Happy International Women's Day

Happy International Women's Day

From Friends at Statia

CARIBBEAN OPALS COSTUME LAUNCH 2018

Photo Credit: CREPE ART DESIGNS

Caribbean Opals troupe, launched its Statia carnival 2018 costume collection at 318-Right Field.

The theme for this year collection which was presented, is “Carnival Empress”, which symbolizes the beautiful and strong women of the Golden Rock.

The two troupe leaders are local Zumba instructor Charmaine George and Sherees Timber, who is presently residing in the Netherlands.  

This year marks the third time Caribbean Opals will participate in carnival. Both George and Timber played Mass over the years in other troupes. This year they decided to chain their talented and creative minds by coming together and bringing back their creativeness to the streets of Statia.

The troupe is split into two sections; front line and rear. “The front line is more extravagant, with an extensive back piece. However, both pieces complement each other with the same colours and jewels” said George. “The colours that are selected for this year’s costumes are yellow and different shades of blue. The outstanding stones and body jewels add a royal touch to these lovely pieces,” she added.

Registration will opened Monday, April 9. Payments can be made and arranged in instalments. Troupe members are welcome from age of 16 years old.

“So far preparation is going smooth. We are busy raising funds to cover the band cost and other expenses”, said George.

Caribbean Opals are collaborating with “CREPE ART DESIGNS” of Deangelo Butler & George Wilson in St.Maarten, who both visited Statia over the weekend, primarily for the launch.

“This is our first time on the island and we are happy to be here and at the same time excited to be working with Caribbean Opal. We are grateful for this opportunity to be able to showcase our work on the island during parade days”, said Butler.

From left: George Wilson, Charmaine George and Deangelo Butler.

Media contact:

Teena V A Lopes 

Public Relations Officer

St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation 

E-mail: teenalopes@statia-tourism.com 

Tel: +599 3182433

Mobile: +599 3185940

FIVE (5) TROUPES ON BOARD FOR STATIA CARNIVAL 2018

Photo: Caribbean Tribes Troupe. The 2018 champs.

ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius (March 15th, 2018) -- On Wednesday, March 14th, the St. Eustatius carnival committee held its first meeting with all troupe leaders. There are five troupes registered thus far.

These are the winning troupe of last year parade, Caribbean Tribes led by Julissa Woodley & Sharday Bennett, the real Carnival survivors led by Jovita Green, Caribbean Opals led by Charmaine George, Multi-mix led by Sjudi Redan and Island Gems led by Daniela Richardson, Gayle Charles & Natasha Richardson.

“We are excited about this year’s parade. It is such a great feeling to have five groups on board. I believe that folks are realizing that they are the ones who make carnival. Without the community’s participation we cannot succeed,” said President of the Carnival Committee Teena Lopes.

The committee discussed plans for this year troupe revellers. The parades are the last leg of the carnival line-up, but also considered the most important element.

“Many spectators look forward to this section. Our troupes are the highlight of carnival and the best part for most people”, Lopes said. “Hence the reason why they won’t be overlooked.”

It is the committee’s intension this year to open carnival the troupes in mind. There will be a T-shirt Mas competition on the opening night, in which all troupes will participate and will be judged.

All troupes will line the streets with their creative T-shirt designs and will lead the opening of carnival. The troupes will all wear their team colours as they jam in style to the carnival village.

“We are counting on sponsors to assist the carnival committee and all stakeholders of carnival as much as possible. Become our partner in progress. Carnival is all of us. We cannot do it on our own. ” Lopes added.

XXX

Media contact
Teen a Lopes
Public Relations Officer
St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation 

Dutch Caribbean  

Roster of keynote speakers - past conferences

The Statia Sustainability Conference is designed to challenge tourism planners, policymakers, stakeholders and the general public to develop and implement strategies and practices that can sustain Statia’s limited resources. The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation has been committed to the sustainability conference since the journey started in 2012. 

Tourism Motto: To Inform, To Motivate To Educate. 

The 6th Annual event of will be held at the Mike van Putten Youth Centre December 6 & 7, 2017. The theme of the conference this year is "Sustainability: a Tool for Development."

Roster of keynote speakers past conferences

2012
Keynote Speakers:

Hon. Haydn Hughes
Parliment Secretary/First nominated member
Chief Minister Officer & minister of finance the secretariat

2012
Conference theme:
"Powering Sustainable Development."

With much of the world's economies evolving - with all of the agriculturally dependent islands in the Caribbean now moving aggressively to carve out their piece of the Tourism pie, Statia too is looking to ensure that they get their fair piece of the pie in that it is a country that is opened to tourists and visitors and letting the world know they are! I must admit, this is the first time I have been to Statia but many Anguillians, including some of the leading bands from my island paradise, have visited and love it here. 

