Reuse and Recycling of plastics
Over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are consumed in America each year. A large number end up in the oceans where they kill countless birds, cetaceans, seals and turtles which mistake them for food. Plastic does not biodegrade, it photo-degrades, breaking down into smaller toxic pieces and enter the food chain to be ingested by animals.
· Promotion of the Awareness of Ocean Acidification
We hear much about global warming, but very little about ocean acidification which is the name given to the ongoing decrease in the pH levels of the oceans. Over time this will diminish the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide
· Nothing that is non-biodegradable is to be placed overboard
Zero tolerance is the only policy. Plastic bags take from 400 to 1000 years to break down. Barefoot encourages `charter guests to use only biodegradable soaps, shampoos, detergents and cleaning agents.

· Thoughtful disposal of organic waste
Its charter yachts use harbor facilities wherever possible, otherwise dispose of waste as far from shore as possible. Near shore organic waste leads to excess nutrient supply and the disruption of local ecosystems.
· Anchoring Harmlessly
Use moorings wherever possible. Avoid anchoring in sea grass or near coral.
· Respect for all marine life
This request is self-explanatory.
Finally, Barefoot is marketing special “Green” T-Shirts, from which a portion of sales revenue will be invested in local environmental efforts.

Barefoot Yacht Charters is one small company doing its part to contribute to the survival of our fragile planet. Just think if every other company and individual were to do their part: To paraphrase the famous Louis Armstrong lyric, “What a wonderful world this could be”.

ARE WE READY???????????????????

Ben Harrison - International Correspondent

In several articles during the past three months, The Vincentian included observations, suggestions and constructive criticism about places, people and destinations related to tourism in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Our Ministry of Tourism has been promoting St. Vincent & the Grenadines as a tourist destination; a recent radio program featured a phone in program focusing on the question, “Is St. Vincent & the Grenadines ready for Tourism?” With major hotel development taking place and the International Airport under way many people are asking the same question.

This past week The Vincentian visited the Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club on Canouan Island to learn its secret in attracting visitors from around the world, especially Europe, the United Kingdom and the USA. We interviewed management about the challenges, obstacles and successes they have experienced; we interviewed staff about their training, growth and personal development, as well as their satisfaction with their chosen career and employer; and we interviewed guests who are global travelers, about their experiences and perceptions of the readiness of St. Vincent & the Grenadines for an expanded tourism industry.

The results were encouraging:
Management interviews included General Manager Cinzia Occioni and Rooms Division Manager Valeria Crabuzza. Both were very cooperative in sharing their management practices. They hold the view that cooperation in the tourism and hospitality industry is essential. Competitors are welcome to follow Tamarind’s example in any area that will improve operations and help identify all of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, as a destination that not only is ready for, but welcomes tourism.

Occioni explained that the Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club was purchased and redeveloped 11 years ago by owners experienced in the hotel and hospitality industry: Owners who knew and understood the changing needs of travelers, many of whom were born between 1946 and 1964 and are referred to as the baby boomer generation. In the United States alone, there were 76 million children born during those 18 years. Today, they are between 44 and 52 years of age. Similar statistics appear in Canada, England, Europe and Australia.

Baby boomers are in their peak earning years, and the oldest of them have reached the prime age for travel. They want to have fun, and are willing to pay for luxury and convenience. They tend to travel no matter how scarce their time or money. They are demanding consumers: Whether they go budget or luxury, they want the best available facilities and service. They like toll free 800 numbers and an internet presence with websites offering convenience and interactivity. They look for a good first impression, which includes a friendly knowledgeable voice or email response to any communication.

When baby boomers travel, they still look for a bargain, but a bargain to them means good value for a good price.

The Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club geared up for this marketing window of opportunity as well as other traditional markets by completely redeveloping and refurbishing the hotel with further major renovations completed in 2005. Each year the hotel closes for a month during September and October for repair, re-decorating, and replacement of any deteriorating furniture and equipment, including the attractive Palapa roofing covering the common office and dining room areas.

Front Office Staff who only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.

