Wolde Kristos was an orphan by age eight. He valiantly overcame many difficulties, including being unable to read or write until he was 25 years old. Life's trials and tribulations did not deter him from accomplishing great things, however. He now owns his own business and equips others with the tools necessary to do the same. Quite the celebrated figure, he has been featured in National Geographic and on CNN.

The successful tour operator believes the new wave of job opportunities in Sav will lie in eco-tourism. Kristos said that while the Whitehouse Sandals Resort and Spa has provided some jobs to Sav residents, more could be done in regards to tourism to create work for the area's poverty-stricken residents.

Opportunities

"Agriculture, organic farming and fishing dominate the south coast with regards to job opportunities," Kristos said.

"I want to enhance the current skills of people in these industries while showing them that service is important, too."

Kristos trains interested persons to develop their own businesses. He also provides them with information-technology training and fishing education to reduce deterioration of the bay's fish habitats.

"Savanna-la-Mar has great potential to drive economical development on the bay," Kristos said.

His ideas for the economical future of Sav are developing eco-tourism, building a festival around local legend, Peter Tosh, and improving the quality of service in existing and new businesses. Kristos offers computer training, early-childhood and continuing education, community outreach, anti-litter campaigns, and website-development training to Westmoreland residents.