The Tribune

FORTY years after Sir Clement T Maynard initiated the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s innovative People-to-People programme, several veteran ambassadors have been recognised at Government House for their decades of service.

People-to-People is a voluntary programme that connects visitors with Bahamians who share their homes, Bahamian meals and unique experiences with guests.

The programme, which has been adopted as a regional model, has grown over the last four decades and boasts over 500 volunteers throughout the islands, fulfilling the former Tourism Minister’s dream of having a robust cultural exchange scheme.

At the award ceremony, Senior Director of National Planning and Special Events in the Ministry of Tourism Carla Stuart explained why those being honoured should be admired.

“Your undying love for this country and the sacrifices that you have made over the years to ensure the satisfaction of our visitors is what makes us say this,” she said. “When we look at each of you and the contributions that you have made, we are always grateful. We know that the greatest resources in this country are our people. Visitors to our country enjoy at our attractions and thrill at the natural beauty of our islands but what they remember long after they have gone is how we have made them feel.

“Having sat with many of you, we know that you give everything to make sure that our visitors are comfortable and satisfied with this country we call home. You serve as the extended arms of our ministry. You are the front-runners for ensuring visitor satisfaction.” James Bostwick, a veteran of 32 years in the programme, said he would not have given up the experience “for anything in the world”.

“The moments that I have shared with people, the quality time that I have established with people, the lessons that I have learnt from others and the same thing that have given them have all made it worth it,” he said. “This programme is truly a God-sent programme. We have basically provided service to individuals and, to be honest, if every Bahamian could participate in this programme they would find and learn that this is a growing experience.”

Sheila Newchurch-Rolle, who has been with People-to-People for the past 35 years, said she had a book with hundreds of visitors’ names and addresses over the years. “It was a pleasure entertaining and getting familiar with foreign visitors. I have travelled all over the world and lots of them have given me invitations to come to them and they have come here,” she said.

Anthia Butler, who has been in the programme over the last decade, also found it a rewarding experience. “It’s an incredible feeling to be here and to see the work of my peers in the People-to-People programme. These individuals have been in the programme for many, many years they welcomed people into their homes, churches and into our communities and so it is really, really special to be here and celebrate with them,” she said.

“What I love most is sitting at their feet and being able to learn from them. I would definitely encourage young Bahamians to get involved and be a part of this programme because we always want our voices to be heard and this is an incredible opportunity to do that. The older generation is willing to pass on incredible knowledge and they understand what tourism means in this country.”