The Vincentian next interviewed a number of individual staff members all of whom were very helpful:
While a number were resident on Canouan when hired, many moved to the island from St. Vincent. Some were experienced, others new to the hospitality industry. We asked them to comment on how they enjoyed working for Tamarind Beach; if they felt the experience and training they were receiving was helping them to grow and develop professionally.



In searching for the best available staff, all of whom are hired following a lengthy multi-interview process, management looks for ability, character and personality. When recruiting for a specific position, they are quick to recognize potential in applicants for other openings they may have or will have in the future. Staff when hired, agree that initial training is just the beginning of on-going daily on-the-job training, plus weekly training meetings, as well as cross-training to develop staff in other areas of hotel administration. The hotel has a very high retention ratio of staff with 20 % having been employed for over 10 years, all of whom management rewards with a very generous cash bonus.

The hotel has a website which is currently being redeveloped to be even more attractive and user friendly. On departure, every guest is asked to complete a specific two page form rating their Tamarind experience. Questions cover everything from the guests initial reservations contact, their welcoming arrival at reception, accommodation and room service, restaurant service plus day to day interaction with all staff. The responses are reviewed daily by management and where appropriate, staff involved are complimented or constructively informed of their shortcomings.

Wine Steward Merrick Harry

Wine Steward Merrick Harry said that in his nine months with Tamarind he had learned more about wine and service than in his entire career.

Rosita Ashton

Rosita Ashton who has been with the hotel for 11 years confirmed with a smile that she had indeed received the 10 year bonus and enjoyed being a member of staff.

Cazelia Peters

Cazelia Peters, a four year employee appreciated that if a guest had a special request or concern, that she was empowered to “Do all I can to resolve the problem herself, or if in doubt, to discuss a solution with management”.

Whenever we met staff from the receptionist, to dining room/bar, housekeeping or beach staff, we never failed to receive a good morning smile or an inquiry as to how we were enjoying our stay, along with an offer of assistance or service.

Finally The Vincentian interviewed several guests, including a family of six from England and a Medical doctor and his wife from the USA.

Andrew Barker and Family from Kent England

Mr. Andrew Barker and his wife Sue from Kent England were guests with their two young adult children and their partners. These people are world travelers and have been to numerous islands in the Caribbean. Without qualification they rated Canouan Island and Tamarind Beach as their favourite location.

Dr. Steve Sperring, M.D and Mrs. Heather Sperring

Dr. Steve Sperring, M.D., a prominent anesthesiologist from America and his wife Heather are also experienced world travelers who also felt Canouan was one of their most enjoyable vacation experiences.

In summary, do our observations answer the question “Is St. Vincent & the Grenadines ready for Tourism?” Probably not: But it does indicate that efforts to prepare St. Vincent & the Grenadines for an unprecedented increase in this sector are well under way. The US dollar may be currently under pressure, but the Euro is strong. Our world is a global village with news that travels as fast as light and when that news is good, tourists and investment entrepreneurs are not far behind. Their options are many with world destinations just a few hours away. Every Vincentian can be a tourist ambassador; every hotel and tourist travel facilitator and every employee in the hospitality industry can create positive experiences for visitors to our shores: Experiences that they will share with friends and family in their home country.
Now is the time to jump on the tourism bandwagon with a commitment to make our country one of the finest vacation destinations in the world.

SELL OUT CROWD AT GRAND TEA PARTY

Ben Harrison

On Saturday March 29, 2008, the Directors of the Governor General’s Children’s Welfare Fund put the FUN into FUNd Raising as they held their annual Grand Tea Party at Government House. Over 200 guests attending the sold out event enjoyed a fun filled afternoon of tea, sandwiches, sweet cakes and interesting entertainment.

The program included a dance recital by Rebecca Hadaway, a pan number by Kenny Isles, son of the well known Vincentian pan musician Ken Isles, a magic show by Villa Lodge’s Tom Hootsbra, a Chinese auction conducted by Kenny Durant and a fantastic fashion show of Spring hats created by Jean Johnney-Findlay Managing Director of Mije´ Personal Development and Advertising Agency.

