strengthening of the tourism sector through the...
TRANSCRIPT
Strengthening of the Tourism Sector Through The Development of
Linkages With The Agricultural Sector In St. Kitts And Nevis
Prepared by:
Barrington E.O. Brown, Ph.D Conaree Beach Cottage, St. Kitts, West Indies. Telephone: 1-869-465-1410.
Email: [email protected]
for the
INTER-AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION ON AGRICULTURE (IICA) P.O BOX 848, LAGUERITE,
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS
May 31, 2003.
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Acknowledgements The writer wishes to acknowledge the invaluable assistance received by officials and other relevant stakeholders, in the preparation of this report, inclusive of the following persons: Mr. Augustine Merchant Coordinator Director IICA Office in St. Kitts/Nevis Mr. Al Edwards Department of Agriculture Ms. Latoya Kelly Statistics Officer, St. Kitts Department of Tourism Mr. Don Roberts President St. Kitts Pig Farmers Association Mr. Lee Graham President, Basseterre Fisherman Association Mr. Sam Heyliger Fisheries Officer Department of Fisheries St. Kitts Mr. Austin Weeks Mgr. National Handicraft and Cottage Industry Dev. Board
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………..1 Executive Summary………………………………………………………….3 Introduction…………………………………………………………………..4 The Tourism Sector………………………………………………………..…5 The Hotel Market………………………………………………………….…6 Sports Tourism……………………………………………………………….7 Establishments To Be Targeted…………………………………………..….7 Handicraft Vendors…………………………………………………………..8 The Market/Demand Profile/Imports…………………………………….….9 The Agricultural Sector………………………………………………….…..9 Agricultural Products, Status and Opportunities……………………………10
Identification of Community Groups (NGO, CBOs, CSOs,) and Entrepreneurs Involved In Agro-tourism………………………………11 The Status of Linkages With The Tourism Sector………………………….12 Profile Of Stakeholders……………………………………………………..13 Identify Agro-Tourism Development Possibilities and Training Needs……16 Food Security……………………………………………………………..…17
Identify Potential Training Resources and Potential Sites For Training Exchanges………………………………………………………………..….17
Recommendations…………………………………………………………..18 Conclusions………………………………………………………………….18
Appendix…………………………………………………………………19
Charts Table 1 St. Kitts & Nevis Cruise ship Calls 95-2005……………………….5 Table 2 Stay over for St. Kitts and Nevis,….………..………………………6 Table 3 St. Kitts Accommodation…………….…….………………………..7 Tables Table 1. Market Demand Profile /Imports…….……………………….…….9 Table 2. Agricultural Products Status and
opportunities…………………………………………………..…...10 Table 3 Identification of Community Groups,,…………………………..…10 Table 4. Status of Linkages with the Tourism Sector……………………….12 Table 5 Identify Potential Training Resources.
and Potential sites for Training Needs…………………………… .13 Appendix……………………………………………………………………………19
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Executive Summary The assignment was substantial, in spite of the difficulty in obtaining reliable information from the less organized stakeholders. Nevertheless, there was a significant amount of cooperation received by the author from a wide range of persons who contributed to this report. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is on the verge of commencing a major development programme for the Tourism Industry. The Southeast Peninsular will be the primary area of focus. This will include a wide range of accommodation facilities, and attractions, as well as allied services. This report constitutes an overview of linkage specific information as it relates to, the Tourism Industry, the Agricultural Sector and allied stakeholders. In addition, discussions and recommendations relative to status, needs and resources provide a point of departure towards developing a delivery policy and structure. The closure of the Sugar Industry, which previously commanded the prime position of leader in the economy, has left a void. In the past fifteen years data pertaining to the production and fiscal performance of the sugar industry has been negative. The industry was the largest employer of direct labour, however, from 1980 to 1990 a decline of 17.5% was experienced. From 1980 to 1990 the sugar industry’s annual contribution to GDP fell from 10% to 4%, and continued on the downward trend until its closure. 1Current initiatives towards transformational pursuits could be satisfactorily addressed in part, by the timely redirection of the workers agricultural experience and skills towards the tourism industry, which is now the leader in the economy. Projected growth potential and possibilities, will undoubtedly be effective in stimulating growth in other sectors through linkage effects, thereby providing a base for future economic development. The report also provides information suitable for establishing backward and forward linkages, which, if approached creatively, will provide synergetic relationships between, institutional needs, government policy, human resource development, public sector-private sector needs, as well as a socio-economic development engine. Included are possibilities for incorporating the natural and historical components of the local cultural mix. This will necessitate the harnessing of the needed resources of a wide cross section of institutions, organizations, departments and technical assistance agents.
