FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS LAUNCHES TWO NEVISIAN SEA TURTLES IN INAUGURAL TOUR DE TURTLES

NEVIS, West Indies — August 1, 2008 — Ready, set, swim!  Two hawksbill sea turtles from the Caribbean island of Nevis joined a competition for a cause today as contestants in the first annual Tour de Turtles.  The turtles were named Hibiscus and Sunshine by the island’s school children attending the 3rd annual Summer Sea Turtle Camp at Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

These Nevisian Queens of the Seas will represent their country of St. Kitts and Nevis as they face off against three other species of endangered turtle in a three-month marine marathon of 2,620km.  A total of eight turtles will raise awareness about the threats to survival that have made them in danger of extinction.  Hibiscus and Sunshine are sponsored by Four Seasons Resort Nevis and are swimming to educate the public about two specific threats that impact the critically endangered hawksbill species: illegal tortoise shell trade and climate change.

Last week, scientists from the non-profit Caribbean Conservation Corporation visited Nevis to attach GPS satellite transmitters to Hibiscus and Sunshine, who were discovered nesting by the Nevis Turtle Group on Jones Bay Beach and Lover’s Beach, respectively.  Now, spectators everywhere can track strokes and cycles as they follow the mysterious life patterns of the participants at www.tourdeturtles.org.

“Sea turtles are a precious part of Nevis culture,” said Mr. Andrew Humphries, General Manager and Caribbean Regional Vice President for Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.  “Our goal is to preserve their natural place on the planet for the awe of children everywhere and the enjoyment of future generations of travelers.”

Lemuel Pemberton, President of Nevis Turtle Group said that during the summer nesting season on Nevis, visitors can get involved in the cause by joining volunteers on night walks to look for turtles and assist with the conservation of nests.  “This helps to ensure successful hatchings,” he said.  Guests of Four Seasons Resort Nevis can also enroll their children in the weekly Sea Turtle Education Day at the Resort’s Kids of All Seasons Center, open year-round for ages 3 to 9.

According to the Florida-based Caribbean Conservation Corporation, sea turtles follow a natural instinct to return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs.  Tiny hatchlings emerge from these nests to face a disheartening statistic: only 1 in 1,000 will survive to adulthood.  Travelers can learn more about these remarkable reptiles and sponsor a turtle in this race for awareness by visiting www.cccturtle.org or www.tourdeturtles.org.