Storm playing his part in tourism

21.NOV.08

Mr. Tourist Man

Winning essay in the Conde Nast Traveler “My Caribbean” children’s tourism essay contest by Storm Halbich of Windsor Primary School

“Hey there mister tourist man, come let me tell you a secret about my beautiful islands in the sun”. I heard that this is your first time in St Vincent and the Grenadines and that you came to get a true Caribbean experience.{{more}}

I am not going to tell you about our lush green valleys and or our majestic volcano standing four thousand and forty eight feet high. And I’m not going to talk about our fresh, juicy fruit and our delicious local dishes. I was not even going to brag about the hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean that was filmed here. Let’s not talk about the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the western hemisphere.

I will certainly not get into talk about our exciting national festivals like; Blues and Rhythm, Carnival and Nine Mornings. Don’t even ask about our refreshing waterfalls and inviting black and white sand beaches. Mister, if I tell you about the whales, dolphins and tropical fish swimming throughout our islands that could take all day. If you see them playing in the water it would take your breath away.

I don’t want to start about the spectacular Grenadine islands or I’ll never stop talking. The people from Bequia say they are the best in building boats and every true sailor must touch its shores. Mustique is the island getaway of the rich and famous, can’t tell you about that because “it’s a secret” they say. You can also find Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Island and Petit St.Vincent there are some special hotels there, cruising through these islands are really amazing.

I know you believe that my secret is the beautiful Tobago Cays, they are really spectacular and snorkeling with the sea turtles in the marine park is hard to beat. The beaches surrounding the cays are powdery white and all visitors say “can you leave us here”. But that not my big secret, no not at all.

I want to tell you about our friendly and interesting people who are always ready to welcome you to our country. Let me tell you about Tanty Muggy who mixes up herbs to fix everyone. Tourist comes from far and wide to cure aliments by her side. And what about old man Earl who takes you on a beach lime and shows you how to catch your own fish for lunch, man you will have so much fun. Grandma Vee in her wooden house will invite you in for fresh passion fruit juice and a hot slice of Banana bread, you will unbuckle your belt and beg for more. Let me carry you by Rasta Wally who will strum some sweet reggae music while we sit drinking coconut water by the seaside. So come let me take you to find the Caribbean you’ve been looking for.