1 St. Kitts & Nevis Tourism Master Plan - OAS
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Introduction The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a strategically located pair of islands in the eastern arc of the Caribbean chain. Tourism contributes a significant percentage of the national income, now that the sugar industry is closed. With a land area of 260 square kilometers, with central volcanic mountain forests they support an estimated population of 45,900. The workforce is estimated at 22.58%, and by the 2000 estimates, unemployment is approximately 4.8%.2 The timely emergence of upscale hotels in recent years has created a fertile environment for realizing viable linkages between agriculture capacity and tourism. Through the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), this assignment, which was funded by The Organization of American States (OAS), undertook to examine and identify factors relevant to “ The Strengthening of the Tourism Sector through the Development of Linkages with the Agricultural Sector in St. Kitts and Nevis”. This study constitutes part of a wider Caribbean initiative. In reviewing the 1993 St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Master Plan (Maria Eugenia Bacci et, al)3 it was evident that the many faceted aspects of a national development effort, would require substantial logistical, economic and human resources to effect fruition. It was clearly demonstrated that there is a significant cross-section of potential tourism related opportunities, which could be realized. It is therefore the writer’s opinion that, any realistic attempt to establish and maintain forward and backward linkages between Tourism and Agriculture, must take into consideration the findings of the Master Plan. Such an approach would be helpful in avoiding duplication, ensuring relevance and ascertaining current status, in order to formulate workable solutions. The negative economic impact being experienced by the Federation, due to the forced closure of the sugar industry, has created an unprecedented urgency to create and develop new opportunities for a transformation strategy. Some of the initiatives being pursued include, new and old skill training, as well as the offer of entrepreneurial packages. In the meantime the tourism industry marches on, establishing a wake of opportunities that are open to persons with capital, skills, goods or services. It is therefore of great importance to quickly establish lucrative links between tourism and agriculture. Obviously it cannot be business as usual for the local farmers or those planning to be farmers. Any such link must be in tandem with the established practices of the tourism industry. This will include attention to; production schedules, costing and pricing, accepted product quality and in some cases appropriate packaging.
2 Heyliger - National Report of St. Kitts and Nevis 04/14/2006 3 St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Master Plan – OAS 1993
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The Tourism Sector The tourism industry in the Federation has now assumed the leadership position in the economy and is on the verge of further rapid development and expansion. The Cricket World cup 2007 will provide an additional boost to current plans and programs, especially as it relates to the 2006-2007 season. Chart 1. details Cruise Ship calls which indicate an average annual fluctuation in calls. However, chart II shows an average annual increase over the period 1995 – 2004 of 20% in visitor arrivals. This overall, is a significant indicator of the potential demand of the cruise market for fresh produce as well as vegetable fibre handicrafts and allied services. Past and present negotiations and plans to further increase cruise ship calls, are promising. This will necessitate the realization of required accompanying agricultural policy, plans and programs . Chart I.
CRUISE SHIP CALLS
0200400
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
YEARAvg.# of calls 315
NU
MB
ER O
F C
ALL
S
Chart. 2.
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
0100000200000300000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
YEAR 1995 - 2004Avg# of pass 158836
NU
MB
ER O
F PA
SS
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The Hotel Market Over the past ten (10) years there has been a significant increase in the number of hotel rooms available, including the newly built Marriott Hotel. In 1993 1,100 rooms at accepted international standards was reported. Nevis accounted for 15 hotels with 720 rooms, while St. Kitts had 15 hotels with 720 rooms. If this is to be added to room availability at Villas and Condominium, as well as Guest Houses and Apartment stock, there will be approximately 2,399 rooms available on St. Kitts in 2006. Chart 2. which follows, is a reasonable indicator of an additional opportunity for local agricultural producers, to grow market acceptable products. Chart 2.
