Dear Editor,

I've just returned from a blissful, exciting, invigorating, refreshing and totally awesome seven-day trip to a place that, after three days, felt so comfortable that I wanted more.  The definition of ambassador was exemplified by the locals in that country in a way I've never seen and/or experienced before.  As a military brat, I have traveled and lived all over the world.  But until October 24, I had never traveled to the Caribbean - in particular, Nassau, Bahamas.
The definition of ambassador is: 1. An authorized representative or messenger; b) an unofficial representative traveling abroad as ambassadors of goodwill.
From the time I stepped off the plane in Nassau, as I walked through the long corridor leading up to baggage claim eyeing the Wall of Fame of beautiful female and male athletes; to the airline attendant who immediately knew my name when I asked about my lost luggage (I thought it was lost, but it wasn't); to the wonderful host, Dr. Ebbie Jackson, who sponsored a Women's Retreat at the beautiful, newly renovated SuperClubs Breezes Resort, I felt the spirit of ambassadorship everywhere I went.
Of course I realize Nassau, Bahamas is a tourism 'hot spot.'  Tourism is an emerging economic driver and one would expect its people to be kind to tourists.  As someone who's worked in community, small business and economic development in Georgia for many years, I get it.  I also recognize that there are bad elements and crime in every city.  But it's not necessary to totally focus on the negative.
But as each day passed, my mind kept visualizing how my hometown would look, feel, be seen as, or be known as if everyone became an ambassador.  It's so easy to focus on the negative, dwell on, complain and do absolutely nothing about it.  The rants that appear in our daily newspaper and one of the local weekly newspapers are sprinkled with negative comments, attitudes and opinions every day.
There have been many conversations about CEOs who wish to locate to Augusta and how their decisions are made based on what they perceive the culture and fabric of the city to be by things they read written by locals.
I rode the bus about five times during my stay.  For $1.25, wonderful bus riders greet everyone with a "hello" or "good morning/afternoon" when they get on; and I remember the bus driver who loves to talk about the tourist sites, night spots and their beautiful beaches - it was money well spent.
Everywhere you go, the locals love to ask, "Is this your first visit to Nassau?"  I sense that they really love to hear when someone says they've been to their country before.  I have to admit, I grew weary of saying it was "my first time" because the looks on their faces were a little shocked.  So, naturally I must hurry back so that I can respond to that question and say, "No, this is my second time in your beautiful country."
Being greeted with a smile or a hello from construction workers, waiters, bus drivers, domestic workers and everyone else you can think of was the norm.  I thought everyone is an ambassador for their country here in The Bahamas.  Why can't we do that in Augusta or wherever your hometown is?  Someone may say, "Well Helen, since The Bahamas is a tourism country, the locals have a reason or vested interest in benefitting from being nice, kind, accommodating, thoughtful, happy, and genuinely interested in you being in their country because it's stimulating the economy and businesses, thus creating jobs."
And I would say yes, that is true.  But think about it.  Your hometown may not be a tourist destination. Your economic driver may be nuclear energy, alternative energy, medical, technology, call centers, military installations or many others.  But consider this?  Who are tourists?  They are simply people, CEOs, or families who represent these industries who come to visit and/or live in your hometown.  These individuals attend your schools, churches, restaurants, cultural centers, museums, performing arts theaters and so much more.  They spend money in your hometown.
So if they're coming to your hometown, you, as a local, have a vested interest - an increased tax base, new small business development, and a stronger economy, which benefits the entire community.  I thought about this concept every day I spent in Nassau.  It resonated so much that I had to write this blog to share with you.
It's all about the people.  It's people who run and manage businesses.  It's people who work for these businesses.  It seems to me that everyone who plays a role in being an ambassador for their hometown creates a win-win situation.  Yes, I know someone reading this is saying, "Helen this is too idealistic."  I beg to differ.
I witnessed this concept in action for seven days.  My experience was beautiful beaches, great weather.  Even with the rain a couple of days it was amazing watching the work ethic of the working people; unbelievable hospitality everywhere I went - a hello and a smile; luxurious resorts and condos; live music; a beautiful woman who served me, my two girlfriends and several other women a four-course Bahamian meal on her best china like the way you see in the movies; gospel music playing on every bus I rode on; and knowledgeable people who knew what was going on in their city with all the growth and development taking place.
I certainly can't leave out the gorgeous Bahamian men and women and the dedicated police officers.
I'd like to challenge you to become an ambassador of your hometown for 30 days and watch what can happen.  All you have to do is simply say hello to everyone you greet, smile more, say something positive about your hometown, no matter what it is, and then watch for a transformation that could make an impact on you, your family and your hometown's economic stability for many years to come.
I absolutely fell in love with Nassau, Bahamas and have every intention of visiting again soon.  I have no doubt that when I return, someone is going to tell me, "Welcome home Helen."  I look forward to that too.
 
Yours, etc.,
Helen Blocker-Adams

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian