June 27, 2007 — The Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) held a party Tuesday to launch its new website and show off its new offices on Strand Street in Frederiksted.
CHANT has been around since 2003, working steadily to offer visitors vacation experiences that go beyond the "sun, sand and sea" of the typical Caribbean island destination. Its goal is to build a model of sustainable tourism by showcasing the culture and heritage of St. Croix, utilizing local providers who offer visitors an experience that celebrates the uniqueness of the island.
"We have been doing the quiet work for the past few years," said CHANT board member Onaje Jackson Tuesday as he stood in front of the organization's new location in the courtyard of No. 3 Strand Street. CHANT has cultivated a cadre of local service providers who can deliver a distinctively Crucian experience to tourists and locals, he said.
"We want to show the world there are a lot of positive activities to enjoy on St. Croix," said CHANT Executive Director Rick Carrington. Splashed across newly printed T-shirts was the organization's new slogan: "St. Croix, A Good Ting, Meh Son!"
"It's good people, good culture, good food," Carrington said. "It’s the right message for St. Croix."
Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty stopped by the opening to give her support to the grassroots tourism group. "This is the core of who we are," she said, endorsing the concept of heritage and nature tourism. "So many destinations are trying to create eco-tourism; we have it here in actuality."
Visitors to the CHANT website can browse the activities offered by the providers, which include heritage performances, culinary arts, arts and crafts, nature tours and agro-tourism. They can make reservations for any of the services, and CHANT members will make arrangements with the providers.
The website can also provide assistance to local entrepreneurs with small-business development, an essential component of building professional and sustainable services, Carrington said.
Presently there are more than 15 providers actively working in the local tourist business, and the organization continues searching for providers who represent the indigenous qualities of St. Croix. CHANT also provides services to local hotels, allowing guest to book tours on site. CHANT's goal is to have satellite offices for the organization at all island hotels.
Board member Kelly Gloger talked about the range of experience awaiting the adventurous traveler. For example, he said, a group could book a tour during Festival season that includes heritage and nature tours, learning to cook native dishes. The highlight of the vacation would be actually participating in a Festival parade troupe complete with costumes, all for one price.
"This is what St. Croix has to offer," Jackson said, adding that cruise passengers want to experience the "real culture" of a destination, not a replica.
"There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come," Carrington said.
To contact CHANT, call (340) 719-5455 or visit its website at chantvi.com.
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