By Francis Anthony Govia
The economy sucks. You do not have a job, and the only positive reinforcement you have these days, comes from a book in your satchel entitled The Secret. What do you do? You purchase an airline ticket and fly to St. Kitts and Nevis for the 13th Annual Musical Festival, June 25th-28th, and set some positive vibrations in motion.
St. Kitts and Nevis may be the ideal destination to reinvent yourself. The islands are nestled in the Eastern Caribbean, about 1,300 miles from southeast of Miami, Florida, with an average temperature of 79 degree Fahrenheit year round. There are a number of beautiful beaches traversed aplenty by British and other European tourists, but a growing number of rich and famous Americans leave our mainland to soak up the sun and enjoy the amenities at the Four Seasons Resort on Nevis, the Caribbean only five star accommodation, the Marriott Resort on St. Kitts, and a favorite spot of mine, Ottley’s Plantation Inn. These are not the only places to stay on the islands especially if you need to conserve money. Check out Romney Manor, Brimstone Hill Fortress, and Alexander Hamilton Museum in the day before the evening performances start.
This year the St. Kitts Music Festival features current and former headliners like T-Pain, Reginal Belle, Movado, and KC and The Sunshine Band, mixed with a healthy sprinkle of 
Caribbean artists and bands such as Beres Hammond, Stephen Marley, Burning Spear, Nu Vybes International, and the Grandmasters. Other artists include Edwin Yearwood, Lord Nelson, King Konris, Claudette Peters, Biggie Irie, and the Odisi Band. Expect to meet friendly locals at the Warner Park venue where Festival goers arrive early and put down blankets on the green lawn to secure their place in a party block atmosphere. Try one of the local dishes and wash it down with the locally brewed Carib beer. Tickets to each night of celebration are US$50 per person and can be purchased in advance online at the Festival website.
If the travelbug has still not abated during your time in St. Kitts-Nevis, island hop to nearby French and Dutch islands St. Baths, St. Eustatius, and St. Martin, and maybe you may just wish to keep sandals permanently on your feet, and a song in your heart.
