Reflections from day one in St.Kitts.

I exit the small craft to a blast of humid Caribbean air. It’s like entering a sauna. I head towards customs feeling light headed. Point of observation: customs are actually friendly here!

I get picked up by DeSuza and Eli. Eli is the other intern and one cool cat. DeSuza is the project manager for the Basic Needs Trust Fund. He’s awesome, seems to know everyone. “This is the real Caribbean” he says as we’re driving through town.

My apartment is in the heart of Basseterre, overlooking the ocean. What strikes me most are the sounds of this place. Children playing in the street, reggae music constantly spinning, mixed with the sounds of noisy roosters.

Later at night DeSuza takes us out for a few drinks and more introductions ensue. I learn fast that thick Caribbean accents are real hard to understand. We then go to a political rally (DeSuza makes it clear that he's politically neutral but just wanted to give us a taste of the political arena over here). The People’s Action Movement (PAM) had all their candidates there and I’ve been to my fair share of political protests, but this one really blew me away. The speakers spoke with such fire and passion, I felt like I was in the midst of a revolution! “Are you ready for change?!” bellowed the party’s leader, Lindsay Grant, as the sea of yellow (the party’s colour) waved their PAM flags higher still. Even children and babies were dressed in the yellow PAM t- shirts. There was music, of course, and much talk of peace, love and unity. I can’t imagine politicians in Canada talking about peace, love and unity. Welcome to the Caribbean.

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