Ins and Outs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

2 The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Credits

2

Ins & Outsof St. Vincent & the Grenadines

2010 editionThe Official Publication Of The St. Vincent & The Grenadines Hotel & Tourism Association

Miller Publishing Co. Ltd.Edgehill, St. Thomas, BB22118,BARBADOSTel: (246) 421-6700e-mail: chrisw@millerpublishing.netwww.insandoutsofsvg.comwww.BarbadosBooks.com

While every care has been taken in the compilation of information contained inthis guide, such information is subject to change without notice. Thepublishers accept no responsibility for such changes.

2010 MILLER PUBLISHING CO. LTD.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored inany form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

PUBLISHED BYMiller Publishing Co. Ltd

ADVERTISING SALESChristine WilkieLiz Cordice

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATORJanelle Bryan

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTSLyn ArmstrongMalou MorganSuneeta Simmons

ARTWORK & LAYOUTAshif NakhudaChristine WilkieJanelle Bryan

DESIGN BYEightzeronine Design

COVER PAINTINGPatrick Chevailler

PHOTOGRAPHERSDan ChristaldiWilfred DedererJon FarmerFanny Terrer/Irie ImagesZnon

DISTRIBUTIONIns & Outs is distributed throughout St. Vincent & theGrenadines by the SVG Hotel & Tourism Association.Copies of the publication are placed in hotel rooms,villas, charter yachts and visitor information centres.Ins & Outs is also available through the SVG Tourism Authorityand the overseas offices of the Ministry of Tourismin London, New York and Toronto.

Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadinescan also be viewed online at www.insandoutsofsvg.com

Cover Artist: Patrick Chevailler - Palm IslandBorn in Bordeaux in France, but having lived on Palm Island in theGrenadines since 1996, Patrick The Doc Chevailler is a medical doctorwho started painting in 1978 as a hobby. Today, however, Patrickdescribeshimself as a full-time artist who practices medicine as a secondary activity usually providing emergency services as a sailing doctor.Patrick first started painting underwater scenes when he wascommissioned to paint a big reef scene (8'x4') by a diver friend. He thenpainted some smaller underwater scenes and they sold immediately.Today Patrick Chevailler is internationally renowned for this genre of art.www.diveart.com

Our Main FocusTraining & Human Resource Development, Advocacy, Product

Development and Marketing and Promotion.

Aims & Objectives- To promote co-operation, understanding and closer association

amongst the management of hotels, clubs, guest houses, and otherestablishments in St. Vincent and the Grenadines catering in any wayto the comfort and well being of guests and patrons or to the TouristIndustry in general.- To establish and maintain a code of ethics to be followed in all

business dealings by all members of the Association.- To protect and support members of the Association in matters

relating to their trade.- To stimulate and develop sustained interest in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines Tourist Industry at home and abroad.- To liaise continuously with the Government of St. Vincent and the

Grenadines.- To engage in, undertake, encourage and support every form of

publicity and advertising calculated to promote the aims of theAssociation.- To establish relations with local and international agencies which

provide assistance to the Industry.- To make, alter, establish and to execute any by-laws, rules and

regulations deemed necessary for the furthering of the objectives ofthe Association and for the good governance of the association.

P. O. Box 2125, Kingstown, St. Vincent & the GrenadinesTel: 784-458-4379 Fax: 784-456-4456

e-mail: [email protected]

The St. Vincent and the GrenadinesHotel and Tourism Association is a non-profit organization registered under theCompanies Act of SVG. It was firstestablished in 1968 as the St. VincentHotel Association but was expanded in1999 to encompass the entire TourismSector, hence its present designation.The Association recognizes the

growing importance of Tourism to theeconomy of SVG brought about in part bythe decline in other sectors. We believethat the Industry has great potential fordevelopment and that the manychallenges faced can be overcomethrough the collective efforts of allstakeholders.

