00:04good evening passengers I am Nicole M Romany and welcome aboard your favorite airline I hope you
00:12have your boarding passes ready tonight we leave Trinidad and Tobago for another journey across
00:17the Caribbean one island one story one people at a time today we're heading to St Kitts at Nevis
00:25there are islands you visit and then there are islands that seem to reveal themselves in layers
00:32St Kitts is one of them a volcanic silhouette rising from the Caribbean Sea black sand beaches
00:40meeting turquoise water historic towns lush hills and a rhythm that feels distinctly its own and
00:49recently the island opened that world to some of the people who helped decide where the Caribbean
00:55boost next travel advisors tourism leaders and industry partners from across the region and the
01:02United States arrived for the 2026 Aster American Society of travel advisors Caribbean showcase
01:09experiencing St Kitts beyond the brochure they've walked its beaches met its people tasted its flavors
01:17and explored the hotels and experiences competing for the attention of the modern Caribbean traveler
01:24because St Kitts is not simply asking visitors to come it's giving them reasons to stay and one of the
01:32biggest reasons has been music for 28 years the St Kitts music festival has transformed entertainment
01:40into an economic and tourism force bringing international attention to the island while creating opportunities for
01:48businesses and communities speaking at the festival launch earlier this year Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson explained why
01:56the event matters far beyond the stage kids music festival is far more than entertainment in fact it is one
02:05of our
02:06flagship tourism products driving visitor arrivals supporting our businesses and showcasing the creativity
02:14the talent and vibrant spirits of St Kitts to the world it also plays a key role
02:22in our broader tourism strategy supports an airlift encouraging longer stays and helping to position St Kitts as a dynamic
02:32year-round destination
02:34one that delivers real real benefits to our people the connection between celebration and opportunity is not accidental
02:43the festival began in 1996 as the shak shak music festival built around culture music and the creation of revenue
02:53for local communities
02:54nearly three decades later its legacy is still growing also speaking at the launch was chairman of the St Kitts
03:01music festival
03:02this 20th edition represents both legacy and evolution in 1996 the Shak Shak music festival aka the St Kitts music
03:20festival was born as a celebration of culture
03:23through music with a clear purpose to create opportunity and generate revenue for our local communities today in the harten
03:32to the audience and the future of the month of the film
03:32It has evolved into one of the premier festivals in the region, growing in relevance each year.
03:39That evolution tells us something about St. Kitts itself.
03:43This is an island building its tourism story around more than scenery.
03:48It is building around movement, music, meetings, flavor and heritage,
03:54experiences that give travelers something to talk about.
03:57The AASTA showcase put that proposition directly in front of the people,
04:02selling the Caribbean to the world.
04:05The music festival gives it a soundtrack.
04:08And St. Kitts, it is quietly becoming one of the Caribbean's most compelling discoveries.
04:14Let's continue our journey into St. Kitts and Nevis.
04:17The Prime Minister is stable.
04:20For days, St. Kitts and Nevis has watched and waited with concern
04:26surrounding the health of its Prime Minister, Dr. Terence Drew.
04:30Now, from South Florida comes a message many across the federation have been hoping to hear.
04:37The Prime Minister says he is in good spirits and stable.
04:41As doctors continue medical evaluations, Prime Minister Drew says he began feeling unwell on Sunday,
04:48experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting, followed by neck pain,
04:52dizziness and difficulty with his balance and walking.
04:55After receiving medical attention in Martinique, he traveled to the United States with his wife
05:02on the advice of medical specialists.
05:05And while the medical questions remain,
05:08tonight, the most important message is one of reassurance.
05:12Dr. Drew says there is nothing alarming to report at this stage and that he is recovering well.
05:19His absence has already triggered temporary changes in the running of government,
05:23with Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Handley serving as Acting Prime Minister,
05:28while PM Drew receives further care.
05:31But beyond the offices, titles and responsibilities,
05:36there is a human being at the centre of this story.
05:41And an entire nation hoping for his recovery.
05:45For now, St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider region waits, watches and holds Prime Minister Drew
05:52in our thoughts as those medical evaluations continue.
05:56As the sun sets, on tonight's journey through St. Kitts and Nevis,
06:00thank you for flying with us on Wider Region,
06:03uncovering the stories, people, culture and conversations shaping our region.
06:08I am Nicole M. Romany.
06:10Join us next Friday as we journey to another destination across the Caribbean.
06:15Until then, safe travel.
