Contact:

Cathy A. Preece / Candice A. Kimmel

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

ST. KITTS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
FOLLOWING PASSAGE OF HURRICANE EARL

** Island Sees Minimal Effect from Storm and is Welcoming Guests **

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is pleased to report that St. Kitts is welcoming guests as normal, having sustained only minimal damage during the passage of Hurricane Earl well to the north of the island on Monday morning, August 30.

As St. Kitts was not directly hit by the storm, vacationing on the island was only temporarily impacted while the storm itself was passing.  Visitors are now all reported to be safe and returning to normal vacation experience activities.  Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport and the island’s Port Zante cruise pier were reopened early Tuesday morning and are conducting business as usual.  Some power lines were down during the storm, but power has since been restored to all areas of the island.  The storm brought the usual downed trees and road side debris, all of which is being cleared.  Beaches remain in good condition.  There has been no significant damage to hotels and all remain open for business.  One of St. Kitts’ leading restaurants, Marshall’s, experienced both wind and water damage and is expected to be closed for repairs temporarily. The owner told the Tourism Authority that he will take the opportunity to make significant improvements to the venue for the winter season.  

“We are fortunate that Hurricane Earl passed us so far to the north, as this was potentially a very dangerous storm,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport.  “Following a thorough, island-wide assessment, I am pleased to report that all visitors are safe, the island’s tourism product remains well intact, and clean-up efforts are nearly complete in affected areas.  We are back to business as usual on island.”  

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-582-6208      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or from Canada 1-888-395-4887 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-888-395-4887      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube. 

ST. KITTS TO BUILD A PRIVATE AIR TERMINAL

**New Luxury Terminal at International Airport Will Support Upscale
Tourism**

Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 25, 2010) - On Thursday, August 19, 2010, St.
Kitts announced that a new private air terminal will be built at the
island’s Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.  Construction of the new
terminal is scheduled to begin in February 2011, with FBO (fixed base
operations) service operations commencing at the end of 2012.

“This is a significant step forward in the transformation of St. Kitts’
tourism product,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism &
International Transport.  “With competition for the global private jet
market so intense, this project is designed to facilitate the type of
arrival and departure experience that discerning travelers, including
entertainment celebrities, sports stars and international investors, expect.
This new private air terminal will enable St. Kitts to deliver the highest
quality of personalized service to passengers on private Jets, as well as
scheduled VIP arrivals, featuring our genuinely welcoming Kittitian
hospitality.” 

To be located towards the west of the main RLB Airport parking apron, the
new private terminal will consist of world class lounges, a business center,
and related offices and processing facilities, as well as an elegantly
landscaped courtyard and events centre.   The first phase of the development
will feature the main tropical-styled and environmentally friendly terminal,
with later phases to include a dedicated parking apron, and an extension of
the terminal.  The first phase investment will value approximately US$6
million, with the total cost of the final project estimated at US$ 15
million. 

The new private air terminal will be constructed and operated by Veling
<http://www.veling.aero/index.html>  Limited with full ownership to be
transferred to The St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA
<http://www.scaspa.com/> ) at the end of the concession contract period.
Veling Limited is a global aviation solution provider based in Mauritius and
London, England.  The architect and interior decorator for the new terminal
is internationally acclaimed Bobby Mukherji & Associates, awarded recently
as one of India’s top ten design firms. 

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts
<http://www.stkitstourism.kn/>  offers a diverse tourism product developed
from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.
The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through
the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the
island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World
Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation
pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming
at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s
sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate
plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism
Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-582-6208      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or from Canada
1-888-395-4887 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-888-395-4887      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn
<mailto:info@stkitts-tourism.kn&gt; , visit www.stkittstourism.kn
<http://www.stkittstourism.kn/> , or connect on Facebook
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-St-Kitts/46926297721> , Twitter
<http://twitter.com/stkittstourism>  and/or YouTube
<http://www.youtube.com/stkittstourism> . 

Contact:

Cathy A. Preece / Candice A. Kimmel

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

ST. KITTS’ HIDDEN SECRETS

** Insider’s Top Ten List **

Basseterre, St. Kitts – While many secrets are best kept secret, others are just too good not to be told.  These priceless St. Kitts treasures have long remained “under the radar,” yet they’re sure to make a lasting impression on visitors.  Travelers seeking an authentic Kittitian experience that few people know about will not want to miss these!