FundingThe Association derives its funding from membership dues, fund

raising activities, operation of the Restaurant at the E.T. Joshua Airport,sale of hotel amenities and commission from the Ins and Outs Magazine.

Membership Benefits Training and Human resource development at minimal cost Co-op advertising Constant updates on local and international trends within the

industry Opportunities for networking with organizations and agencies

promoting the development of the industry Networking with other properties and travel agencies Marketing and promotional activities. Advocacy Listing on the Associations website Membership in the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA)

MembershipYou may join the SVGHTA as an accommodation establishment, allied

member or an individual.

Official PublicationThe Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadines

St. Vincent & The Grenadines Hotel & Tourism Association


JanuaryPublic HolidaysNew Years Day - Fri. 1st

Mustique Blues Festival(Jan. 27th-Feb. 10th)Contact: BasilsBar, Tel: (784) 488-8407.

Bequia Mount Gay RumMusic Fest (28th-31st)

Thur. 28th from 9pm at FrangipaniHotel: Elite Steel Orchestra.

Fri. 29th at 8:30pm at De Reef,Lower Bay: Mustique Blues Festivalin Bequia featuring Dana Gillespie& The London Blues Band withspecial guest artistes.

Sat. 30th & Sun. 31st at BequiaBeach Hotel and at De Reef, LowerBay: Bequia String Band; AmandaGooding (Bequia Singer & Song-writer); The Country Relatives-Bequias own Country and WesternBand; Caribbean Jazz & Blues Jam;Jazz from St. Vincent; Honky Tonics;Bob Berlinghof & Bequia BluesBand & surprise guests. TRNReggae from Jamaica with ColinPeters & Dyron Baptiste; Back fromEurope for one night: Bequias ownPapa Winnie & Band.

The Mount Gay Blues Band withspecial guest Toby Armstrong; fromEngland & St. Vincent: Marlon fromMattafix & Band. Plus SpecialSurprise Headliners.Contact: Bequia Tourism Assoc. fortickets and up to date details.Tel: (784) 458-3286.

Full Moon- Sat. 30th

FebruaryMustique Blues Festivalcontinues until Feb. 4th

Bequia Sunshine SchoolCharity Auction (Feb. 14th)

Primary Schools Performing ArtsFestival - a month long festival ofsong, dance, drama, and poetryfeaturing the children of SVG.

Full Moon - Sun. 28th

MarchNational Heroes & Heritage Month -a month of tribute and celebration tothe heroes of our nation.

Public HolidaysNational Heroes Day - Sun. 14th

SVG Blues & Rhythms Festival(5th-6th March)

Full Moon - Mon. 29th

AprilGospel Fest MonthZonal show-cases in song, music, dance,poetry comedy and weekend concertsfeaturing regional and internationalartistes.Contact: Ministry of Culture,Tel: (784) 451-2180.

Public HolidaysGood Friday - 2ndEaster Monday - 5th

29th Annual BequiaEaster Regatta(1st-5th April)Contact: Bequia Sailing Club,Tel: (784) 457-3649.

34th Annual Easterval,Union Island(1st-5th April)Contact: Union Island Tourist Board,Tel: (784) 458-8350.

Full Moon - Wed. 28th

Wilfred Dederer

Courtesy Mustique Blues Festival

Wilfred Dederer

i n s a n d o u t s o f s v g . c om

learnsaildinenightlife

flights

restaurants

hotels

real estate

watersports

diving

historyheritage

island hopping

art & craft

enjoyrelax

villas festivals

events sightseeingspas stay

beaches

honeymoons

visitweddings

shop car hire


MayPublic HolidaysLabour Day - Sat. 1st

Canouan Regatta(20th-24th May)Contact: Mr. Carlos McLaurean,Commador - Canouan Sailing Club,Tel: (784) 458-8197.Weekend festivals include boatraces, sports and games, calypsocompetition and beauty pageants.