STAY OVER VISITORS
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
1 2 3 4 5 6YEAR 1999 - 2004
NU
MB
ER O
F VI
SITO
RS
Establishments To Be Targeted In Chart No3 the listed establishments and rooms are provided in order to indicate market size and potential growth. There is a projected room compliment of 2,571, at 60% occupancy (1,572), at least 50% (771) is available for targeting, Any attempt at capturing a lucrative market share, will require a creative and well planned marketing strategy based on market-driven products. This data could be applied to production planning.
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Chart 3.
ACCOMODATION PROJECTION
0500
1,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,500
1 2 3 4 5 6 7YEAR 2002 - 2008
NU
MB
ER O
F R
OO
MS
Sports Tourism The Ministry of Tourism has been responsible for spearheading the development of Sports Tourism for the past 10 years. The primary event is a Triathlon, which continues to attract international competitors. The major portion of the course is located in the heart of the hotel area at Frigate Bay. The linkage to Agriculture is very interesting, due the fact that sections of the course include sugar cane plantation lands. Use of the access roads provides an added challenge. Taxi Associations There are two major taxi associations on St. Kitts, namely the Basseterre Taxi Association and the Liamuiga Taxi Association. They both conduct tours to plantation sites, and provide a good opportunity for the supply of goods and services to their guests. Tours to natural areas being offered by Tour Guides and Taxi Drivers, account for approximately 15% of the visits and hikes. Selected sites with some agricultural historical linkage include the following:
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St. Kitts • The city of Basseterre – Independence Square, ( slave market trade center) • Romney’s Manor Great House •Brimstone Hill Fortress •Rawlins Plantation •Golden lemon Hotel •The crater •Black Rock •The Salt Ponds Nevis •Charlstown •Bath House • St. John Anglican Church • Plantation Inns of Nevis • Hidden Secrets • Ruins of the Sugar Mills •Mount Nevis •Golden Rock Estate and New River Estate •Hamilton Estate •Indian castle Estate •Red Cliff Handicraft Vendors There are handicraft producers whose products include items created from materials such vegetable fibres, minerals, animal and fish. Currently, the Crafthouse is planning to develop a sustainable component through propagation of scarce plant material. These handicraft vendors mostly ply their trade to tourist in the central facility at Port Zante, and at the downtown craft plaza. In addition, there are vendors who prefer to sell their products in the vicinity of the hotels and on the beaches. Unfortunately there is a growing trend for vendors to import non-country specific craft items for sale to visitors. These items include costume jewelry, tee shirts and beach wear. The writer is of the opinion, that the gift and souvenir trade is significant enough, to warrant serious reorganization of existing handicraft associations. In addition, the National Handicraft and cottage Industry development institution should take the lead role. The Agricultural Sector With the establishment of the colonial plantations, agriculture in the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis had a significant sugarcane production focus. Other aspect of agriculture was marginal, and could be considered sufficient only for a portion of domestic needs. Over the years, sugar continued to dominate as an economic factor, while farmers on smallholdings struggled to produce a range of local products.
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With the establishment of structured agricultural programs, incremental progress was made through the introduction of livestock varieties, tubers vegetables and attempts at organizing stakeholders in the fishing community. For example as it relates to fish products, Chart 3.illustrates the import level of fish in the year 2004, which has been increased due to the opening of the new Marriott Hotel. This is a clear indication of a realistic opportunity to take advantage of a ballooning home market. The Market/Demand Profile/Imports.
Domestically, reliable data obtained from the Department of Statistics (St. Kitts) , as it relates to fish (not mammals) coruscations, mollusks, aquatic invertebrates imports, reveal the following:
Table 1.
