Charlestown, Nevis (February 16, 2007)
Charlestown would become a buzz of activity on Saturday March 17th. That’s when the visitor experience enhancement committee lead off with its activities geared towards the celebration of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup to be held on St. Kitts.
On Thursday February 15th 2007, in an interview with the Department of Information, spokesperson for the Visitor Experience Enhancement Committee on Nevis, Mr. Devon Liburd of the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) gave an update on the plans in place to date. He said a cultural street fair in the heart of Charlestown will trigger the start of activities and permission from the traffic department had been sought to block parts of Charlestown.
“We will be having food booths, art and craft and some cultural presentations. We are encouraging our retailers and proprietors around Charlestown to remain open during that afternoon of March 17th.On March 23rd, activities would move to the Heritage Village at Fothergill’s in Gingerland, to have some cultural presentations. This is going to be from 12 noon to 6 pm. The emphasis here will be placed on culture as we would be highlighting some of our traditions along with demonstrations like how to set up a coalpit. On Sunday March 26th, coincidentally this day would be after the final day of cricket in St. Kitts. We are hoping that all Kittisians, all Nevisians and all visitors will all converge on Pinneys beach for a relaxing fun filled afternoon on the beach” Liburd said.
According to the Committee Spokesperson the final event that would be a 20/20 cricket match for which the date is yet to be finalized.
Notwithstanding, Mr.Liburd said that the Committee would be inviting a visitors eleven to play against a local eleven team. He said that as persons arrive on the island, both returning nationals and international visitors would have access to information that would be placed at all hotels and guest houses. Persons who are interested in playing this 20/20 match could sign up for a visitors team.
The tourism official called upon citizens in St. Kitts and Nevis in particular, to exhibit their best behaviour and to keep Nevis clean, and encouraged the full participation of all residents.
“I would like to emphasise that this should not only be done for our visitors, but should really be done for ourselves and our neighbours. Once we do this for ourselves, when we come to welcome our visitors we wouldn’t have to put on any extra effort in terms of making Nevis and its surrounds presentable.
We would like to encourage the general public to come on out. Let us come together as Nevisians and Kittisians, and welcome our visiting international persons and our returning nationals. Come to Charlestown and be entertained, experience Nevis in its true culture and be part of the celebrations”, he said.
The Visitor Experience Enhancement Committee was commissioned to initiate activities that would enlighten and enhance the visitor experience while on Nevis during the World Cup 2007, and has incorporated the skills of persons and organisations within the public and private sector.