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How Sugary Sweet Is St. Kitts |
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Submitted by Zoila Carbajal
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For centuries, sugar cane was one of the most important crops in the world. As sugar cane grows best in tropical climates, European settlers saw an opportunity for wealth in Caribbean islands like St. Kitts. After colonization, forests were razed and replaced with sugar plantations to benefit the production of molasses, rum and raw sugar. As the oldest and wealthiest English colony in the Caribbean, St. Kitts once boasted 68 profitable plantations on just a 68-acre island. Things began to change in the 19th century, however. With the abolition of slavery, the downturn of Caribbean sugarcane market prices and the rise of European beet sugar crops, Caribbean plantations began to disappear.
Today, St. Kitts is one of the few Caribbean islands still growing sugar cane. Yet, all of the sugar fields are now state operated, with the entire crop processed in one government-run facility. Yet, in recent years, St. Kitts has come to be known more for its pristine stretches of sugary sand than its sugar cane. Though the island remains far less crowded than other destinations, the diverse activities available in St. Kitts have quickly come to rival the offerings of its Caribbean neighbors.
Today, the remains of the formerly vibrant sugar industry simply add a unique historical element to the variety of St. Kitts’ tourism options. St. Kitts vacation packages include tours of the plantations and processing facilities. In addition to these unique remains of the sugar industry, the island also houses a number of historically relevant sites, from petroglyphs to plantations homes and the imposing Brimstone Fortress. Yet, while the present state of St. Kitts tourism is deeply connected to this fascinating past, the island has far more to offer than most realize.
Basseterre, the island's charming harbor capital, certainly retains these signs of colonization and sugar production. The government’s commitment to preservation, both urban and environmental, offers tourists a unique glimpse into past centuries. As state law requires that no new buildings may be taller than the pervasive palm trees, the capital has fully retained this colonial charm. Yet, shops and restaurants now fill the streets adding a distinct atmosphere of Caribbean luxury.
Outside the city, the landscape of St. Kitts resembles a tropical paradise more than any other island in the region. The plant and animal life are abundant, especially within the rainforests surrounding the majestic Mt. Liamuiga. Beyond being a top destination for a new breed of eco-tourists, the environment of St. Kitts offers anyone the ability to hike and enjoy unspoiled nature.
In the water, tourists can enjoy fishing and boating. Underneath the surface lie pristine coral reefs and barnacled shipwrecks waiting to be explored by snorkelers and scuba divers. Increased tourism has also helped the dive shops and tour guides, offering visitors affordably priced dive excursions. There has also been a push for increased golf tourism on the island. The recent construction and renovation of several tournament quality courses by award-winning architects have put St. Kitts on the international map. More and more, St. Kitts vacation packages are highlighting these unique opportunities.
Despite the amazing opportunities available in St. Kitts, the island is yet to be discovered by the masses. When traveling in St. Kitts, you will not spend your time waiting in lines or fighting traffic on ritzy stretches of resorts and shops. You will, however, spend your time gazing at crystal clear water from your spot on the beach. You will enjoy natural beauty like you’ve never seen before. Yet, you will also find yourself in some of the finest resorts and restaurants in the Caribbean. Nature may be the draw, but none of the Caribbean luxuries are missing. With beautiful resorts and a captivating environment, St. Kitts is able to offer the best of both worlds perhaps better than any other destination.
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