# DESCRIPTION CIF VALUE 1$US=2.7 EC$
NET WEIGHT
REMARKS
1. Fish Fresh (live or dead) chilled or frozen
5,495,711 451,742 These are the numbers that will guide the approach to determining market share for fishermen
Source: Department of Statistics –St. Kitts Agricultural Products-Status and Opportunities Table No 2. profiles a selection of products that are in demand by hotels and restaurants Domestic production has been met with mixed success. Due to improper planning, there has been over production at times, of some products such as white potatoes, pumpkins and watermelon, among other mixed farming products. On the other hand, due to inconsistency, it is frequently necessary to supplement production through imports from Dominica and to a lesser extent St. Vincent, in order to compliments local production. Although there have been attempts by the private sector and the Department of Agriculture towards self-sufficiency, the demand for a wide range of additional products has been overwhelming, thereby necessitating massive importation.
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Table 2. # PRODUCTS
AND SERVICE
LOCAL IMPORT PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITY
REMARKS
1 Irish Potato x x x Production planning required
2 Watermelon x Production planning required
3 Carrots x x x Production planning required
4 Onions x Production planning required
5 Sugar x Factory closure 6 Cucumber x Marginal local production 7 Cabbage x x x Marginal local production 8 Tomatoes x x Marginal local production 9 Coco x 10 Oranges x Experimental status 11 Banana x x Minimal production 12 Avocado x x Marginal local production 13 Pineapples x x x Production planning
required, some structure exists
14 Garlic x 15 Papaw x Production planning
required 16 Plantains x x Opportunity for local
production 17 Fish x x x Aquaculture opportunity 18 Sport Fishing x Cruise and stay-over visitors 19 Diamond
Black Squid x For domestic and export
20 Herbal Products
x x x For domestic and export
There will be a dire need to fast forward policy modification, programme development and implementation strategy, in order to appreciably keep pace with a growing demand by locals and the tourism industry. Identification of Community Groups (NGO, CBOs, CSOs,) and Entrepreneurs Involved In Agro-Tourism There is no formal agro-tourism community groups operating effectively in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, there is however positive efforts towards realizing a lucrative linkage through the further development/revival of existing groups, with a market –driven approach. Registered cooperatives are in need of strengthening or revival.
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Table 3 # DETAILS REMARKS 1 Basseterre Fishermen Cooperative Active, new fishing complex
recently commissioned Sandy Point Fishermen’s Marketing
an Supply Cooperative Active, operates from own
building Dieppe Bay Fishermen’s Marketing an
Supply Cooperative Active, operates from own
building 2 Old Road Fishermen’s Cooperative Japanese funded complex
under construction 3 Fahie’s Women Farmers Association Active, recently participated in
Agriculture fair at La Guerite, Basseterre
4 Handicraft Association, Basseterre Established in Pelican Mall, operated by President of Association
5 St. Kitts Pig Farmers Association Active, production , sales and feed/materials facilitation
6 Nevis Growers Association Active, Production, Domestic/Hotel Sales
7 Bee Keepers Association Procurement of materials and marketing
8 Nevis Agro- Processors Cooperative Product processing 9 Herbal Garden
(Mr. Michael “Bush Man” Herbert) Active in Nevis. herbal
preparations, nature tours The Status of Linkages With The Tourism Sector There are informal links on an ad hoc basis with the Tourism Sector, the relationship needs to be formalized and structured. In addition, agro-industry is a fledgling pursuit and therefore require developmental assistance. This will include funding as well as Technical Assistance. Chart 3. details
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Table 4 # Activity/Enterprise Link Remarks 1 Old Road Fishermen's
Marketing & Supply Cooperative Society Ltd
Marketing Hotels /Restaurants/General Public
When catch is available
2 Handicraft Producers Hotels, Port Zante, Deepwater Port, Music Festival.
Consists mainly of cottage craft production units.
