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knowledge caribbean
ttglive.com
Meet the people
Get a lowdown
Bahamians are matched with visitors of a
similar age with compatible interests and
professions. One of the programme’s main
organised events is a monthly tea party at
Government House in Nassau and similar
on the locals
events on Exuma, Abaco and Grand Bahama.
Ministry of Tourism director-general
Vernice Walkine said visitors had rated the
programme positively, describing it as the
best part of their holiday.
Clients that don’t stray from the beach can miss out
As a result, the ministry plans to relaunch
on the Caribbean’s diverse cultures. Sara Macefield
an expanded version of the scheme next
year. This will enable visitors to meet their
suggests ways for them to get out and meet the people host online and start communicating via
Facebook or other online forums before they
arrive in the islands.
S
cratch beneath the surface of the closer contact with visitors, while others rely Walkine said a new group of young
Caribbean’s tropical charms and on local events and parties to bring tourists people had been invited to sign up as host
you’ll discover what many regard as and locals together. volunteers: “Quite a few volunteers have
the islands’ greatest selling point – Here’s a rough guide to “meeting and been doing it for a long time, but a whole
its people. Getting to know the locals, greeting”, Caribbean style. new generation of young professionals want
sharing experiences, swapping jokes and to be a part of the programme.”
comparing notes on the Windies latest Meeting the locals On Dominica, home to the Caribbean’s
performance on the cricket pitch can prove This is probably the most formal style of only indigenous population of Carib Indians,
to be a highlight of any holiday here. programme, offered in Jamaica and the known as Kalinago, tourists can experience
Voluntourism is another way for visitors Bahamas. their way of life
to meet islanders, as more sustainable Jamaica’s Meet the People initia- with guide and former
tourism projects are encouraging visitors to tive is run by the tourist board, Carib chief Irvince
get involved. which puts like-minded locals and Auguiste, on the
“These projects are a great way for tourists holidaymakers in touch with one Touna Village Tour.
to meet and support local people and help another for outings, church visits He explains why his
them make a living from tourism,” Travel or meals in their homes. Similarly, community opened
Foundation chief executive Sue Hurdle said. the Bahamas’ People to People up their homes and
Some islands realise that their people are programme, run by the tourism gardens to tourists,
their best ambassadors and have developed ministry, allows visitors to meet Bahamas’ People to People programme is run by who can see how they
specific programmes to bring them into Bahamians for a taste of local life. the tourism ministry to give a taste of local life life and try Turn to 52
50 04.12.2009
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