2013
Keynote speaker

Hon. Hugh Riley
Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

2013
Conference theme:
"Tourism & Water: Protecting our Common Future." 

The head of the Caribbean region’s tourism development agency has called for legislation to regulate the disposal of waste in Caribbean waters. Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 2nd Sustainable Conference in St. Eustatius, Hugh Riley, the secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), said the Caribbean had a responsibility to protect and preserve its water resources. The theme of the conference is Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future. Water is at the core of the Caribbean’s efforts at sustainability and that it is important that the necessary policies be put in place to safeguard this vital resource. There are significant risks to wildlife and tourism opportunities that come with development; and water conservation in hospitality. So it’s up to the hotels to maintain safe and eco-friendly practices with respect to coastal waters.

2013
Keynote speaker

Professor Geoffrey Lipman
Director greenearth.travel, a global think tank network, promoting green growth and travelism - strategy, innovation, and funding.

2013
Conference theme:
"Tourism & Water: Protecting our Common Future." 

In his intervention, Professor Lipman focussed on the numerous Green Growth and Travelism (Travel & Tourism) opportunities within the region generally and for Statia in particular.  He said that “renewable energy projects are absolutely in the sweet spot for Green Growth and the wind and solar potential of the Caribbean are enormous. Through our partner GATEtrip, we will source new impact investment for green growth projects driven by clean energy technology and benefitting communities in the region.

2014
Keynote speaker

Earlston Mcphee
One of the Caribbean's leading advocates for sustainable tourism development.

2014
Conference theme:
"Tourism and Development in the Community."

“For the most part, we in the region continue to ignore consumer trends and demand for vacations that offer experience. The new consumers through surveys are saying that they want to experience our food, our music, our heritage; they want to get to know who we are as a people. Yet we continue to cater to the visitor of yesterday and offer products solely based on sand, sun, and sea. “We ignore the offerings of our rich history and culture, great tasting dishes, the pulsating sound of our Junkanoo, our steel pan. These are the real assets that differentiate us from other competing destinations and allow our visitor to return to their home with a sense of place of our islands.  in order to successfully face the competition, the Caribbean must develop effective leadership, develop linkages with other sectors in order to stem leakages, differentiate the product based on the characteristics of the destinations and the rich history, culture and heritage; promote and provide incentives and a conducive environment to attract international and domestic investors and move away from using increasing arrivals as a yardstick to measure success.

2016
Keynote speaker

Ian Blanchard
Managing Director/Coach CILC Action of Barbados

2016
Conference theme:
"Sustainable Accessibility" A Growing Business Venture."

There are conferences like this held annually around the world, where there are numerous discussions on issues relating to:

Sustainable development, Climate change, Rising water levels, the damage to the ozone layer, Food safety, and security, renewable energy and many other topics on how we care for and preserve ourselves on planet earth. The reality is, however, the in-spite of the numerous discussions and conversations enough is not being achieved. The sustainability of our families, communities, countries and the world is not achieved through knowledge alone, but through consistent application and practice of sustainable behavior by each one of us. 


Media contact: 
Teena V. A. Lopes 
Public Relations Officer 
St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation 
teenalopes@statia-tourism.com 
www.statia-tourism.com 

Engage in fruitful discussions at SSC

Only good conversations happen at the Statia Sustainability Conference (SSC). 

The conference will take place December 6th & 7th, 2017, at the Mike van Putten Youth Centre between the hours of 8 and 5. 

Engage in fruitful discussions at SSC that will get your journey started. 

 A good conversation can lead to great things! At the Statia Sustainability Conference delegates are given the opportunity to meet and greet with local, regional and international professionals. Since the birth of the event, the organizers have found that most people appreciate the networking opportunities.

It's always a pleasure to meet new people, it is the tradition of many cultures to have a good laugh while conversating

This is your chance to get the ball rolling! STDF are your facilitators, we are here to inform, educate and motivate the community. Best sustainable practices are shared at SSC. The speakers are the bomb! They do research on the island prior to their visit and makes sure that their topics are related to Statia's daily life.

Even during lunch, we are conversating and we promise you won't run out of things to say. Connecting connecting...

You get the opportunity to ask questions at the question and answer sessions, during the breaks and even at lunch. SSC promises to build your knowledge at the end of the day. Conferences are important because you will leave the room with new ideas and approaches that will make you more effective and efficient at work. Presenters are prepared to share their knowledge with you, the attendees, and will break down the information in such a way that what is taught stays with you. 

Register today for SSC #6 at the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation

Call: 3182433

Email: info@statia-tourism.com 

Tourism Notice - NEW DATES SSC DECEMBER 6 AND 7

Radio Notice

St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation

Topic:

STATIA SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE

ATTENTION – ATTENTION - ATTENTION

Event rescheduled

Please note that the Statia Sustainability Conference, themed; 'Sustainability; a tool for development', is now rescheduled, and will be held December 6th & 7th, 2017 at the Mike van Putten Youth Centre from 8.00AM to 5.00PM. Registration is re-opened. Persons can register at the tourism bureau.  