3 Crafthouse Cruise ship passengers ,Souvenir Shops
Quasi government facility, responsible for facilitation, production and quality control
4 Fahie’s Women Farmers Association
Cruise Ship Market
5 The Pig Farmers Association Restaurants/Hotels Organizational problems 6 Bee Keepers Association Active 7 Nevis Growers Association Four Seasons Hotel,
Restaurants Vegetable production
8 Nevis Agro-Processors Cooperative
Four Seasons, Hotel Restaurants
Active, need additional development assistance
9 Project Strong/Training Production of Tourism related products/services
Capisterre Fishermen's Marketing & Supply Cooperative Society Ltd
General Marketing including Restaurants and Hotels
Technical Assistance re fishing techniques, equipment
Sandy Point Fishermen's Marketing & Sypply Cooperative Society Ltd
General Marketing including Restaurants and Hotels
Technical Assistance re fishing techniques, equipment
St. Kitts Farmers' Cooperative Society Ltd
General Marketing Technical Assistance re farming techniques, equipment
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Profile of Stakeholders. BASSETERRE FISHINERMEN ASSOCIATION Address: Basseterre Fishing Complex Year of Formation: 2002. Purpose: Procurement of fishing requisites for members at
competitive prices. Market members' catch. Fifty six (56) fishermen formed this association in 2002, currently 1/3 of the members could be considered inactive. The association is undergoing reorganization, however, the members still work together and are the occupants of the fishermen facility at the Basseterre Fishing Complex. They supply the Complex through a loose agreement, but also engage in retail business to the general public. The Association is in the process of preparing for a training programme in Cuba. CAPISTERRE FISHERMEN'S MARKETING & SUPPLY COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD Address: Dieppe Bay, St. Kitts Registered: 1st July 1982 Purpose: Procurement of fishing requisites for members at
competitive prices. Market members' catch. Membership: 41 Executive: President: Phillip Gerald Vice President: Kenneth Millard Secretary/Treasurer: Jason Moses Other Board Members: Wilmoth Solis & Alwin Farara SANDY POINT FISHERMEN'S MARKETING & SYPPLY COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD Address: Pump Bay, Sandy Point, St. Kitts Registered 1st July 1982 Purpose: Procurement of fishing requisites for members at
competitive prices. Marketing memebers' catch. Membership: 22 Executive: President: Theophilus Taylor Vice President: Warren Bristol Secretary; Lofton Richards Other Board Member: Edmeand Connor OLD ROAD FISHERMEN'S MARKETING & SUPPLY COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD Address: c/o Todville Daniel, Old Road, St. Kitts
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Registration: 23rd January 1986 Purpose: Procurement of fishing requisites for members at
competitive prices. Marketing of members catch. Membership: 26 Executive: President: Todville Daniel Secretary: Oliver Spencer ST. KITTS BEEKEEPERS' COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD Postal Address: P O Box 39, La Guerite, Basseterre, St. Kitts Registration: 28th November 2001 Purpose: Procurement of input for members at competitive prices & to market members' produce. Membership: 35 Executive: President; George Rogers Vice President: Rawlston Rogers Secretary: Jeffery Berry Treasurer: Patricia Mourillon Board Member: Kevin Bowry ST. KITTS FARMERS' COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD Postal Address: c/o Department of Cooperative, La Guerite, Basseterre, St. Kitts Registration: 24th January 2003 Purpose: Procurement of farm inputs at competitive prices for
members & to market members produce. Membership: Not available Executive: President; Arabella Nisbette Nevis Growers’ Association The Nevis Growers Association, which involves 25 rural families, has been actively pursuing the interests of its members since its inception in 1990. In 1992 its sales reached a high of EC&257,825.83. In 1998 and 1999, two hurricanes Jose and Lenny had a crippling impact on the Association, both in production and marketing. One of their main customers was the Four Seasons Hotel which experienced extensive damage, and had to close its operation temporarily. It is now back in operation with a staff of approximately 620 persons, catering for 450 guests. Through the retention of a 5% cess of total sales, the association is able to operate the business of the association. The association is managed by an executive committee, which is headed by a female, and is supported by the Cooperative Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture. National Handicraft & Cottage Industries Address: C.A Paul Southwell Industrial Park Registered 1st July 1982
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Purpose: Training, Promotion, and Production of Handicraft Products
Telephone: (869)4652417 Associates: National Handicraft Community General Manager: Mr Austin Winston Weekes The National handicraft & Cottage Industries Board was established to provide support to the handicraft Industry. Facilities exist for promoting research, design, prototype development, production, quality control, promotion and marketing. The NHCIB operates a gift and souvenir shop in the heart of the cruise ship arrival district. In addition, training is being accomplished through organized workshops as well as structured hands-on skill attainment attachments. Fahie’s Women Farmers Association Address: Fahie’s Estate Nevis Formed in: 2004 Purpose: Farming & Agro-processing, empowerment
