Lady Francis takes a one year Leave

Lady Francis takes year leave

Oranjestad- Statia’s Director of Tourism, Lady Alida Francis, is taking a one year leave effective February 01, 2010. Francis will join the team of Regional Service Center (RSC), where she will work as Communication Advisor. She is one of several experienced and qualified Statians whom the Dutch has recruited to play a role in the transition of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) into public entities of the Netherlands per 10-10-10. On Monday evening, Commissioner Woodley, the Board and staff of the Foundation bid Francis farewell thanking her for loyal and dedicated service.

Francis is Director of Tourism of the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation since September 1992. Throughout her tenure she has worked tirelessly to promote St. Eustatius as a special interest tourism destination. Some accomplishments include the Statia Tourism Policy document, development of the tourism website, St Eustatius Investment Guide, Tourism Week and the Tourism Awards programme. Additionally, she has helped to expand the role of the Tourism Foundation to include units for Product Development & Research and Training & Quality Assurance. Under her leadership the Foundation has established ties with several colleges and universities in The Netherlands.

Apart from work, she has served St. Eustatius in various capacities to include; The Statia Saba Small Business Promotion Fund, Statia Flag & Coat of Arms Committee, STENAPA, Winair Supervisory Board of Directors, St. Eustatius Festivities Committee, Board of Bethel Methodist School to name a few. Her commitment and dedication to the people of Statia and their development earned her honorable recognition from H.M. Queen Beatrice of The Netherlands in 2007 as Knight in the Order of Oranje Nassau.

Lady Francis holds a degree in Journalism from the School of Journalism I in The Netherlands. She believes firmly that knowledge and information is education. Therefore, throughout her professional career she continued to sharpen and expand her skills in the areas of protocol, public relations, marketing and events management

“I am eternally grateful to the Tourist Board, staff, the Island Government and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector locally, regionally and internationally for their support. Undertaking this new venture provides a unique opportunity to continue serving the people of Statia in an equally important capacity. I look forward to continuing good personal and professional relations with all stakeholders “.

The Regional Service Centre was established in December 2008 by the Dutch Government with the objective to provide citizens of the BES islands the best possible service. The Centre carries out various tasks on behalf of the Dutch Government. In her new role Lady Francis will function on all three islands.

Lady Alida Francis