Full Moon - Thu. 27th

JunePublic HolidaysWhit Monday - 7th

VincyMas Celebrations(26th June-6th July )Vincy Mas festivities include Kingand Queen of the bands, JuniorCarnival, Miss SVG, Miss CarnivalShow, steel band and calypsocompetitions and street parades.

Full Moon - Sat. 26th

JulyPublic HolidaysCarnival Monday - 5thCarnival Tuesday - 6th

15th Annual BequiaFishermans DayCompetition (4th July)Contact: Bequia Rotary Club,Tel: (784) 458-3248.

Carnival Monday/Jouvert (5th July)Jouvert - An early morning streetjump-up with a satirical twist in theafternoon & into the evening, T-shirtbands participate in a greatCaribbean street party.

Carnival Tuesday(6th July)Mardi Gras - Mas Bands parade onstage at Carnival City (Victoria Park)competing for the Band of the YearAward and then to the streets ofKingstown. Contact: CarnivalDevelopment Corporation Office,Tel: (784) 457-2580.

Canouan Carnival(29th July- 1st Aug.)Contact: Mr. Carlos McLaurean,Commador Canouan Sailing Club,Tel: (784) 458-8197.

12th Annual BequiaBasketball Tournament(July through to September)

Full Moon - Sun. 25th

AugustEmancipation Month

Public HolidaysEmancipation Day - Sun. 1stFestivities and events tocommemorate the abolition ofslavery.

Breadfruit Festival(1st-31st August)Contact: Ministry of Culture,Tel: (784) 451-2180.

Full Moon - Tue. 24th

mussa studiolivio.it

Wilfred Dederer Atiba - King of the Bands 2009

SeptemberDance Festival MonthContact: Ministry of Culture,Tel: (784) 451-2180

Fashion Caribbean: TBA

12th Annual BequiaBasketball Tournament(continues through to 12th Sept.)

Full Moon - Thu. 23rd

OctoberPublic HolidaysIndependence Day - Wed. 27th

Independence CyclingCompetition(26th-27th Oct.)

Full MoonFri. 22nd

NovemberNational Tourism Month

Theatre Arts FestivalDrama production, song, poetry,music, creative writing, dance andbody building.Contact: Ministry of Culture,Tel: (784) 451-2180

Full Moon - Sun. 21st

DecemberNational NineMornings Festival(16th-24th)For the nine nights beforeChristmas, music, singing andrevelry takes place throughout St.Vincent and the Grenadines in anexuberant countdown to Christmas.

Public HolidaysChristmas Day - Sat. 25thBoxing Day - Sun. 26th

Full Moon - Tue. 21st

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines 9

Wilfred Dederer

Janelle Bryan Christine Wilkie

10

art of the Windward Islands and

comprised of about 30 islands, St.

Vincent is located 160 km (100 miles)

west of Barbados and The Grenadines

extend 72 km (45 miles) to the southwest, like a

kites tail, including Young Island, Bequia,

Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm

Island, and Petit St. Vincent.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines closest

neighbours are Grenada, 120 km (75 miles) to the

south, St. Lucia 40 km (24 miles) to the north and

Barbados 160 km (100 miles) to the east. St.

Vincent is the largest of the more than 30 islands

that comprise the nation, covering roughly 390 sq.

km (150 sq. miles).

