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Tourist Attraction Embellished

European Union Project Officer Bo Hjalmefjord will continue to work towards upgrading this country’s tourism product after December 31, when refurbishment on 14 mainland sites ends. Bo was speaking at the handing over at the Botanic Gardens last Monday December 14. He expressed satisfaction on behalf of the European Union and endorsed the mystery of the Botanic Gardens, especially with a Captain Bligh original breadfruit plant, which reportedly landed in 1798, still standing.

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The ambience of the Botanic Gardens, bordered by a complexity of social expansion tinged with present day reality, heightens the importance of the 20 acre plot. On the north eastern end is the Governor General’s residence, a legacy of British tradition. Not far away is the Prime Minister’s residence, with architecture of a more modern era, compared to the Victorian aura of the Government House. The Botanic Gardens was once held in high esteem for its pedigree on the horticultural scale. It is still an imposing symbol, recognized as sacred ground and a national landmark.

Continuing EU assistance

Bo was happy that lasting benefits have come from the EU injection, but the relationship is far from over. The EU would continue to develop brochures and marketing material for this country’s tourism product, and Bo pledged his commitment with a Tourism Master Plan, as well as advisory services.

In addition to works on the Walk at Villa, the EU would take care of access roads to the refurbished areas. The Tourism Hospitality Institute is not escaping EU attention. Tourism Minister Glen Beache and West Kingstown Parliamentary Representative Rene Baptiste shared the platform and official duties of the unveiling of the plaque.

Beache noted that the project as far as the EU involvement had ended, but that the work of marketing St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a destination had just begun. He is encouraging the entire Vincentian population to play their part in promoting their homeland and by also ensuring they play their part in contributing to the maintenance of the country’s natural assets.

source of article:
The Vincentian
by: William ‘Kojah’ Anthony
12/17/2009
www.thevincentian.com