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Kenya: British Model's Plan to Fight Drug Abuse
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The Nation (Nairobi)
26 March 2008
Posted to the web 25 March 2008
Daniel Nyassy
Nairobi
Malindi residents could benefit from the benevolence of world renowned super model Naomi Campbell if her promise of major investments and charity work becomes a reality.
Beach operators protest after being ordered out of the seaside where they carry out business. Photo/GIDEON MAUNDU
Ms Campbell said Lion in the Sun and her business partner, Mr Flavio Biatore, had several programmes of giving back to the local people which she declined to reveal.
"I don't want to say what it is at the moment, but for sure, I will do something for Malindi that the people will remember me for," she said.
Ms Campbell, who spoke to the Nation following her visit to Malindi for the Easter holidays, said apart from considering investing in the country, she wanted to initiate corporate social responsibility programmes.
'I love this place'
Ms Campbell has a special liking for Malindi. She has visited the town more than 10 times since the 1990s and she is not about to stop coming.
She says she feels completely safe and relaxed and she wishes to do something for the people of Malindi that she would be remembered for.
"I love this place very much; it gives me the peace and tranquillity that I don't get from any other place."
Ms Campbell skipped her traditional December holiday visit due to the post-election violence that erupted on December 30, following disputed presidential votes results.
"Now I am sure Kenya is safe. Many people discouraged me from coming this time, feeling that it was not yet adequately safe, but I did because I know it is safe and I love this place very much," said the super model.
She landed in the town on Good Friday aboard a private jet in the company of three unidentified people and headed straight to the exclusive Lion in the Sun Beach Resort in Casuarina area. The resort is owned by Italian Formula One billionaire Flavio Biatore.
Although she did not say what she would do for the people of Malindi to remember her for, Ms Campbell did reveal some of the things she wishes to do for Kenya.
Rehabilitation centre
"I have talked to a very powerful person in Nairobi who I want to assist me establish a drugs and alcohol rehabilitation centre. I feel that a lot of good lives are being destroyed by drugs and alcohol," she said.
She said it would be good to give drug and alcohol addicts a chance to live. They should be given the opportunity to acquire skills and be rehabilitated to be useful members of society again.
During her visit last year, Ms Campbell also spoke of wishes to start a modelling school for local girls, saying the industry had not been exploited to the full.
"I have held talks with some agencies towards this programme. I think something good should come out of it," she said.
Ms Campbell says the local tourism sector could boom. Malindi could become a more famous destination if certain things were done correctly.
"The roads should be made properly. Garbage should be collected promptly and the town's hygiene standards improved".
Although she said the condition of the roads had "slightly improved", there was a lot more to be done to achieve a satisfactory level of cleanliness in the town.
"The Malindi airport should be expanded to allow bigger planes land directly from outside. This is one major drawback to the sector," she said.
Usually, when in Malindi, Ms Campbell stays at Mr Biatore's resort.
Ms Campbell said. "I love Biatore very much and I respect him. He is an excellent person, excellent friend and business partner."
Most of Ms Campbell's daily programme involves relaxing in the hotel's international standard spar.
But she often goes out to enjoy the environment. She goes shopping in the market and also likes mixing with ordinary people, most of who have no idea who she is.
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Ms Campbell also goes swimming in the local beaches and often takes a boat ride to the deep sea.
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