St. Vincent &The Grenadines

The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Fast Facts

P

Fast Facts

St. Vincent &the Grenadines

Kingstown

Layou

Barrouallie

Calliaqua

Chateaubelair

Soufriere Mountains

Morne GaruMountains

Georgetown

ST. ANDREW

ST. GEORGE

CHARLOTTE

ST. DAV ID

Clare Valley

ChaunceyQuestelles

Camden Park Lowmans

Montrose

Edinboro VictoriaPark

SionHill

McKiesHill

Glen

Vigie

RoseCottage

Fountain

BelairFairhall

OrangeGrove

DorsetshireHill

Queens Drive

Green HillBow Wood

Redemption

MeekRileys

Pembroke

ChoppinsCane GardenE.T. Joshua Airport

VillaProspect

RathoMill

Mt. Pleasant

Stubbs

ArgyleCalder

ArnosVale

Retreat

DuboisRillion Hill

PennistonGolden Grove

WelcomeAshburton

Mt. St. Andrew

BrightonVillage

VictoriaVillage

Evesham Akers

Site of new International Airportscheduled for completion in 2011

PeruvianValeDumbarton

Camel HopewellSpring

Mesopotamia

Compulsion

BiabouBridgetown

Byrea

Colonaire

Lower LomansGreiggs

Diamond

New GroundGrand BonhommeSans Souci

South Rivers

Cedars

Mangrove

Hermitage

FrancoisVermont

QueensburyLeveth

Ferret

Three Acres

Grove

GroveKeartons

Wallilabou

Cumberland

Gordon YardSpring VillageMangaroo

BelmontRose Hall

RoseBank Coulls Hill

Troumaka Sharpes

Richmond

Chateaubelair Is.

Richmond Peak Mt. Brisbane

Chester CottageGrand Sable

Chapmans

Caratal Village

Langley ParkRabacca

WaterlooOrange Hill

Overland Village

Orange Hill Estate

RichmondVale Fitzhughes Rabacca Dry River

Windward Trail to La SoufriereWest

ernTrail

to LaSoufr

iere

Walisou Dry River

Thirteen Stones(Petroglyphs)

