NIA-CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 18, 2011) — Tourism on Nevis has the capacity to stimulate broad based growth, to become a rich source of development opportunities, generate increased income and foreign exchange, spur economic diversification and engender employment. Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism on Nevis Mr. Carl Williams said that it was achievable, given that the Tourism Sector continued to be among the most dynamic in the world’s economy.

Mr. Williams was at the time delivering remarks at the Ministry of Tourism’s Tourism Awards and Dance function on February 12, 2011 at the Old Manor Hotel.

“It is envisaged that this could be accomplished but it requires the collaborative efforts of all of the relevant stakeholders in the industry. As we are all aware, tourism plays a very important role in the economy of Nevis.

“However, the past year has been very challenging as we have struggled with the economic downturn in the global economy. Notwithstanding, these struggles, the economy was able to maintain a level of buoyancy due to the hard work and dedication and a number of critical players in the industry,” he said.

Meantime, Mr. Williams described the Awards Ceremony as a worthwhile exercise which recognised the invaluable contributions, support and service made by businesses and individuals who have worked and continued to in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Special Honouree Ms. Elmeader Brookes receives a bouquet of flowers from Ms. Teen Hospitality 2011 Ms. Erica Doras

He named the awardees and explained that nominations were invited from tourism partners in seven key categories, which best represented the various branches of the industry – Hotel Employee of the Year; Taxi Operator of the Year; Other Allied Services Worker; Other Allied Service Establishment; Long Service Award; Hotel Manager of the Year and Corporate Business of the Year.

“This year we are pleased to have again received the industry’s support and we will be recognising the following persons: Mr. Joseph Sam Brown, Mr. Nelson Jeffers, Ms. Velma Jones, Ms. Gillian France, Mr. Calvin Ward, Ms. Roslyn Jeffers, Parry’s Car Rentals, Mr. Steve Tyson and the Nisbett Plantation Beach Resort.

“We are recognising the contributions of persons who are no longer in the industry and so on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, I would like to place on record our sincerest congratulations to this evening’s honouree Ms. Elmeader Brookes a person who has contributed years of dedicated service to the advancement of tourism on Nevis,” he said.

This year’s Tourism Week theme was “Tourism Our Treasure”.