We wanted to get below the tourist veneer. You know, the things they put in place just for sake of the tourists. In St. Kitts and Nevis that wasn’t difficult. Their tourist trade is mainly limited to the
cruise ships and a couple of high-end resorts. By getting on our bikes and riding the routes less travelled, shopping at the open market and regular grocery stores, we met the people of St. Kitts on their terms.
They were very welcoming, polite, friendly and helpful. They greeted us in the streets, helped us sort out their currency when purchasing something, and asked if we needed directions, even when we didn’t think we were lost.
They are working at building a better society. As an example, along several roadways, we saw signs, probably put up by the Rotary club promoting their 4 way test, to all in their community.
Is it the Truth?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
They’re investing in their children. There appears to be enough affordable schools. We didn’t see any children walking the streets during school hours. They seem to have organized sports for the kids too. Every night at a sports field near by, there were kids playing soccer or basketball. A block away from one of the schools there was a billboard that said "Education is the key". That key has already taken St. Kitts a long way.
They haven’t sold their sole to the tourist trade. They’ve found a nice balance between their laid back island culture and providing for the tourists. On the other side of that coin, everywhere we looked we saw untapped potential for economic growth. They seem to be trying to realize some of that potential in a responsible way for the overall benefit to their community.
We also learned they have an interesting citizenship through investment program. It’s encouraging us to purchase that fixer-upper we’re thinking about. If we invested in the fixer upper, we’d start down the road to becoming St. Kitts citizens.
But, after giving it considerable thought and even though it came with 7 cannons, we decided that because we’d be too far away from family and friends, it’s not for us. So, it’s time to say goodbye to St. Kitts. We’ve had fun and it was nice having you along.
