Take time to appreciate our own

IT is not always easy to appreciate what is right in front of you. It is human condition to become ac-customed to what is the norm. With this in mind, locals often pass up on what hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to these shores every year to enjoy.

Simply ask your relatives, friends and colleagues, for example, when was the last time they had a sea bath. The results may be varying, but the majority will say on average that it has been months since they have done such. Yet, every day tourists pay thousands of dollars to hop on a plane and travel thousands of miles to be able to relax on our sandy beaches and dive into our warm aquamarine waters.

It is also the same with many of our local restaurants, with the exception of a romantic meal or an outing with colleagues, citizens often pass up the chance to go and enjoy the culinary delights offered by our talented chefs.

How about taking in the various activities like sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, island safaris and the various tours at places of interest including Historic Bridgetown and the Garrison, Farley Hill, Welchman Hall Gully and the Rock Hall monument, to name a few areas?

By the same token, as locals we should also take advantage of the staycation offers available to us, especially at a time now when travelling overseas may hit heavier in our pockets more than ever before.

Over the years, my husband and I have taken staycations at various hotels across the island, several of which we have enjoyed to the fullest.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I were welcomed at Sandals Barbados and from the moment we were greeted to the moment we left the property, our babymoon was one where hospitality was underlined.

From the graciousness of our butlers Charlene and Curtis, who were quick to respond to any requests voiced or unvoiced; to Shamika in housekeeping, who made it her duty to seek out a firmer pillow for my overtaxed back; to our server Darren at the Monkey Barrel, who engaged us in an enlightening conversation on current affairs; and the myriad of other employees who always had a smile on their face and a quick greeting for any of their guests; and of course, the ever busy David Hinds, who checked in to make sure everything was running smoothly.

I just want to extend a huge thank you to all of these workers for waking up and doing their best every day in a job they obviously love and urge other citizens to help support these local jobs by taking advantage of the staycation packages and specials offered by hotels, guest houses and villas across the island.

To all of the housekeepers, cleaners, general workers, gardeners, servicemen, cooks, chefs, front-line personnel, servers, laundry personnel, catamaran cruise and jet ski operators, tour guides, and the host of hundreds of other individuals that make up our tourism industry, let us show our gratitude as they are the backbone of the industry that is the backbone of our country.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000