1. Crater Lake on Mt. Liamuiga:  Standing tall at 3,792 feet, Mt. Liamuiga is the highest peak on St. Kitts.  The name Liamuiga is derived from the Kalinago name for the entire island of St. Kitts, which means, “fertile land.”  Adventurers seeking a challenging hike through the lush, verdant rainforest will be pleasantly surprised at the wonders existing far up the slopes.  Upon reaching the summit caldera, which is approximately a mile across and a full 1,000 feet deep, there is a magnificent crater lake and steam vents emitting hot steam from deep within the mountain’s interior.  On a clear day, the panoramic views are breathtaking, including the entire island, the pristine Caribbean Sea and surrounding islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barts and St. Maarten. 
 
2. Ancient Shipwrecks:  In addition to numerous reefs, shoals and abundant marine life, the virgin waters surrounding St. Kitts have yet another wonder. A recently conducted Maritime Archaeological project revealed several hundred pristine wrecks of galleons, frigates and freighters dating back to the 17th century that were sunk in various naval battles and skirmishes.  One recently discovered and excavated dive site is located at White House Bay, where the wreck of a 1740s English troopship rests.

3. The Tomb of Sir Thomas Warner:  The final resting place of the first governor of the West Indies is located in Middle Island, St. Kitts. Sir Thomas Warner made his inaugural visit to the island in 1623 and has become widely regarded as the principal figure in the colonial history of St. Kitts. Buried in the very same graveyard is Samuel Jefferson, great-great-great-grandfather of the third President of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson.

4. Wingfield Estate: With excavations still ongoing, Wingfield Estate continues to reveal new structures and secrets.  Formerly home to Thomas Jefferson’s great-great grandfather, this site is a new “must see” on St. Kitts.  The sugar estate ruins house one of the Caribbean’s last surviving aqueducts as well as many original structures, equipment, tall chimney, boiling pots and plenty of other interesting historical elements that guests can view, tour and be awed by.  A short walk will take you to Romney Manor, the property’s great house, which is presided over by a majestic 350-year-old Saman tree whose branches cover a full ½ acre of the manicured 10-acre grounds.
 
5. The Old Treasury Building:  Erected in 1894, this monument was known as the Gateway to Basseterre to those who arrived by sea. In 2002, the building was transformed into a National Museum that exhibits cultural and historical artifacts that played a role in the development of St. Kitts.  One of the largest public buildings in the city of Basseterre, this is the perfect place to get to know the rich historical background that shaped Kittitian culture and traditions.

6. The Strip at Frigate Bay:  Hidden in plain sight is this exquisite strip of beach on the Caribbean side of St. Kitts.  While it has become well known as a night life hot spot, it’s also a wonderful place during the day to try a variety of watersports from jet skiing to snorkeling to fishing charters or simply relaxing in the soft sand and soaking up the warm sunshine.
 
7. The Georgian House:  Located south of Independence Square, the grandiose structure remains one of the most eye-catching examples of 18^th century architecture on St. Kitts. It is thought to have once served as a holding place for slaves purchased from the auctions prior to their transfer to the plantations.  Rumor has it that the basement of the building is haunted, as people have reported hearing the sharp sound of shackles moving across the floor.

8. Carib Brewery St. Kitts Ltd:  Producing annually over 750,000 cases of the island’s beers, malts, stouts and soft drinks, the Carib Brewery is one of the leading beverage makers on island and in the Caribbean region.  Travelers can see the beverage-making magic unfold by making an appointment to witness the process. This excursion is both fun and educational for the entire family and visitors can also sample a complimentary beverage.

9. Diverse Dining Options:  What foodies don’t know but will love to discover, St. Kitts has a range of cuisines available on island at venues ranging from casual to elegant.  Nosh on sushi at a modern gourmet beachside establishment or try some authentic Kittitian-style cooking at one of the island’s roadside grills (all food handlers have health department administered certificates) serving some of the Caribbean’s best barbecued chicken and fish.  From Italian to French or Asian-Fusion and Continental to Caribbean, it’s all available to please the palate of those who know the inside scoop. 

