By Lesroy W. Williams Observer Reporter
(Basseterre, St. Kitts)”The tourist industry in St. Kitts and Nevis is getting more attractive for visitors to our shores. Ma Pau St. Kitts Experience and Sweet Lime Restaurant, a one-stop entertainment center, opened for business at Port Zante on Nov. 25. The entertainment center features slot machines, a nightclub, Sweet Lime Restaurant, a waterfront caf”, two bars, a gift shop and a theatre. According to the center’s brochure, the entertainment center intends to work with all other tourism business and entities to encourage visitors to return as long stay visitors to the island. The St. Kitts Experience will be showed for all to share. The Ma Pau Casino concept originated in Trinidad and Barbados and the Sweet Lime Restaurant has done entertainment in Trinidad and Barbados. Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, who is also Minister of Tourism, said that the culture and heritage of St. Kitts and Nevis can be used in so many different ways. “Our nationals must be creative and combine that with good business plans and help project the Federation to new heights in the tourism industry,” Dr. Douglas said. In speaking of Ma Pau St. Kitts Experience, the Prime Minister said that it was “an excellent addition to the tourism product of our Federation and it is my hope that it excels to new levels of entertainment not only for the visiting guest who will be here in our country but also for our own people who are resident here.” “St. Kitts and Nevis rates well among our visitors. It is important however that we sharpen our tourism product in a variety of ways and these may range from a better presentation of our heritage sites such as Independence Square to a broader selection of things to do while visiting this paradise, our Federation,” he said. “What is delightful is that at the core of its concept (Ma Pau St. Kitts Experience) is the utilization of local culture, something we have been blessed with here in St .Kitts and Nevis,” he added. Chairman and CEO of Sunny Group of Companies, Mr. John Wallis, is the entrepreneur of the project. His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian, Deputy Governor General, Mr. Edmund Lawrence, Chief Secretary, Joseph Edmeade, Ambassadors, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Permanent Secretaries, Government Officials and invited guests were on hand to witness the opening of the center. After the cutting of the ribbon to officially open the center, everyone was given a tour which included a cultural display and sumptuous food.
