Basseterre - Feb. 3, 2012 - What is destined to become a major tourism attraction on St. Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean, is designed to lure the international visitor who want to escape in revelry.

Pointing out that the international visitor is not monolithic, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said the international visitor who comes to St. Kitts and Nevis is not monolithic.

“Some are interested only in sea and sand. Others in history and architecture. Still others seek ‘escape’ in revelry. There is a significant segment of travelers, however, that is interested in nature, in traditional herbs and medicines, in the flora and fauna of the countries that they visit. And this Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm was designed specifically with that segment of the international travelling community in mind,” said Prime Minister at the ground breaking ceremony at Sir Gilles. (Here is a link to the demonstration video: http://www.cuopm.com/videofile.asp?Video_Type=Other&Video_ID=174)

Dr. Douglas said the agro-tourism project will present to the young people another face of agriculture to which precious lands can be put to planting and growing that can be an important and meaningful source of revenue and inspiration.

“Indigenous plants from St. Kitts and Nevis will be showcased alongside indigenous plants from Taiwan. And special plants whose medicinal

properties were long known by our ancient African forebears will be growing alongside plants whose medicinal properties were long known by the ancient Asian forebears of our Taiwanese partners. Friendship and partnership at its best. Sugar, the plant so indelibly woven into our history, will also have a place here – a place of fun and challenge in the carefully designed cane-field labyrinth, shaped like our two countries, from which locals and visitors alike will try to find their way,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

Dr. Douglas, the Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher 6 noted the project, which had its genesis when he led an Official Visit to Taiwan last year, in search of expanded opportunities for Kittitians and Nevisians, said it has borne fruit.

“Some 20 acres has been set aside for this magnificent project that will draw nationals from across the Federation, and travelers from around the world, to learn from and enjoy the wonders of nature in this carefully laid out facility. Today, after almost one year of meticulous planning and preparation, we open the preparatory office,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who added:

“Ours is a Government of vision. For us, liberation means expanded opportunities. Empowerment means broadened horizons for Kittitians and Nevisians in all fields of endeavor. And this project pushes forward this very important mandate.”

The project will take two years to complete and is located just opposite to the sub-station of the St. Kitts Scenic Railway.