10.  The Market:   For an exclusive glimpse everyday life on St. Kitts, stop at the local market in downtown Basseterre. The sights and sounds of this bustling place present an exciting and genuine experience, as local produce harvested from the island’s fertile soil is both bought and sold.  Opposite the market on Bay Road is the ever vibrant Ferry Terminal, with a variety of booths selling delectable Kittitian fare.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-582-6208      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or from Canada 1-888-395-4887 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-888-395-4887      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube. 

7th August - Guadeloupe
Departs 0730 & Returns 1600 
US$150
 
14th August - Nevis
Departs 0730 & Returns 1600
US$150
 
17th August - Anguilla [for St. Maarten]
Departs 0630 & Returns 1600 
US$150

21st & 22nd August - Dominica  [overnight]
Departs 0730 on August 21st & Returns at 1600 on August 22nd
US$250

For more information and bookings call 664 491 3434 or email
<mailto:info@flymontserrat.com&gt; info@flymontserrat.com
 
Ishwar Persad
Marketing Manager
Montserrat Tourist Board
P.O. Box 7, Brades
Montserrat, West Indies
Ph: (664) 491 2230/8730
Fax: (664) 491 7430
 <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/> www.visitmontserrat.com
 <http://www.volcanorunner.com/> www.volcanorunner.com

Follow us on Twitter at  <http://twitter.com/volcanoisland>
http://twitter.com/volcanoisland

Become a Fan of Montserrat on Facebook at
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>
http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat

July 2010 Issue
 
New Operator Offers Dive Excursions From Antigua
 Extreme Marine Scuba, a dive operation registered in Montserrat, is now
offering travelers a dive-tastic special that allows them to discover
the underwater off Montserrat’s shores. The special, Explore Montserrat,
is a three-day sea-faring adventure originating out of Antigua, that
includes unlimited diving, boat accommodations, meals and a boat tour to
the former capital city of Plymouth. Designed to provide divers with the
opportunity to explore the island’s pristine waters, the aquatic
adventure offers diving at key sites along Montserrat’s 13-mile
coastline.  In addition to exploring the island’s coast, other
activities include a Plymouth boat tour that provides an up-close and
personal look at the destruction of the former capital city, now
submerged under ash and mud-flows and an island tour for the chance to
catch a glimpse of Montserrat’s famous still-active Soufriere Hills
Volcano. The Explore Montserrat special is US$750 per person, based on a
minimum of four and is valid now through December 31, 2010. To book this
special dive package or for more information, visit
www.extrememarinescuba.com <http://www.extrememarinescuba.com>  or call
268 720 0398.

Alliouagana Festival of the Word
 The second annual literary festival will be held November 12-14, 2010
at the Montserrat Cultural Centre. With the theme Discovering New Worlds
Through Words, the festival, known as the Alliouagana Festival of the
Word, will feature presentations, creative writing workshops, readings
and signings by regional and internationally recognised authors. In
addition, patrons will be treated to a live performance showcase that
features recitalists of the spoken-word and dramatic productions by
local and regional entertainers. For details on registration and other
information, visit www.litfest.ms <http://www.litfest.ms/>  or call 664
491 3924.

In the Spotlight - The Royal Palm Club Inn
 Situated at the top of Mt. Pleasant is the exclusive Royal Palm Club.
Known for its Plantation Lounge Bar and Veranda Restaurant, the Royal
Palm Club now offers  accommodation in its new luxury suites. There is a
choice of either the regal four-roomed Royal Suite, with its romantic
bedroom, sitting room, dressing room, over sized bathroom and balcony,
or the unique three-roomed Garden Suite located next to the pool. Both
suites offer a refreshment center with a refrigerator stocked with
snacks and  complimentary continental breakfast.  The room comes with a
toaster, coffee maker, cable TV, DVD player and complimentary wireless
internet.  A welcome punch together with fresh flowers and fruits greet
you on arrival and room service is always available. The Royal Palm Club
Inn is perfect for both leisure and business travellers and offers the
ultimate in privacy, comfort and service. Suites start at US $125 per
night. For your reservation call 664 491 2671 or e-mail
royalpalmclub@hotmail.com <mailto:royalpalmclub@hotmail.com&gt;