Products Telephone: (869)4652417 Associates: National Handicraft Community General Manager: Mr Austin Winston Weekes The Fahie’s Women Farmers Association, was formed in 2004 and became an affiliate the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANROP) in 2005. This was achieved through the facilitation of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation (IICA). There is evidence that this group is realizing the expressed goal of CANROP i.e., “to support the empowerment of rurl women towards improving their socio-economic status” It is planned that, their farm produce and other processed items will be sold to the general public, including establishments in the tourist industry. Facilitating Initiatives There has been a number of initiatives towards facilitating a closer linkages between agriculture and tourism. The St. Kitts IICA Office has been instrumental through its recognition of the importance of competitiveness within the existing global trading environment. It has further promoted and supported national efforts in order to raise awareness of policy and trade issues that are critical to sustainable agriculture and rural development. Through a series of consultations and workshops, awareness of issues relating to the WTO/CSME and Food Security was heightened. Among the stake holder groups involved were, sixty (62) two persons including farmers, beekeepers, agro-processors and youths. The net result was, a better understanding of the challenges, requirements and opportunities involved in trading agricultural products in domestic and export markets.
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In promoting Agri-Business and its potential contribution to Agro-Tourism, emphasis on the enhancement and favorable impact of agriculture in matters relating to rural development have been areas of focus 1 It was further recognized that with the afore mentioned drastic closure of the Sugar Industry, and Tourism being the leader in the economy, there was an urgent need to strengthen the linkages between Tourism and Agriculture. In addition, an Agro-Tourism Symposium facilitated by the local IICA Office was responsible for addressing two specific goals, namely:
• The exploration of opportunities for forging stronger and more effective links between the Agricultural and Tourism Sector
• Laying the groundwork for the elaboration of a strategy to link both sectors
Other factors that contributed to a better understanding of the Agriculture – Tourism linkage, was enhanced by St Kitts and Nevis hosting the 5th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) workshop. Included was a three-day regional workshop entitled “Agriculture and Tourism – Partners in Development” which was co –sponsored by the ICA, the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Co-operation (CTA), The Centre for the Development of Enterprises (CDE) and the Caribbean Hotel Organization. The workshop provided opportunities to share and exchange successes, experiences and lessons learnt in the creation of agro-tourism products and services. There was also identification of potential investment opportunities for agro-tourism enterprises in the Caribbean region. There has been at least three (3) women’s groups who have been meeting actively since 2005. There seventy five (750 members of the various groups who have benefited from training in agro-processing Computer, Agri-business, project writing and entrepreneurship. With appropriate funding, these women are now poised to apply their new skills to agro-tourism opportunities. A development that will contribute to agro-processing activity, is a grant of US$5,000 to be applied to the procurement of equipment and materials. In addition, with the successful improvement of pineapple production on St. Kitts Identify Agro-Tourism Development Possibilities and Training Needs There is a dire need for targeted training and upgrading of all the stakeholders, if reliable standards and timely supply of agriculturally based products are to be assured. Organizational and Management Skills constitute the weakest link Firstly, there must be a realistic policy for the sector, a policy that facilitates development and growth. This will require the Ministry of Agriculture through its Extension Officers field service, to provide all the relevant support. This will include, market identification, product selection, production timing/sequences, processing, costing and pricing and marketing. Food Security
1 IICA – Paper - Facilitating Competitiveness and Global trade
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As it relates to Food Security, there is a need to upgrade all stakeholders to a level where products, by design, are market-driven and strictly adhere to convention standards. The current level of a wide range of food products imported to the Federation is cause for concern. In spite of the attendant difficulties in realizing self-sufficiency, a sustained development initiative would contribute immensely towards reducing the import bill. Identify Potential Training Resources and Potential Sites For Training Exchanges Training will be required for all stakeholders in order to raise product quality for the respective markets. Training required will include areas such as design, product planning, production, quality control, costing & pricing, as well as packaging. Chart No 6 provides greater details. Table 5 # ORG/GROUP TRAINING NEEDS SITE REMARKS/RESOURCE 1 St. Kitts Handicraft
Cooperative Design Techniques, Production Processes, Quality Control, Pricing Costing & Marketing
National Handicraft & Cottage Industry Development Board
Need organizational strengthening. Cathouse facilities. Vegetable fibre production crucial, coconut screw pine Etc.