The ages of the 15 attractive, sophisticated young women modeling the hats were six to ten years: They were all students of Mije´ Models of St. Vincent and were trained by Jean Johnney-Findlay and Jodine Jackson (who is a former Mije´ Models student.

Lady Ballantyne, wife of His Excellency, Sir Frederick Ballantyne Governor General of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, told the Vincentian that she was very pleased with the success of this year’s event and while receipts had not been tallied, the revenue would go a long way towards meeting the Governor General’s Children’s Welfare Fund’s $20,000 goal for 2008.

TOURISM INFORMATION GAPS

Ben Harrison, International Correspondent

Last week, The Vincentian responded to a call from a couple from England, who were vacationing for two weeks in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Prior to leaving their home in England, Dr. Falkner (Rao) and her husband Brian did considerable research to prepare for their first visit to our island. They had a copy of our Ministry of Tourism map and a long list of places they wanted to visit. Because both are enthusiastic home gardeners, they were looking forward to visiting Montreal Gardens.

Arriving at ET Joshua Airport in Arnosvale, they noted telephone numbers, listed for Tourist Information Services. During the week, anxious to find out directions and information about several destinations, including Montreal Gardens, Dr. Faulkner repeatedly called the listed numbers repeatedly during the day, but the telephone was never answered.

She then called the number listed in the Cable & Wireless directory for the Ministry of Tourism and when she eventually talked to some one, she was given a telephone number for a Parks Department , which she called. The person at the Parks Department said that Montreal gardens was a private garden , with which they had nothing to do and were unable to supply any information. They told her to call Tourism Information Services.

Not wanting to go full circle once again, she found a telephone number for Montreal Gardens in the directory; called the number listed and spoke to owner Timothy Vaughan, who promptly arranged a visit and provided directions.

The Faulkners were staying with friends on the Leeward side and arranged with a taxi to take them to the Gardens from Kingstown at a negotiated fee of $150.00 which was increased by an additional $30.00 demand for a tip on their return to Kingstown.
It is unfortunate that what otherwise was a very positive experience for the Faulkners, was compromised by the difficulty they experienced in getting information about the Gardens and the unacceptable taxi fee, plus the less than professional attitude of the driver.

The Vincentian made several attempts to call the advertised tourism information numbers at various times throughout the week making one last attempt on Tuesday morning. The airport number did not answer, there was no answer from the Tourist Information number listed at the Cruise Ship Terminal, and although a very helpful operator at the Ministry of Tourism attempted to connect us with two different lines in their offices. Neither line was answered. The best the operator could suggest was to call later.

It would be presumptuous to second guess the professionals in our Ministry of Tourism, whose business is to disseminate information about St. Vincent & the Grenadines around the world. But one wonders if their global perspective is not overshadowing the importance of little details in our own backyard that are so important to facilitating the enjoyment of visitors to our shores.

It has been said that “You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.” Not everyone travels in organized groups. Like the Faulkners, they do their homework over the internet in their home country and arrange their own exploration to the sites that interest them the most. How many people have given up in disappointment and frustration when confronted with communication obstacles similar to those experienced by the Faulkners?

On a final note: The Faulkners did say that their visit to St. Vincent was “Love at first sight.” They liked the friendly people they met, enjoyed many other tourist destinations and were amazed at the unparalleled beauty and creativity of Montreal Gardens, in spite of their difficulty in getting there.

SKY HIGH - 2008

Nearly everyone has dreamt of flying high in the sky, following the birds as they ride thermals of air and ocean breezes? Nearly everyone at some time has wanted to build and fly a kite to help follow their dream?

Kite flying has no age parameters: Last Sunday hundreds of boys and girls, as young as two years and men and women in their 70’s and 80’s, followed their dreams at Argyle Beach participating in one of the largest kite flying exhibitions and competitions in the Eastern Caribbean.

Like a life metaphor, some would be flyers stood on the sidelines and watched as many creations flew high, a few tangled with their neighbours and crashed while others never quite got off the ground.