Prize Money Increased for Volcano Half-Marathon 

An almost 50% increase in prize money for the 2nd <?xml:namespace prefix
= st1 />Montserrat   Volcano Half-Marathon has been announsed.  The main
beneficiaries will be the top female participants in the half-marathon,
who will now receive the exact amount of cash as their male
counterparts.  Both the first place female and male runner will now each
receive EC$1000, EC$750 for finishing second and EC$500 for third.  The
first youth under the age of 18 years will receive EC$500. In addition,
there will now be first, second and third place prizes for the top
runners and walkers in the Fun Run-Walk from Cudjoe Head to Salem Park.
The first runner and walker to complete the course will now each receive
EC$200, with EC$150 awarded to second place finishers and EC$100 for
third.   This unique race will take place on Saturday November 27th,
2010 and is organised by the Montserrat Running Club, in support of the
local child support and advocacy group Childline. The main sponsors for
the event are the Montserrat Tourist Board, LIME, United Insurance/
Jacquie Ryan Enterprises, the Governor’s Office and the Government of
Montserrat’s Sports Department. Further details and registration
information on the Montserrat Volcano Half-Marathon is available from
www/volcanorunner.com <http://www.volcanorunner.com%20>  or become a fan
on Facebook and receive updates at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montserrat-Volcano-Half-Marathon/139901407
963
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montserrat-Volcano-Half-Marathon/13990140
7963> 

 <?xml:namespace prefix = o />

Caribbean Map <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=30>        
Remember to follow us on Twitter & Facebook
Follow Montserrat happenings on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>  or on Twitter at
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>
http://twitter.com/VolcanoIsland <http://twitter.com/VolcanoIsland>

aeroplane <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=15>

Guest House <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=12>

snorkler <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=18>

masqueraders <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=27>

Calendar of Events

July
Calabash Festival
July 18th - 25th

Cudjoe Head Day Celebrations
July 30th - August 1st
 
 
 
August
St. Peter’s Parish Bazaar
August 2nd

Emancipation Day Public Holiday
August 2nd
 

October
16th Annual Montserrat Open Fishing Tournament
October 30th

Police, Fire, Search & Rescue Community Week
October 31st -  November 7th
 
November
2nd Alliouagana Festival of the Word
November 12th- 14th

Volcano Half Marathon & Fun Run
November 27th

        

Please note that the following day trips are scheduled by FlyMontserrat for the month of August:

Day Trip to Guadeloupe
Departs Saturday, August 7th

Day Trip to Nevis
Departs Saturday, August 14th

Day Trip to Anguilla for St. Maarten
Departs Tuesday, August 17th

Each ONLY US$150 return

FOR DETAILS AND BOOKINGS CONTACT:
Karen Allen
664 491 3434
info@flymontserrat.com
www.flymontserrat.com

Ishwar Persad
Marketing Manager
Montserrat Tourist Board
P.O. Box 7, Brades
Montserrat, West Indies
Ph: (664) 491 2230/8730
Fax: (664) 491 7430
www.visitmontserrat.com
www.volcanorunner.com

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/volcanoisland

Become a Fan of Montserrat on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat

Contact:

Cathy A. Preece

Friday, June 25, 2010

THE 14TH ANNUAL ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
OPENS WITH A FOCUS ON THE CARIBBEAN

** Legendary Music Icons Capture the Moment **

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The opening night of the 14^th Annual St Kitts Music Festival  featured a captivating blend of some of the best past and contemporary music the Caribbean has to offer. From the first act right through to the last, St. Kitts’ Warner Park stadium came alive Thursday night, the first of three consecutive nights of world class stage performances.

“I think the opening night’s experience verifies that the St. Kitts Music Festival mix of local- and regional-conscious reggae, soca and classical calypso is the right mix for the opening night,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport.  “We always have seen ourselves as a Caribbean Festival first. In fact, we pride ourselves in being the leading ‘truly Caribbean’ Music Festival, with the eclectic mix of music reflecting the rich and diverse heritage of our region.”

Perennial favorite reggae group Third World, celebrating 37 years together, headed off the evening’s line-up, playing their vintage favorites for almost two hours with the crowd always demanding just one more.  Up next was local calypso icon, King Star Shield.  The former calypso king had the crowd cheering with appreciation from song to song.

