ARTICLE 1: NAME AND ADDRESS

1.1 The name of the organization shall be The Heritage Tourism Association of st Lucia referred to as HERITAS, or the Association.

1.2 The office of HERITAS shall be at the st Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme or any other place the executive deems fit.

1.3 The Association shall be a voluntary group registered under the Laws of st Lucia and shall be dedicated towards the marketing, sale and promotion of nature/heritage sites and attractions around st Lucia.

ARTICLE 2: VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS

2.1 Vision

To promote and protect the international reputation of st Lucia’s nature and heritage, and to position in the minds of the st Lucian people the need to preserve the identity and traditional culture of the nation, and become the catalyst for sustainable development through nature heritage tourism.

2.2 Mission

To ensure the success of the heritage tourism sector, through collaborative planning, protection, development and marketing of heritage sites and attractions, and by offering a unique st Lucia experience to the visitor, ensuring greater community involvement, environmental sustainability, and distribution of economic benefits to the st Lucian population.

ARTICLE 3: OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objectives of the Association are:

1) To ensure the success of the heritage tourism sector, through collaborative planning, protection, development and marketing of heritage sites and attractions, and by offering a unique st Lucia experience to the visitor, ensuring greater community involvement, environmental sustainability, and distribution of economic benefits to the st Lucian population.
2) To establish and maintain a system to help identify potential sites and attractions.
3) To promote and sell the membership through the association’s marketing brand; st Lucia Heritage Tours.
4) To provide support to its membership in projects aimed at enhancing the quality of nature/heritage tourism sector.
5) To pay out fees and commissions earned through the sale of tours and other activities to the members and membership.
6) To manage all funds of the Association on behalf of the membership.
7) To ensure compliance with the minimum standards and product quality within the nature/heritage tourism sector.
8) To liaise and collaborate with government and other relevant organizations in promoting the nature/heritage tourism sector.
9) To represent the membership in negotiating for project assistance with government and other organizations.
10) To identify the needs of the sector and make recommendations for, and carry out training in relevant areas, including product development and marketing.
11) To carry out such other duties as are deemed necessary for the attainment of the above objectives.

ARTICLE 3: AREA OF OPERATION

The organization will operate within the political boundaries of the island of st Lucia.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP

Members of the organization shall comprise of individuals or organisations residing in st Lucia who are managers or owners of nature heritage tourism sites, attractions or activities operating for sale to the tourism industry. The organization shall comprise of four (4) categories of membership:
- Institutional
- Individual
- Associate
- Honorary

Institutional Members:-
This category of membership shall comprise institutions who manage or own nature heritage tourism sites, attractions or activities, that meet the minimum standards outlined in Appendix 1 - Minimum Standards for Heritage Tourism Sites. Such members shall be represented by one individual nominated to represent their respective institution and registered with the st Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme or any other organisation with responsibility for heritage tourism development in st Lucia.

The persons so nominated shall have the right and privilege to take decisions on behalf of the institution represented and to vote on matters brought before the association.

Individual Members:-
The second category of membership shall comprise persons or groups who own or manage a nature heritage tourism site or attraction, which meets the minimum standards outlined in Appendix 1 - Minimum Standards for Heritage Tourism Sites.

Associate Members:-
The third category of membership shall comprise persons who own or manage ancillary services or activities like craftshops, restaurants and other related small proprietors. An Associate member shall not vote in the proceedings of the association.

Honorary Members:-
The Association shall reserve the right to confer an honorary membership to any person who in the opinion of the executive committee can contribute to the advancement of the nature heritage tourism sector. An Honorary member shall not vote in the proceedings of the association.

ARTICLE 5: REGISTRATION

Application for registration with HERITAS will be based on:
a) ownership or management of a nature heritage tourism site, attraction or activity,
b) meeting the criteria outlined in Appendix 11 – Characteristics of nature/heritage Tourism, and
c) compliance with the minimum standards outlined in Appendix 1 – Minimum Standards for the nature/heritage tourism sector.

