BASSETERRE — Perched one thousand feet above sea level on the northern slopes of St. Kitts, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, the Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort at Kittitian Hill provided a breathtaking backdrop for one of the most memorable sideline events of the 50th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government.
First Lady Mrs. Diani Prince-Drew chose the iconic resort — designed by celebrity architect Bill Bensley and nestled within a four-hundred-acre expanse at the foot of the dormant volcano Mt. Liamuiga — to host a celebration of women-owned and women-led Kittitian enterprise for visiting CARICOM spouses.
Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of The Bahamas and Mrs. Ave Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were welcomed into an enclave of West Indian-inspired cottages and villas, with sweeping views stretching across the islands of St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Barts, and St. Maarten shimmering on the horizon.
“We were honoured to host a distinguished CARICOM gathering,” a resort spokesperson said. “Set against sweeping island and ocean views, our venue provided an elegant setting for this meaningful regional occasion.”
Against that stunning setting, local vendors — including Imara Designs, Sassy V. Collectibles, WaxMemories Skn, and Sugar Town Organics — showcased clothing, accessories, and artisan goods, placing the Federation’s creative economy directly before a regional audience.
The choice of venue was itself a statement. Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort, with its private infinity pools, terraces offering unmatched panoramic views, and the grandeur of the Great House, exemplifies the sophisticated, fine Kittitian hospitality the Federation was proud to share with the Caribbean Community.
As regional leaders deliberated inside the conference halls, St. Kitts and Nevis made its case in a different, equally powerful way — through culture, landscape, and the enterprise of its people.