London

Point Village

Fancy

Old Sandy BaySion Hill

New Sandy BayVillage

Forest Reserve

2,413ft

3,181ft

1,234m/4,048ft

3,058ft3,523ft

ST. PATR ICK

DChateau Guest House

Emerald ValleyResort & Casino

Ferdies Footstep Guest House

Petit Byahaut Resort

Richmond Vale Camp

Wallilabou Anchorage Hotel

Young IslandResort

Tropic Breeze Hotel

Baleine Bay

Tucker Bay

Tros Loups Bay

Larikai Bay

Chateaubelair Bay

Petit Bordel Bay

Troumaka Bay

Coulls Bay

Cumberland Bay

LAnse Mahaut Bay

Wallilabou Bay

Keartons Bay

Princes Bay

Peters Hope Bay

Mt. Wynne Bay

Layou Bay

Buccament Bay

Anse CayenneQuestelles Bay

Camden Park BayLowmans Bay

Greathead Bay Indian Bay

Blue LagoonBrighton Bay

Stubbs Bay

Yambou Beach

Biabou Bay

Grants Bay

South Union Bay

North Union Bay

Colonaire Bay

Sandy Bay

Owia Bay

Comnantawana Bay

Calliaqua Bay

Questelles Point

Johnson Point

Ribishi Point

Black Point

Tourama Point

PorterPoint

*ArawakRock Carvings

*VermontNature Trail

Fort Charlotte*

Fort*Duvernette

*MontrealGardens

*MesopotamiaValley

*Falls ofBaleine

*Dark ViewFalls

*Petit Bordel Falls

*Wallilabou Falls

*Trinity Falls*Hells Gate

Falls

*

*

*Owia Salt Pond

La SoufriereVolcano

* Black Point Tunnel

*BotanicalGardens

P

P

P

KEYPolice Station

Places of Interest

Church

Hospital

Anchorages

RecreationalFacilities

Airport

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Stark Ravine

Belle Point

Devils Table

Northwest Point

Man Point

Brute Point

Diable Point

Saint HilairePoint

Old HeggTurtle Sanctuary

*

Site ofHamiltonFort

*

J.F.Mitchell Airport

DockDock

DockWhaling Station

PlayingField

Ferry Dock

Lower Bay

MountPleasant

Belles

HamiltonOcar

Moonhole

CinnamonGarden

Spring

PagetFarm

Friendship Bay ResortIsland Inn Apts

The Old Fort

Bequia Beach Hotel& Blue Tropic

Bequia Beachfront Villas

Taylors AptsSugarapple Inn Friendship Garden Apts

De Reef AptsKingsville Apts

Frangipani HotelGingerbread HotelThe Village Apts

Portofino InnBamboo Chute Resort

Firefly BequiaHibiscus Apts

Travellers Inn

Crescent Beach Inn

Bequia PotteryMaritime Museum

Bequia MuseumLa

Pompe

Rocky Bay

Upper Bight

Lower Bight

FriendshipBay

Ravine BayRocky Bay

Mount Pleasant Bay

Hope Bay

Anse La Coite

Spring BayIndustry Bay

Park Bay

Sal Bay

Bends Bay

LAnseChemin

Shark Bay

Bullet Bay

Lower Bay

Adams Bay

Admiralty Bay

Princess Margaret

**

*

P

Big Cay

Petit NevisBalliceaux

Battowia

Ile de Quatre

PortElizabeth

West Cay

Bullet Cay

JettyJetty

JettyJetty

Jetty

St. Vincent

Young Island

Bequia

Petit NevisIle de quatre

Mustique

Petit MustiqueCanouan

Mayreau

Tobago CaysPalm Island

Petit St. Vincent

Union Island

St. Vincent &the Grenadines

Friendship Point

Lukee Point

Dry Point

Point Moody

Point de Jour

Quarry Point

Point Siz

Point Jupiter

Ocean View Inn

The Grenadine Estate

Raffles Resort

EastCo

ast R

oad

North Glossy Bay

SouthGlossy Bay

Taffia BayNens Bay

CharlestownBay

BachelorsHall Bay

Grand BayCharles Bay

Cato BayRamean BayWhaling BayLittle Bay

LAnce Guyac BayCorbec Bay

Hyambook BayMahaulBay

Cloey Hole

Billy Hole

Godahl BayWindward Bay

Grand Cois

Riley Bay

Barbruce BayFriendship Bay

Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club

Trump InternationalGolf Club

at Raffles Resort

TaffiaHill

GlossyHill

JimHill

Mount Royal

Canouan Baleine

LIslot

Canouan Airport

Charlestown

JettyJetty

JettyJetty

Jetty

AshtonClifton

Fort HillRuin

RuinRuin

RuinRuin

RuinRuin

Ruin

FortIrene

Mount CambellMount Taboi

Mount Olympus

Queensbury Point

Miss IrenePoint

Bloody Head

PointLookout

Jetty

Jetty

JettyMarket Jetty

Coast GuardStation

Airport

Big Sands Hotel

Erikas Marine ServicesSVG Tourism BureauClifton CottagesLambies Guest HouseSt. Josephs HouseAmerindi

Marine View Hotel/Apts.Kings Landing

Clifton Beach Hotel

Anchorage Yacht ClubBougainvilla HotelWind & Sea Sailing Charters

640ft

400ft

1,000ft

790ft

Green Island

Frigate Island

Happy Island

AshtonHarbour

ChathamBay

RichmondBay

Bloody Bay

Belmont Bay

Newlands Reef

Big Sands

Clifton Harbour

Petit Bay

Miller Publishing Co. Ltd. All rights reserved

Canouan

Union Island

Jetty

Rabbit Island

Wilks Rocks

Lovell VillageBrooks Rock

Honor Bay

Endevour Bay

Plantain Bay

Britannia Bay

Old Plantation

Lagoon BayGelliceaux Bay

Obsidian Bay

Deep Bay

Black Sand Bay

Pasture Bay

Marconi Bay

Simplicity Bay

Lime Kiln Bay

Rutland Bay

LAnsecoyBay

Ramier Bay

North PointPoint Lookout

Lagoon

BirdSanctuary

Fishermens Village/Fish Market

Firefly

Basils Bar & Boutique

The Cotton House Hotel

Mustique Watersports

The Cotton House Spa

The Mustique CompanyMustique Equestrian Centre

Airport

P SchoolLibraryTennis Courts

Mustique

St. Vincent

Bequia

Climate & GeographySt. Vincent has a mountainous interior, having La Soufrire, an