ARTICLE 6: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSSHIP

A site/attraction or institution may cease to be a member of HERITAS due to:

a) Failure to meet the minimum standards outlined in Appendix 1 -Minimum Standards for Heritage Tourism Sites, two months after the date on which recommendations for upgrading have been received.

b) Failure to pay annual dues to the association.

In such a case all entry fees due the member shall be settled minus the agreed commission percentage, and the member shall cease to enjoy any rights and privileges provided through membership in the Association.

ARTICLE 7: OFFICERS / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

7.1 The Annual General Meeting shall be held on or near the anniversary date of registration or on a date fixed by the executive but not to exceed twelve weeks after the due date.

7.2 Every two years, members shall elect a new Executive committee at the Annual General Meeting by nominating persons to the different post.

7.3 The Executive committee shall consist of seven (7) members:

a) President
b) Vice President
c) Secretary
d) Treasurer
e) Public Relations Officer (PRO)
f) Immediate Past President
g) Immediate Vice President

7.4 The positions of Vice President and Immediate Past Vice President may also be requested to perform secretarial functions in the absence of the Secretary.

7.5 To ensure continuity, only two thirds (2/3) of the executive members shall be up for re-election.

ARTICLE 9: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

The duties of the officers shall be to:

PRESIDENT
a) preside at all executive meetings and other meetings of the association,
b) supervise the operations and affairs of the association,
c) represent and present the views and policies of the association in meetings with other organisations,
d) interface with the press on behalf of the association
e) perform such other duties, within the constitution of the association, as delegated by the executive and the general membership.

VICE PRESIDENT
a) assist the President in the performance of his/her duties,
b) assume the duties of the President in his/her absence,
c) should perform secretarial functions in the absence of the Secretary
c) assume such duties as may be assigned him/her from time to time by the president.

THE SECRETARY
a) record and keep the minutes of all proceedings of the association and executive
b) give notice of all meetings to the membership,
c) be the custodian of all books documents and correspondence belonging to the organization except financial records,
d) perform such other duties, within reason, as delegated by the executive and the membership.

THE TREASURER
a) be responsible for keeping accurate records of all monies received and disbursed
b) make deposits of monies belonging to the organization in such bank accounts as delegated by the executive,
c) provide to the membership whenever required, a complete and accurate account of all financial transactions and status of the organization,
d) prepare all financial reports and to present them for examination to the executive and to the annual general meeting for approval,
d) perform such other duties, within reason, as delegated by the executive and the membership.
e) prepare a budget for the operations of the association and submit monthly financial statements to the Executive.

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
a) prepare press releases or other such publications,
b) promote meetings and other activities of the organization,
c) be responsible for informing the members and the public on relevant matters as directed by the executive.
d) prepare and submit to the Executive a draft programme of events
e) Act as a liason between the association and media houses through the guidance of the Executive.
f) Perform such duties as delegated by the Executive.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
a) hand over all the association’s relevant information and documents to the President.
b) assist and advise the President in the performance of his/her duties.
d) assume such duties as may be assigned him/her from time to time by the Executive.

IMMEDIATE PAST VICE PRESIDENT
a) assist the Vice president in the performance of his/her duties,
b) assume the responsibilities of the Vice president in his/her absence,
c) assume such duties as may be assigned him/her from time to time by the Executive.

ARTICLE 9: VACANCIES

A position on the executive shall become vacant if the executive member occupying this position fails to attend three consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse.

Any vacancy occurring between elections shall be filled by the appointment of a person, at the discretion of the executive, to serve for the remaining term of office or until elections are held.

ARTICLE 10: MEETINGS

1. The supreme authority of the association shall be vested in its membership at the annual general meeting which shall be held on or near the anniversary date of registration or on a date fixed by the executive but not to exceed twelve weeks after the due date.

2 . The executive shall meet once every month or as often as the need arises.

3 Special meetings of the association shall be held or convened when necessary.

4. If the President fails to convene a meeting on the due date, he/she maybe petitioned by two thirds of the membership to do so. If he fails to adhere and convene the meeting within four weeks of the petition, the members may proceed with or without the President, providing that officials of the st Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme or any other organisation with official responsibility for the development of nature heritage tourism on the island are in attendance.

