Carl Williams – Nevis Tourism Department
Charlestown, Nevis
September 20, 2013
The Ministry of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) launched a Best Village Competition at the Nevis Heritage Village on September 18, 2013, as a part of a week of activities for Tourism Week 2013, in an effort to promote and encourage a cleaner Nevis.
At a soft launch of the contest, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Carl Williams, outlined the programme and explained its purpose.
“The Ministry of Tourism is very pleased to partner with the Independence 30 committee to promote the Best Village Competition 2013-2014. Over the years the Ministry has sought ways to build tourism awareness, foster greater unity within our communities and most importantly enhance the island’s beauty and promote it as a cleaner destination.
“This effort therefore, is one such initiative aimed at achieving these ideas. The idea in itself is not entirely new since it was done in the past. In fact, it was rotated as a ‘Best Garden’ or ‘Best Village’ contest and was held under the auspices of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society (NHCS). The activity was dormant for a number of years for various reasons, the last one being held in 2008, as part of the NHCS’s 25th Anniversary, when the Pond Hill community was declared the winner. Prior to that, Hanley’s Road was adjudged winner in 2006,” he said.
Mr Williams explained that although the contest was launched this year, it is slated to be judged in 2014 as a part of Tourism Week in the Ministry of Tourism.
“While the competition is being launched today in 2013, it will be judged in 2014. This is strategically planned so that communities can have sufficient time, approximately six months to prepare so as to be judged during Tourism Week in February of 2014,” he explained.
The Assistant Secretary concluded the short ceremony and officially launched the contest but urged the public to keep their community clean all year round.
“The Ministry however, would like to impress on citizens and residents to always keep their surrounding clean and attractive and not just for competition purposes, as we strive to make Nevis an overall cleaner destination,” he posited.
Meantime, Product Development Officer in the Ministry of Tourism Ms. Nicole Liburd clarified that for the 2013-2014 Best Village competition there will be no registration fee and the contest is open to all community groups and organizations on the island.