Tourism Authority Remains Silent on Disbanded Board Amidst Formation of New Travel Advisory Body

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority finds itself embroiled in a controversy surrounding the quiet expiration of its legally mandated Board of Directors and the subsequent creation of a new international advisory board. This situation has raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and governance within the Authority, particularly given the vital role tourism plays in the Federation’s economy. The lack of official communication regarding the former board’s status has fueled speculation and eroded public trust.

In 2022, a Board of Directors, chaired by Ermelin Sebastian-Duggins, wife of the current Tourism Minister, was appointed to oversee the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Their two-year term concluded earlier this year, yet no formal announcement has been made regarding their reappointment, replacement, or even acknowledging the board’s dissolution. Sources suggest that Sebastian-Duggins is no longer chair and that the majority, if not all, of the previous board members have not been reappointed. This silence raises questions about the Authority’s leadership and oversight during a crucial period for the tourism industry.

The absence of a functioning statutory board raises significant concerns about accountability. Statutory boards are not merely ceremonial; they serve as crucial mechanisms for ensuring checks and balances, providing strategic oversight, and governing taxpayer-funded institutions. The lack of transparency surrounding the board’s status creates a vacuum of accountability, leaving stakeholders uncertain about who is responsible for guiding policy and decision-making within the Authority.

Amidst the silence surrounding the expired board, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority unveiled a new initiative: the St. Kitts Tourism Advisory Board of Directors. This new board, composed of eight international travel advisors from key markets, aims to strengthen the Federation’s ties with the travel trade. According to CEO Kelly Fontenelle, the advisory board’s purpose is to enhance collaboration with industry partners, enabling St. Kitts to remain competitive and adapt to evolving global trends and consumer behavior. Members of this advisory board will serve a minimum one-year term, participate in virtual meetings, and convene annually on-island for direct engagement with decision-makers.

While the creation of the international Travel Advisor Board may offer benefits in terms of global connectivity and market insights, critics argue that it cannot replace the crucial functions of a local statutory board. A local board is mandated with fiduciary duties, ensuring statutory compliance, and providing policy oversight on behalf of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. The timing of the announcement, introducing a new international board without addressing the fate of the domestic one, has heightened suspicions that the Authority may be prioritizing public image over good governance.

This controversy unfolds during a challenging period for St. Kitts’ tourism industry. The sector faces intense global competition, a fragile recovery in both cruise and stayover markets, and ongoing concerns about marketing effectiveness. The lack of clarity regarding the governance of the Tourism Authority itself exacerbates these challenges, leaving stakeholders questioning who is ultimately accountable to the public. Until the government and the Authority address the issue of the expired board and the surrounding silence, questions of legitimacy will continue to overshadow even the most promising initiatives. Transparency is not optional for an industry considered the backbone of the economy. The people of St. Kitts and Nevis deserve clear and forthright communication regarding the governance of their vital tourism sector.