The legendary King Ellie Matt followed next and immediately connected with the lively audience in a way that that brought back fond memories of his past years of international calypso and soca excellence of ‘Ellie Matt & The GI’s Brass’ fame. Perhaps the most powerful and defining moment of the evening for all St. Kitts & Nevis nationals and calypso lovers came towards the end of Ellie Matt’s performance when he sang the song that many credit for uniting Kittitians in the Diaspora, “St. Kitts I Love You.”  Singing at that point without any backup music, his enraptured and adoring homeland crowd joined in with his every word as he captivated the audience with his remarkable melody and simple yet powerful words.

Trinidad & Tobago soca super star couple, Bunji Garlin & Faye Ann Lyons took center stage next and moved the action to a higher energy level, with the large, party-hungry crowd “jamming and moving” in all directions for more than an hour.  The lively response from the St. Kitts Music Festival fans seemed to excite the multiple ‘International soca monarch’ winners to give St. Kitts one of their best ever joint performances. Bringing the first night’s action home just short of 4:00 a.m., the renowned Jamaican master, Capleton, treated the large audience to a “prophetic” performance that ended the evening with the crowd already looking forward to the Festival’s second night.

Gates open at 5:00pm and performances begin at 8:00pm each evening.  Tickets to the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $40 per person, per night.

Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary, to name a few. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, KC & the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.    

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or become a fan on Facebook and/or Twitter.  For more information about the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, log on to www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.

ST. KITTS ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING LINE-UP OF PERFORMERS
FOR THE 14TH

ANNUAL ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL** Mix of International Stars and Rising Local Acts are Featured **

Basseterre,

St. Kitts (June 11, 2010) –The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has announced the line-up of music artists for the 14^th Annual St Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 24-26, 2010.  Once again showcasing the mix of international stars and rising local artists for which the event has become known, the schedule of performances is as follows:

Thursday June 24^th

• Third World
• Grand Masters
• Starshield
• Ellie Matt
• Bunji Garlin
• Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez
• Capleton

Friday June 25^th

• Fethi Tabet
• Ky-Mani Marley
• Jah Fire
• SMI
• Fabolous
• Taurus Riley

Saturday June 26^th

• Stevy Mahi
• Pepper Ranks
• C-Money
• Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
• Rolensha
• Infamus
• Sizzla

“We’re very pleased to have such a varied and electrifying line-up of performers this year,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport for

St. Kitts.  “During a time when the effects of the global economic downturn are still being felt by numerous destinations that rely on tourism to drive their national economies, it is a testament to the quality of both the St. Kitts Music Festival and the viability of our tourism product that visitors continue to come to St. Kitts to enjoy this highly anticipated event as part of their leisure visit.”

Each evening, gates will open at 5:00pm and performances will begin at 8:00pm.  Tickets to the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $40 per person, per night.

Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary, to name a few. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, KC & the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.    

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the

Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about

St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at  1-800-582-6208  1-800-582-6208 or from

Canada  1-888-395-4887  1-888-395-4887 , e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or become a fan on Facebook and/or Twitter.  For more information about the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, log on to www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.

May 2010 Issue

‘INVASION’ Music and Sports Festival 18th-20th June
Storm Entertainment in collaboration with trulycaribbean.net will be presenting INVASION, a three-day music and sports festival June 18-20 on Montserrat. Headlining the event will be Barbwire and DJ Blaize from St. Maarten. More acts will be added in the coming days. A DJ sound clash with $5000 in prize money is up for grabs. The weekend will be filled with lots of entertainment at various venues, a friendly cricket tourney between St. Maarten and Montserrat, a beach bash and an ultimate island tour. To find out more about the event visit www.trulycaribbean.net. Email: invasion@trulycaribbean.net 