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the tourism office at telephone 3182433. 

Notice from the Statia tourism office*

Taste of the Cultures cancelled this month

SSC NOW DECEMBER 6TH AND 7TH

Please note that the Statia Sustainability Conference, themed; 'Sustainability, a tool for development', is now rescheduled, and will be held December 6th & 7th, 2017 at the Mike van Putten Youth Centre from 8.00AM to 5.00PM. Registration is re-opened. Persons can register at the tourism bureau.  

About the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation

The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation is the agency responsible for promoting and developing tourism on St. Eustatius. The mission is to get the island Government to lend greater priority to tourism by providing adequate funding to effectively and efficiently promote tourism in key markets; ensuring a quality tourism product by introducing and controlling the minimum standard requirements; preparing future generations to take on greater responsibilities within this sector by means of teaching tourism as a subject on levels of the education system. The STDF office is located at Fort Oranje, Oranjestad, St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean. Tel/Fax: +599 318 2433,

Media contact:

Teena V. A. Lopes

[W] www.statia-tourism.com 

[E] teenalopes@statia-tourism.com

[T] +5993182433

Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/page/St-Eustatius-Tourism/184630988242982

ILOVESTATIA BlogSpot: http://ilovestatia.blogspot.com/2016/05/product-development-and-human-resources.html

http://www.statia-tourism.com/news/sustainable-conference/

Alfred "Saggie" Spanner

Alfred "Saggie" Spanner

Saggie, as he is widely known was born on the island of Aruba, May 11, 1953. His parents are the late Alfred and Peter-Ann Spanner.

At the tender age of 18, Saggie moved to the Netherlands. Holland was his permanent home for 28 years. In 1996 Alfred moved to Statia to live with his beloved sister Lucia Spanner. Saggie is an active member at Chapel Piece Health and Recreational Center since 2006. He spent most of his time at the center drawing sketches with crayons, markers etc. Most of his drawings have a history that only he himself can tell. They describe the most diverse topics such as; animals, boats, sea creatures the famous protagonist of the children's novel, Pinocchio etc.

His compositions are unique and are easily recognized and to add, they are all original. In January 2011, an exhibition of Saggies art was displayed at the Chapel Piece Health and Recreational Center with the purpose to raise funds for the center itself. Drawings were sold for a small fee of USD.25.00 each. The exhibition was sponsored by Mr. Spanner himself and Ms. Olga Schats.

The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation also kept one of Saggie's drawings at the office as a souvenir.  

Note: If you know Saggie, you know he loves music and loves to dance. But this is another story :) 

Taken from previous tourism blog.

Statia Sustainability Conference rescheduled for December 6 & 7, 2017

SSC POSTPONED DUE TO IRMA AFTERMATH AND APPROACHING WEATHER SYSTEMS

SSC POSTPONED DUE TO IRMA AFTERMATH AND APPROACHING WEATHER SYSTEMS

"SSC postpones until further notice"

ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius (18, September 2017) -- The 6th annual Statia Sustainability Conference (SSC) scheduled to be held on September 26th and 27th, 2017 have been postponed by the sustainability committee. The committee took the decision to reschedule the event in the light of the current circumstances relating to the aftermath of hurricane Irma and the now approaching, hurricane Maria. Arrangements for SSC are even more seriously impacted due to the approaching weather system. On Statia, lots of trees debris and persons have lost their roof following Irma. Also, many Caribbean destinations have suffered greatly from Irma, hence the change of plans. 

“Due to the current situation of our sister island St. Maarten, flights would be impacted and some of the delegations due to arrive on Statia would be delayed,” said Charles Lindo Director of Tourism. The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) would, therefore, keep the community informed concerning future plans and preparations. Conference updates will follow within short. 

About the Statia Sustainable Conference

The Statia Sustainability Conference is designed to challenge tourism planners, policymakers, stakeholders and the general public to develop and implement strategies and practices that can sustain Statia’s limited resources.

About the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation

The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation is the agency responsible for promoting and developing tourism on St. Eustatius. The mission is to get the island Government to lend greater priority to tourism by providing adequate funding to effectively and efficiently promote tourism in key markets; ensuring a quality tourism product by introducing and controlling the minimum standard requirements; preparing future generations to take on greater responsibilities within this sector by means of teaching tourism as a subject on levels of the education system. The STDF office is located at Fort Oranje, Oranjestad, St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean. Tel/Fax: +599 318 2433,

Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/page/St-Eustatius-Tourism/184630988242982

ILOVESTATIA BlogSpot: http://ilovestatia.blogspot.com/2016/05/product-development-and-human-resources.html

http://ilovestatia.blogspot.com/2016/08/announcing-ian-blanchard-as-keynote-at.html