5. Notice to attend Annual General Meetings shall be given in writing at least two weeks before the due date.

6. If on the notification of an Annual General Meeting there is not a quorum one hour after the scheduled start time, such meeting shall stand adjourned for the following week, on the same day, the same time and the same place. If at this meeting there still is not a quorum the meeting may start one half hour after the scheduled time. All decisions taken shall be binding on all members.

7. If both the President and Vice President fail to attend a constituted meeting, the members present may appoint someone to chair the proceedings.

ARTICLE 11: VOTING

1. Voting shall be by show of hands or by secret ballot, whichever the members deem necessary at the time.

2. Every one is entitled to one vote except the president who shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie.

ARTICLE 12: QUORUM

1 A quorum for an Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be two thirds (2/3) of the total affiliated members. For ordinary general meetings, the quorum shall be one third (1/3).

ARTICLE 13: FUNDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

1. Monies of the association shall be lodged by the Treasurer at the bank recommended by the committee.

2. Any funds not required for immediate use may be invested providing this is authorized by the general membership.
3. There shall be three signatories to the bank account of the Association.

4. Any two signatories are mandatory for the processing of cheques.

ARTICLE 14: POWERS

The association shall have the following powers:

A) To raise funds to meet the activities of Association.

B) To initiate micro projects and technical assistance for developmental activities on behalf of the Association or its members.

C) To employ persons to perform duties relevant to the development of the Association.

ARTICLE 15: AUDIT

If for any reason there is suspicion and accusation of financial impropriety and ten (10) or more members in the community request an audit, the st Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme or any other organisation with official responsibility for the development of nature heritage tourism on the island, will be asked to audit the books of HERITAS and report to the Association at a general meeting. The executive members of HERITAS can also request an audit as the need arises.

Notwithstanding the above, the books of the Association shall be audited on an annual basis, and the report tabled at the AGM.

ARTICLE 16: DISOLUTION CLAUSE

If for any reason HERITAS ceases to exist, its assets shall be distributed in accordance with the decision of the last executive working, taken in consultation with the st Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme or any other organisation with official responsibility for the development of nature heritage tourism on the island, or the Ministry of Tourism.

ARTICLE 17: AMENDMENT

The general membership with a two thirds (2/3) majority vote may amend or modify this constitution or any part thereof. Such an action shall take place at an Annual General Meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose.

APPENDIX 1 - Minimum Standards for the nature/heritage tourism sector.

1. Health and safety procedures and equipment
2. Safe access and exits
3. Cleanliness
4. Sanitary Facilities
5. Regular Site maintenance
6. Fire equipment and procedures where needed
7. Food storage
8. First-Aid training and kits
9. External communications
10. Public liability insurance
11. Adequate off-road parking
12. Knowledgeable and friendly guides
13. Environmental Management System

APPENDIX 11 - Characteristics of Nature/heritage Tourism

SOCIAL (Community Involvement)
Involves participatory planning at all levels
Provides opportunities for local training and education
Supports community institution
Encourages social cohesion
Builds community pride and self esteem
Enhances individual development resulting in reduction of rural-urban drift
Adds value to local culture and traditions

ENVIRONMENTAL (Protection of resource base)
Sustainably uses natural resources
Uses a wide range of resources rather than exploiting a few
Minimizes environmental impacts
Ensures protection through community input into development of regulations
Encourages non-consumptive use of resources

ECONOMIC (Opportunities for local enterprise and employment)
Provides infrastructal benefits
Creates jobs and opportunities within the new economic sectors
Does not replace existing sustainable economic activities
Creates economic linkages among various sectors
Is economically viable with strategy to attain financial autonomy
Provides a pre-identified market for products and services
Contributes to balanced development

PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT (Improving national profile)
Ensures high quality of visitor experience
Builds new linkages with traditional tourism
Authenticates the st Lucian experience
Builds linkages with other similar initiatives in the country and region
Diversifies the tourism product by providing new marketing options