2 Fisherman/s Cooperative St. Kitts/Nevis
Product Development, (Processing and Packaging
Basseterre/Old Road Fisheries complex
Department of Fisheries
3 Bee Keepers Cooperative Apiary Maintenance Techniques, Bottling and Labeling, Quality Control
Department of Agriculture La Guerite
Department of Agriculture
4 St. Kitts Farmers Association
Market specifications, Product Preparation and Packaging
Department of Agriculture La Guerite
Department of Agriculture
5 Fahie’s Women Farmers Association
Upgrading of Selected Products
To be determined by IICA Office
IICA Facilitation
.6 St. Kitts Pig Farmers Association
Preparation of regulation cuts, re market requirements
Department of Agriculture La Guerite/ offshore attachment
Department of Agriculture
7 Nevis Growers Association
Standards and business management
To be determined Nevis Department of Agriculture
8 Nevis Agro- Processing Cooperative
Department of Agriculture
To be determined
9 Crafthouse Crafthouse Complex
On Island Consultants/Trainers
10 SSMC (Sugarcane Redundant Staff) Aquaculture
Transformation activity, Require training grant
The St. Kitts & Nevis Aquaculture Dev. Project (SNAPPER)
Project Staff
11 Project Strong Technical Assistance…
Project facilities Basseterre
Specialist Tutors
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Recommendations/Observations The following recommendations are based on the findings of the fieldwork
1. That the Ministry of Agriculture and Tourism develop a policy, which will provide a workable framework for the timely establishment of formal and informal linkages between agriculture and tourism.
2. There is need for the formation of a facillitatory body comprised of persons
who can provide assistance and direction regarding, project development, implementation, technical assistance, monitoring and coordination.
3. That appropriate funding opportunities be made available for the purpose of
upgrading skills of practicing farmers and artisans, as well as for the strengthening of cooperatives and associations.
4. That stakeholders be sensitized to the economic benefits and what is required
for them to be effectively involved.
5. That a follow-up, monitoring and corrective action mechanism be developed and applied to the linkage initiative, in order to consolidate and concretize tourism linkage developments.
Conclusion This report is timely, in light of the fact that the cessation of sugar production, has presented serious repercussions, as it relates to the health of the domestic economy. In order to address the loss of jobs, the government’s has put in place a Transformation Authority charged with the responsibility to assist with retraining and relocation. As a result, entrepreneurship is being encouraged in tandem with a financial package. It is therefore possible for aspects of this report to be integrated in that initiative. There are thousand of parcels of standing sugarcane, which could be factored into visitor related activity. For instance, the local Heritage Society, could become involved in the presentation of plantations sites as attractions from a historical perspective. In many cases there are standing factory ruins that could be converted into reception centers, from which plantation tours could originate. In addition, peeled sugarcane is a novelty to chew on, and could be attractively presented to visitors. Obstacles to be overcome are not insurmountable, if the relevant departments, organizations and institutions as well as resource persons approach the problem creatively. This is equally true for all the other components mentioned in this report. Lastly, it is the writer’s opinion, that some of the nuances of institutional turf protection will accompany anticipated challenges, but creativity, ingenuity and a common objective, could provide the ingredients for success.