active volcano in the north rising to 1,220 m (4,000 ft.) as itshighest point, and a sheltered and indented coastline on theLeeward coast. St. Vincent is roughly 29 km (18 miles) long and 17.7km (11 miles) wide and has an area of 344 sq. km (133 sq. miles),while the Grenadines comprise an additional 44 sq. km (17 squaremiles). Bequia covers 19 sq. km (9 sq. miles) and its highest peakis 268 m (881 ft.). The island of Mustique is 5 sq. km (1.9 sq. miles)and rises to 151 m (496 ft.) at its highest. Mount Royal at 274 m(900 ft.) is the highest point in the 7.5 sq. km (3 sq. miles) island ofCanouan. The 5.5 km (3.5 mile) long Union Island features as itshighest peak Mt. Tobai which soars to 305 m (1,000 ft.).The average yearly temperature is 27C (81F). The coolest

months are between November and February.

The GovernmentSt. Vincent and the Grenadines is a parliamentary democracy

within the Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II is headof state and is represented on the island by a Governor-General.Independence was achieved on October 27th, 1979. Parliamenthas 15 elected representatives and four senators who areappointed by the Prime Minister and two on the advice of theOpposition Leader. The parliamentary term of office is five years,although the Prime Minister may call elections at any time.

Legal SystemThe legal system is derived from English common law and

statutes. There are 11 courts in three magisterial districts.

EducationThe Vincentian educational system is modelled on the British

system. School is compulsory up to age 15 and governmentschools are free at the primary and secondary levels. Postsecondary education is provided through polytechnics andKingstown Medical College, a campus of St. Georges University(Grenada), located near Kingstown. The University maintainsaffiliations with hospitals for clinical programmes in the UnitedStates, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.

PopulationThe population is approximately 110,000 with about a quarter

of the people living in the capital Kingstown and its suburbs, and8% on the Grenadines. The ethnic mix consists of 77% Africandescent, 17% mixed race, 14% East Indian, 3% Carib, 1% Asian,and 0.5% European. The labour force is about 45,000. Recentdata indicates an unemployment rate of 21.5%.

ElectricitySt. Vincent and the Grenadines have a reliable supply of

electricity which is generally 220/240 volt, 50 cycle, except forPetit St. Vincent and Palm Island which have 110 volt, 60 cycle.Most hotels have 110 volt shaver outlets. The standard electricalplug has 3 rectangular pins so remember to pack an adapter.

Seaport and ShippingKingstown has a natural deepwater harbour with a wharf to

accommodate two oceangoing ships. There are regular servicesbetween St. Vincent and the major ports in North America,


Fast Facts

Mayreaus lone church is perched on a hill with all encompassing views of the Southern Grenadines

JonFarm

er

13The Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Europe and the Caribbean. A new container park atKingstown and a new container port at CampdenPark have been completed.

ImmigrationAll arrivals into St. Vincent and the Grenadinesmust

present a valid passport and Visas are required fromnationals of the following countries before entering St.Vincent and the Grenadines: China, Syria, Lebanon,Iraq, Iran and Nigeria. A return or onward ticket isrequired of all visitors. Work permits are available fromthe Prime Ministers office on Bay Street, Kingstown.

Camouflage ClothingIt is illegal to wear or import camouflage clothing

in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

AirportsThere are five airports in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines with E.T. Joshua Airport in Kingstown beingthe largest. The four smaller domestic airports arelocated in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and UnionIsland. These airports are serviced by LIAT - STAR of theCaribbean, SVG Air and Mustique Airways. AmericanEagle also services Canouan. A departure tax of EC$40is payable by all passengers leaving the country.