2nd Annual Dive Festival June 26^th-July 2^nd

 The Green Monkey Dive Shop, in conjunction with Scuba Montserrat & the Montserrat Tourist Board, will be hosting the 2^nd Annual Montserrat Dive Festival, from Saturday June 26 to Friday July 2, 2010. This year’s Festival will once again be held in conjunction with Montserrat’s annual Reef Check Programme. Reef Check is an international program dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs.  It combines education with action to give volunteers a unique experience while taking an active role in conserving the world’s reefs. The Montserrat Dive Festival will open with the Reef Check survey at two different sites. Participants will first take part in the Reef Check EcoDiver Certification Course that will combine both classroom and field training prior to the official surveys. Scuba divers are invited to participate. There is no cost for participating in this program but participants must be registered for the Montserrat Dive Festival.  A variety of activities are available for registrants to include a Welcome Happy Hour and Movie Night at Green Monkey Dive Shop, a two and a half hour Plymouth Boat Tour and an island tour. For participants who have non-diving partners or children, the Green Monkey Dive Shop can organize other “top-side” adventures including nature hikes, snorkeling trips, bird watching, bicycle rentals or deep sea fishing excursions. The event will culminate with a closing Party on Friday July 2^nd at Green Monkey Dive Shop. For further details call 664 496 2960 or go to www.divemontserrat.com

Calabash Festival –18^th – 25^th July

The 5^th Annual Calabash Festival is carded for July 18 -25, 2010. The week-long event offers a wide selection of festivities that highlights the creativity and talents of local artisans and designers. Named after the calabash fruit that was traditionally used to produce eating utensils, musical instruments and decorative items, the festival seeks to promote the destination through a range of events. This year’s program includes a daily Calabash Exhibition, an adventure hike, a gospel concert, Prof. Dr. George Irish Lecture Series, a Caribbean cultural food fair, cricket match and a grand finale summer music festival. For further information call Mrs. Florence Griffith Joseph on 664 492 1743 or email flogriff@candw.ms

 

Cudjoe Head Celebrations - July 30^th - August 1^st

Montserrat showcases its African ancestry during Cudjoe Head celebrations that is scheduled to take place July 30^th to August 1^st, 2010. The night before the festival, Cudjoe Head Eve, is a time known for revelry and fun with a street festival that includes live music and vendors. This year, activities will include a five-mile race/walk, masquerades, sound system deejay shootout, dance competition, children’s games and an exclusive live band open air concert featuring special guest artistes.  For further information contact Mr. Paul Lewis on 664 496 1611 or email lewiselec@hotmail.com

In the Spotlight – Local Tourism Entrepreneur, Mrs. Juliana Meade
Making her first rag doll at the tender age of twelve, Mrs. Juliana Meade, owner and entrepreneur of two souvenir shops discovered that she has a passion for sewing and cooking. She learnt the skills of sewing from her mother and by attending a number of private classes. In 1997, during the height of volcanic crisis, when Plymouth and areas South of Belham were evacuated, she saw the need for a souvenir shop in the North of the island. Her first shop ‘Island Craft’ thus materialised in Little Bay, which was at the time the main port of entry. Juliana is employed with the Ministry of Agriculture as the Cassava Coordinator and also organizes classes encouraging agro-processing to persons wishing to set up cottage industries. In 2003, the Ministry held the first Breadfruit Fest, an event in which Juliana was very instrumental in organizing. Due to the success of the Fest, the then Minister Mrs. Margaret Dyer Howe suggested they publish a book of recipes made from the breadfruit and so Juliana became co-author of the book entitled ‘Montserrat Breadfruit Recipe Book’. In 2005, when the airport opened at Gerald’s, Juliana opened the ‘Last Chance Gift Shop’ at this location.  Juliana designs and makes over fifty items from the madras, the national fabric.  She distributes volcano hot sauce – a tasty hot pepper sauce infused with Juliana’s secret ingredients, packages pumice rock and volcano ash as souvenir items and sells various fruit preserves in addition to her craft items. Persons interested in purchasing any of the products from her wide range of souvenirs can contact her on 664 492 1568 /491 8588 (evenings) or email jem-enterprises@hotmail.com

Remember to follow us on Twitter & Facebook Follow Montserrat happenings on Facebook at www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VolcanoIsland
Calendar of Events May Whit Monday - Holiday May 24th Rotary Fun Walk/Run Relay Race May 24th  June ‘INVASION’ Music & Sports Festival June 18th -20th Queen’s Birthday Parade June 19th   Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday June 21st Diaspora Consultations Meeting June 21st - 23rd  2nd Annual Dive Festival June 26-July 2