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APPENIX TABLE 1. ST.KITTS AND NEVIS CRUISE SHIP CALLS 1995-2005 YEAR CALLS PASSENGERS
1995 340 121405
1996 320 78529
1997 273 95577
1998 332 151475
1999 284 139338
2000 343 170887
2001 358 259134
2002 245 167054
2003 281 150429
2004 373 254535
2005* 176 147669
NB 2005 figure is for half year
Source: St. Kitts Tourism Authority
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TABLE 2. STAY OVERS FOR ST.KITTS-NEVIS 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005JAN 7,219 6,463 6,173 5,611 5,526 10,110 13,079FEB 7,256 6,778 5,150 7,287 6,408 13,093 13,493MAR 7,661 6,434 5,582 6,521 7,115 12,385 12,904TOTAL 22,136 19,675 16,905 19,419 19,049 35,588 39,476APRIL 8,077 5,252 9,182 5,952 7,528 12,941 *2,422MAY 8,047 4,170 4,960 4,744 6,515 9,624 *2,260JUNE 8,316 4,805 6,385 5,938 9,373 11,809 *2,402TOTAL 24,440 14,227 20,527 16,634 23,416 34,374 *7,0841ST ½ YEAR 46,576 33,902 37,432 36,053 42,465 69,962 46,660JULY 7,378 6,607 5,791 6,299 9,569 11,972 AUG 6,217 8,717 5,409 6,250 7,944 6,593 0SEP 5,053 3,496 3,542 3,935 4,743 3,858 0TOTAL 18,648 18,820 14,742 16,484 22,256 22,423 0OCT 5477 4,693 4,371 4,790 6,073 7,202 0NOV 5035 6,384 4,985 4,809 8,103 7,129 0DEC 8,266 9,350 9,035 6,862 11,702 10,815 0TOTAL 18,778 20,427 18,391 16,461 25,878 25,146 02ND ½ YEAR 37,426 39,247 33,133 32,945 48,134 47,569 0TOTAL 84,002 73,149 70,565 68,998 90,599 117,531 0Source: National Security *Nevis figures only TABLE 3. ST. KITTS ACCOMMODATION Establishment 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Villas & Condominiums Unit Stock
Calypso Bay Resort 15 15 15 15 15 15
Cable Bay Development - - - - - 99
Whispering Head - - - - - -
Kittitian Heights - - - - - 83
Fairways Condominiums 16 16 16 16 16 16
Glasford Apartment 3 3 3 3 3 3
Halfmoon Bay 10 10 10 10 10 10
Horizon Villas 75 75 75 75 75 75
Island Paradise Beach 15 15 15 15 15
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15
Leeward Cove 10 8 8 8 8 8
Morgan Heights 5 5 5 5 5 5
Palm Bay Condominiums 16 - - - - -
Sea lofts Beach 22 23 24 25 25 25
St. Christopher Club 22 22 22 22 22 22
Trinity Apartment 10 10 10 10 10 10
Total Units 219 202 203 204 204 386
Establishment 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Guest House Room & Apartment Stock
Central Guest House 8 8 8 8 8 8
Earle's Vacation Room 10 10 10 10 10 10
Glimbaro's 12 12 12 12 12 12
Inner Circle 10 10 10 10 10 10
Morgan Heights 10 10 10 10 10 10
Mule House 4 4 4 4 4 4
Parkview Inn 7 7 7 7 7 7
Rock Haven Bed & Breakfast 2 2 2 2 2 2
***Seaview Inn 9 9 9 9 9 9
Total Rooms 72 72 72 72 72 72
Establishment 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Hotel Room Stock
Bird Rock Beach 46 46 46 46 46 46
Cable Bay Development - - - - - 150
Fairview Inn 22 20 20 20 20 20
Frigate Bay Beach Resort 64 64 64 64 64 64
Fort Thomas Hotel - - - - 59 59
Gateway Inn 10 10 10 10 10
22
10
Golden Lemon Hotel 32 26 26 26 26 26
Jack Tar Village 270 - - - 270 270
***Kittitian Heights - - - - - 80
Ocean Terrace Inn 78 78 78 78 78 78
Ottley's Plantation Inn 24 24 24 24 24 24
Palms Hotel 12 12 12 12 12 12
Rex Papillion/Sugar Bay Club 100 100 100 100 100 100
Rawlins Plantation Inn 10 10 10 10 10 10
Marriott/Royal St. Kitts - 471 648 648 960 960
Timothy Beach Resort 60 60 60 60 60 60
***Whispering Head - - - - - -
The Angelus - - 36 72 108 144
Total Rooms 728 921 1,134 1,170 1,847 2,113
Grand Total 1,019 1,195 1,409 1,446 2,123 2,571
22-May-
06 *** Did not find