Students of the Broadreach program joins forces with Statia’s Tourist Office

On June 30 2010 American students enrolled in the “Broad Reach Summer Adventures for teenagers” summer camp programme, designed and painted 8 new public signs for the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation.

The signs read “KEEP STATIA CLEAN”, KEEP STATIA GREEN”, “KEEP STATIA BEAUTIFUL” “PROTECT NATURE, GO GREEN STATIA” ETC. The Tourist Office is now in process of installing the signs on different locations around the island.

It is the hope of The Foundation that the community will notice the signs and be motivated to take care of the environment not only from a touristic point of view but for their own well being and for the next generations to come.

Broadreach is a trusted leader in Caribbean Scuba, Sailing, Marine Science & Community Service Summer Program for teenagers. The painting of the signs was one of the many community service activities that these students were scheduled to carry out. While on the island the students are scheduled to carry out daily community service work together with their different group leaders and instructors.

Thanks to STENAPA for this opportunity said Ms. Mitchell Public Relations Officer. While the kids were having fun painting these signs we at the STDF were more than happy to have these signs done for us. This is the first time that we have worked with this group and STENAPA in a long time on such a program. We are already seeking other areas in which these folks could assist us while on the island now and in the future says Ms. Mitchell.

Home Stays Statia Launched

Founder and Owner of Home Stays Grenada Mrs Elisabeth Williams was invited to Statia by Mrs. Maya Leon-Pandt, Product and Development Manager at The St.Eustatius Tourist Office to give a presentation on how to get started as a Home Stay host. The event which took place at the lions Den was well attended and various members of the community immediatley signed up as hosts.

A homestay is an inexpensive way to visit the Caribbean, ideal for travellers with a family or on a budget. It is also great for single visitors providing a safe and friendly environment in which to meet people easily.

Presently there is only one Homestay Host on the website http://www.statiatourism.com/ but since the launch Mrs. Leon-Pandt has been busy with the process of getting the new hosts up and running so that they too can be added to the Website and be able to start taking reservations.

With this homestay programme the St.Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation intend to increase community involvement in tourism on St.Eustatius, meet the needs of the tourist demand and adapt to the current changes in the tourism industry. The advantage of this programme is that little investment is necessary for both the homestay owners and the foundation.