February 2010 Join OTS on IN THIS ISSUE Las Cruces Symposium Auction Opens Next Monday! Tropical Biology Apps Due March 1 Graduate Course Deadlines Panamá BioCurso Research at Palo Verde OTS ONLINE STORE Inquiry in Rainforests: an in-service program for teachers July 14 - July 29, 2010 Scholarship Applications Due March 1, 2001 2009 TAX RECEIPTS Lost your 2009 gift receipt? Just e-mail us for a copy, we’ll be happy to send you one by e-mail! Email us! Contact information: (506) 2773·4004 ext. 3000 recepcion.lc@ots.ac.cr . OTS Auction Opens on Monday!   The OTS online auction will open at 8:00 EST, February 22, 2010! We will continue to accept items until February 18, 2010. The auction will coincide with our Annual Meeting in Costa Rica. Featured ItemWhale Watching & Sunset Cruise For 10 Bring nine of your closest friends for a 4 hour cruise along the South Pacific of Costa Rica observing whales and dolphins as they jump and play in their natural environment. Pacific Quest, a 110′ catamaran based in Dominical, allows you to sit back and relax on the open, upper observation deck with a tropical drink from the bar as the on-board naturalist answers your questions.   Special Instructions More information about our tour is available at http://costaricawhalewatching.com/ Advance reservation is required for groups of 10 or more. Maximum capacity is 100 passengers, plus crew. Humpback Whales are in Costa Rican waters from January through March and July through December. Other species of cetations are seen year round. Pacific Quest is a member of the Responsible Whale Watch Operators Association. PREVIEW ITEMS DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM ONLINE TODAY As a non-profit organization, all auction donations are considered tax-deductible according to applicable US tax laws.  If you have an item you are considering donating to the auction, please contact Cathleen Lemoine at OTS,  919-684-6969  919-684-6969 , or e-mail cathleen.lemoine@duke.edu. . Tropical Biology Applications Due March 1 Program in Costa Rica (BIO 134L), Summer Summer 2010: June 14 - July 13 Biology 134L Field Tropical Biology offers students the exciting opportunity to study first-hand the evolutionary ecology of important plant and animal taxa in tropical ecosystems. Course design emphasizes intensive field work and visits all three OTS field stations as well as other sites. Students are thus introduced to a great diversity of tropical habitats, each possessing distinctive biotas that in turn demonstrate unique evolutionary histories and ecological dynamics. As part of the course, students work closely with resident professors in the design, implementation, and interpretation of their own independent research project in field ecology. Independent projects allow students to learn science by doing science in a beautiful and challenging tropical setting. Results are presented orally following the protocol of a scientific meeting. Students also submit a formal research report which becomes part of the permanent records of OTS field stations. The course concludes with a short unit on conservation biology, including the application of island biogeography to reserve design and management, as well as the impact of deforestation and fragmentation.   Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive one course credit from Duke University. Instructors: Silvana Marten Ph.D. Oscar Laverde M.Sc. More Information · Orientation Materials (127 kb) · Syllabus (127 kb) · FAQ’s (572.8 kb) Graduate Course Deadlines Tropical Butterfly Ecology May 14 - 28, 2010 Application Deadline: February 16, 2010 for priority admission, followed by rolling admission until fully enrolled. A two-week immersion course for graduate students engaged in or planning field research on tropical Lepidoptera. The course draws upon the coordinator’s expertise and 30+ years of work on butterfly ecology and evolution in Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, China, Borneo and Australia. Based at La Selva in Costa Rica, topics will include field methods, ecology and evolution of butterfly-ant symbioses, behavioral ecology, mimicry, ecological physiology, quantitative natural history and future directions in this field. Coordinators: Phil DeVries, University of New Orleans, Bruce Walsh, University of Arizona, Isidro Chacón, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica & INBIO Details (111 kb) Application form (135 kb) Tropical Plant Systematics June 10 - July 13, 2010 Application Deadline: February 15, 2010 for priority admission, followed by rolling admission until fully enrolled. Offered in even-numbered years, this course emphasizes a strong conceptual foundation in phylogenetic systematics in an intensive field setting. The course travels to diverse habitats around Costa Rica, from cloud forest and paramo to tropical dry forest and Atlantic lowland rain forest. This course is next offered in 2010 followed by another edition in 2012 as it alternates with OTS-18, the Spanish language version of the course which is offered in odd years. OTS member students have priority for admission; however students from