Again this year St. Vincent & the Grenadines great Kite Flying Competition 2008 was very generously sponsored by Karib Cable. Karib Cable President Janke Glass was at Argyle beach on Sunday supporting her hard working staff and greeting Karib friends and customers. She told The Vincentian that helping to keep old traditions alive by sponsoring the Kite Flying Competition was one of their ways of saying “Thank you” for the support they have received from the people of St. Vincent through the years.

“Thank you” Karib Cable and a big “Thank you” to all the kite building and kite flying participants.

It’s not important whether you won or lost, what is important is that you followed your dreams into another year of gravity defying creativity at Kite Flying 2008.

This year Category winners include:
Youngest Flyer – Kyla Gibson, age 2
Oldest Flyer – Kingsley Davies
Best Female Flyer – Lauren Dalzine
Smallest flying kite – Mowat Cruickshank
Largest flying kite – Vic Dalzize
Most patriotic kite – Ed Smith
Most original kite – ed Smith
King of the Park – Conrad Viera

DEAR GRANNY

Ben Harrison & Dr. Sheila Pennington

Reflecting on a lifetime of meaningful memories with her grandmother, a twenty something young woman from St. Vincent has been thinking of the many feelings she wished she had expressed when her Granny was alive.

She is not alone. Many of us have had parents, grandparents, teachers and friends who have been important catalysts in actually changing the direction of our lives. Many of us have regretted avoiding quality time with our elderly and/or ill relatives and special people during their last few years, months or even days before death.

Perhaps when we think about visiting family or friends confined to hospitals or home we feel uncomfortable, wondering what to say or not say, or what actions would be appropriate. Your presence or the touch of your hand is so reassuring. Rather than analyzing how we should visit or communicate; just “Do it!” And if the person has already passed on, it is still not too late to express those feelings that were left unspoken.

On the anniversary of her Grandmother’s death, the above mentioned granddaughter felt disappointed in herself by her own lack of participation in her Granny’s funeral; and discouraged by the lack of respect and gratitude she witnessed from certain family members and friends on this first year anniversary of her Granny’s death. She remembered fondly the love they had shared, and the heart-felt meaning of all that had happened during their times together. She decided to take action and express those feelings. She wrote her a letter to her Granny and she has given The Vincentian permission to share that letter with our readers.

Dear Granny:
So much has changed since you left. I always knew that you were the glue that was keeping this family together. But now we are all strangers. I still think that this is all a bad dream, that sometime soon I’ll wake up and we’ll all be around your dining room table, eating and talking, laughing about the past and making plans for the future. Maybe we’d come to your house for lunch all sitting and hoping against hope that an hour would last forever.

Life is complicated. I feel bad Granny because I know that your children loved you but they never knew how to show you. I feel bad because you couldn’t live forever and that’s something that I have to accept. That’s the way things are, I can’t change them. I hate that I can’t.

I know that you had a good life and that it was well lived. I see you alive in nature, I know how much you loved it, how much you cherished every blade of grass and every smell and organism that the earth produced. I miss you. Everybody and everything has changed.
I’m ready to leave this stiff, ugly part of my life and move on. Some days are better than others, just like the attitudes and words of some people.

I wish you were still here. I wish I’d spent more time with you. I hope that you know that I love you and I wouldn’t give up the memories that I have of you for anything. I’m glad that I knew you, that I loved you and even though it hurts when I think that I’ll never hear that voice or walk into your house and smell your delicious cooking or help you comb your hair. I know that I once did all of those things and more than that even though I may cry I’m glad that you influenced my life positively and that you loved me.

I’m happy and fortunate that I knew and loved Angela Dalrymple

Signed: Magpie

As we celebrate Easter weekend, what better time than now to follow “Magpie’s” example; relive the memory of those persons who have been special in our lives. Find a quiet space and say or write those things you wish you had shared with them when they were alive. You cannot mail or send your thoughts and feelings through the internet, but metaphorically, through your memories, they will find the place they need to rest, and you will feel closer to the one(s) you miss and love.

The result will bring closure and renewal, an Easter gift to yourself and to their memory.