Dear Editor, A few days ago I was reading two of my favourite travel forums/discussion boards dedicated to St. Kitts and/or Nevis. A similar thread cropped up on both of them, with respect to concerns to the temporary closure of the Four Seasons Hotel in the aftermath of recent hurricane damage, cancelled AA American Eagle flights from San Juan, and the plight of many of the workers on these tourism-dependent islands, during a global economic downturn. One particular poster stated a personal opinion or two on the resilience of Nevisians, which seemed to stir up some controversy for a variety of reasons. Here is my response to the folks that participated in both discussions: Dear Jammer, et al: No matter which way you look at the issue, the Four Seasons (hereafter referred to as 4S) is a major economic driver for the island. That is a fact. When it closes, it takes approx 200 high-priced rooms per night out of inventory. Period. The impact on the local economy is undeniable. Many of us – like you, are repeat visitors.” We have developed relationships with the “human faces” of those that will bear the consequences of what is happening. It doesn’t seem to me that the resilience of the citizens was being called into question when the direction of this thread meandered away from a request for further information to some expressions of concerns and empathy. Your own deep empathy toward your Nevisian friends is to be commended. However, resilience is a quality that is evident throughout humanity, and not just a special and unique characteristic of Nevisians specifically. I have been blessed and fortunate enough to live and work in the most multicultural or culturally, racially and ethnically diverse city in the world. In the course of my work I have had the pleasure of working with (either as colleagues or clients) holocaust survivors, victims of torture and/or political or religious persecution, females escaping oppressive regimes where they have no rights as human beings, survivors of war crimes from as far as Bosnia and Somalia, female child soldiers and one or two “Lost Boys of the Sudan,” among others. You have NOT seen resilience, until you have met some of these folks. They are all now in Canada as a result of the “hand-out” (your word, not mine) mentality that informs both domestic and foreign policy. I say this with all due respect to Kittitians and Nevisians alike, as I do feel deeply for them during the ongoing economic shift from an agrarian-based economy to tourism. They have been grappling with an increase in crime, a dilution of their cultural values as technological advances brings in American pop culture 24/7. And there is the ongoing, everyday reality of the post-colonial, post-slavery history” that cannot be undone or re-written, though many have tried, because it happened. Period. This IS the everyday reality in the Caribbean. This and the fact that hurricanes WILL and DO come. Period. Always. Maybe years or decades apart. Maybe not. Take a look at Cuba. It was really hard hit this year – thrice – who is talking about the resilience of Cubans State-side? When travelers like us go on a public forum to express concern, even if we don’t fully agree with their perspective or their take on things, I think we can agree that life ain’t easy for lots of folks … and even the “poorest” among us still find some funds to travel. So, personally, though I work in a very low-paying, non-profit organization, I feel I must acknowledge my privilege. And share it responsibly. But that is just me. Not meaning to sound “holier that thou” here — because if you really knew me, you would know that I am basically a nerd at heart, who is a little cranky these days thanks to menopause and the joys of being a full-time caregiver to two elderly people while working full time and going to school at night. And despite your earlier accusations on another forum, I have no real agenda other than my social conscience, and my deep love for all of humanity; for, to (mis)quote a colleague, “when I love, I love deeply.” So when the 500 or so Four Seasons employees go to collect their first unemployment check; as I believe will have to happen shortly because 4S is a business first and foremost, which will not be able to keep everyone on payroll for extended periods of time, please consider that they are now in fact, accepting a “hand-out.” And deservedly so. They have earned it and are entitled to it (and probably “and then some”.) I am pretty sure those other properties and villas and businesses that are set to absorb all of the 4S displaced business are not likely to need to hire more staff … they will just keep working with whomever they already employ, as none of them are likely to build more rooms anytime soon. Furthermore, each of these properties have benefitted greatly by group and individual bookings for meals, banquets, meetings, and drop-in visits for libations by 4S guests. So, they also run the risk of seeing a drop, rather than an increase in revenue with the closure of the 4S. At most, all they might be doing is functioning at peek capacity, which I doubt is likely to happen, as the cancellation of American Eagle flights is already an indication. I believe there is room for social support and resilience in one community. One cannot exist without the other, because in the context of “one world, one community,” the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis accepts welfare, handouts and bailouts every time it goes to a foreign country, bank, or corporation for a loan, grant, investment partnership or other form of trans-national relationship. In the public sector, the recently launched Children’s Foundation in St. Kitts is a testament to such collaborations. It would not have happened without global assistance, from the UN studies, consultations with experts in the field, to the the private sector funding along with the seed funds and directive from Rotary St. Kitts. In the private sector, just take a look behind the scenes of the recently built drag racing track. Yes, perhaps basically “built” by Nevisians, but take a look at who designed and funded it. No one individual should be expected to go it alone, and if you over-state the Nevisian work ethic and “lets-get-on-with-it-ness” you may run the risk of minimizing the need for a social safety net at this important juncture in time, when the entire globe is hurtling headlong into deep recession. That is my $2EC … from my frozen Canuck soapbox. Gilda Capraro Toronto, Ontario