non-member institutions are welcome to apply. Details Application form (119kb) Biodiversity of True Bugs (Heteroptera)August 8-22 2010 Application Deadline:March 10, 2010 for priority admission, followed by rolling admission until fully enrolled. This two week course is oriented towards graduate students and post doctoral fellows interested in intense field training in the collection, identification and inquiry-based research on the Heteroptera or True Bugs, which are well represented in the highly diverse tropics. Field collection, lab identification, and hands-on research experience on Heteroptera will be complemented by a lecture series on their natural history and classification. This program will enhance participants’ abilities to work on the ecology and systematics of this megadiverse group that includes important disease vectors, crop pests, and natural enemies. The course will take place in wet forest habitat at the La Selva Biological Station, including if possible sections of the Barva transect, as well as in the dry forest habitat and wetlands surrounding the Palo Verde Biological Station. Coordinators: Dr. Christiane Weirauch, University of California, Riverside, Dr. Randall t. Schuh, American Museum of Natural History, New York Details (216 kb) Application form (135 kb)  Expanding the Frontier in Tropical Ecology through Embedded Sensors August 16-31, 2010 Application deadline March 15, 2010 With funding from the National Science Foundation, the Organization for Tropical Studies will conduct a conduct a Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute (PASI) to introduce tropical ecologists from the Americas to recent developments in embedded sensor networks. Embedded Sensor Networks offer a powerful combination of distributed sensing capacity and open possibilities for countless applications in ecological research. The frontiers of ecology expand as biologists think of new applications and engineers develop the necessary tools to increase our understanding of how ecological systems work. Coordinators: Carolina Murcia Phil Rundel Details (724 kb) Application form (57 kb)  Download the 2010-11 Graduate Course List Now Previous Graduate Course Books Attention Birders! Upcoming BioCursos Trip: Panamá-Chiriquí Highlands and Barro Colorado Island in the Panamá Canal March 1 - 5, 2010  OTS is offering an exclusive tour for birding enthusiasts into Western Panama and the Smithsonian’s Barrio Colorado Island research station on the Panama Canal.  Organized through the OTS BioCursos program, which provide adult education packages in Costa Costa, this one-week trip starts shortly after the OTS annual meetings to be held this year in southern Costa Rica at Las Cruces and the Wilson Botanical Garden.  Birding will be the theme of the day as the group travels across the border and down into Panama.   Bird enthusiasts, plant lovers, hummingbird and butterfly aficionados — whether you are a part of the OTS boards or part of the friends, alumni or research community — are welcome to join us. Everyone will be thrilled to discover the spectacular biodiversity of the region!  Please see our link for additional information.  Do know, we will be happy to work with you in making your travel arrangements to Costa Rica and Panama.  Full Description Cost per person: $1299   Contact Jonathan Giles at  919-684-6188  919-684-6188 or jgiles@duke.edu. Knee-deep in Research at Palo Verde The Palo Verde Station is currently in its third year of a grant for International Research Experiences for Students, sponsored by NSF. Graduate students in the early stages of their careers have been selected on a competitive basis from educational institutions throughout the United States. Once selected, they spend 10 weeks working with OTS scientists on research projects in tropical biology, such as wetlands restoration, flood control, water usage, and reducing negative agricultural impacts on the region. Jennifer Bufford (University of Hawai’i Mānoa, top), an IRES (International Research Experiences for Students) participant, and assistant Poling Chan (Knox College, bottom) are measuring the species richness of three different aquatic plant communities, which correspond to different management (fangueo) regimes in the Palo Verde marsh. Jennifer is also monitoring bird use of these habitats and will examine the seed bank and regeneration in the field. The IRES program provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to develop research at Palo Verde.  So far, 12 young researchers have participated in this program. This IRES project allows OTS to offer an international, collaborative research opportunity to U.S. students at a point in their education when such international mentorship and professional relationships can have the greatest impact on the selection of research questions, research design, study systems, and study locations. The work with local farmers, technicians, and extension agents has a dramatic impact on the entire local community as well as on a wider audience. For more information, please contact Mahmood Sasa, Palo Verde Station Director at mahmood.sasa@ots.ac.cr.