MoneyThe currency of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is

the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). Notes are issuedin denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coinsare issued in denominations of $1 and 25, 10, 5, 2and 1 cents. The exchange rate is tied to the US dollarat a rate of $2.68.

RoadsThere are 580 km (360 miles) of surfaced roads with the

Leeward and Windward highways traversing either side of thecountry. Country roads can be narrow with steep inclines anddeclines so exercise caution.

TelecommunicationsSt. Vincent and the Grenadines has a state of the art fibre optic

digital telephone system. Internet, boatphone, cellular service,telex, telegraph and facsimile access are also available. Theinternational area code is 1-784 followed by the local seven-digitnumber. Phonecards are available through outlets islandwide asare phonecard booths. International Direct Dialing (IDD) serviceis available to most destinations in the world and internationalcalls can be made using your credit card (MasterCard, Visa,Discover, AT&T and Bell are accepted) by dialing the operator.

HealthThere are six public hospitals, including Milton Cato Memorial

Hospital (formally Kingstown General Hospital), and MaryfieldHospital, Lowmans and Bequia Casualty Hospital, Port Elizabeth,and three privately owned hospitals. Community care is providedby 38 outpatient clinics located throughout the country. Eachclinic serves about 3,000 people and is easily accessible. Healthcentres are well staffed and provide a wide range of services,including midwifery, family planning, immunization and

emergency care. St. Vincent has a mental health centre and ahome for the elderly. The average life expectancy is 68 years formen and 72 years for women.

How to Get HereSt. Vincent & the Grenadines is reached by air from North

America and Europe through six major gateways Barbados,Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico and Trinidad, with dailyconnections to Union Island, Canouan, Mustique and Bequia.British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air

France, BMI, Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica all provideexcellent service to the gateways; while LIAT - Star of theCaribbean, SVG Air, Grenadines Air and Mustique Airways allprovide a convenient connecting service from the gateways.American Eagle now provides a direct service from Puerto Rico toCanouan Island.Flight time to St. Vincent is approximately 35 minutes from

Barbados; 30 minutes from Grenada; 45 minutes from Martinique;20 minutes from St. Lucia; 2 hours 20 minutes from Puerto Rico.St. Vincent and the Grenadines has an information desk in the

Arrivals Section of Grantley Adams International Airport inBarbados (Tel: 246-428-0961) open daily from approximately1:00pm until the last flight to St. Vincent departs. Personnel are onhand to assist travellers in making connections to their finaldestinations.

Christine

Wilkie

St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a spectacular dive destination

St. Vincent & theGrenadines

TourismOffices

St. VincentMinistry of Tourism

Upper Bay Street, KingstownSt. Vincent & The Grenadines

Tel: 784-457-1502Fax: 784-451-2425


St. Vincent & The Grenadines Hotel& Tourism AssociationP.O. Box 2125

E.T. Joshua Intl Airport, KingstownSt. Vincent & The Grenadines

Tel: 784-458-4379Fax: 784-456-4456

e-mail: [email protected]@svghotels.comwww.svghotels.com

BarbadosSt. Vincent & The Grenadines

Barbados DeskGrantley Adams International Airport

BarbadosTel: 246-428-0961

United States801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor

New York, NY 10017Toll free: 800-729-1726Tel: 212-687-4981Fax: 212-949-5946


Canada333 Wilson Avenue

Suite 601Toronto, M3H 1T2

Toll free: 866-421-4452Tel: 416-630-9292Fax: 416-630-9291

e-mail:[email protected]

United Kingdom10 Kensington CourtLondon, W8 5DL

EnglandTel: 207-937-6570Fax: 207-937-3611



Fast FactsGetting AroundBy TaxiThe government sets the rates for fares, but taxis are unmetered and you should always

check the fare before setting off. Fares are raised for journeys late at night or early in themorning. The average fare from Indian Bay into Kingstown is approximately EC$25. Tippingis suggested at 10% of the fare. You can also hire taxis to take you to the islands majorattractions. Expect to spend EC$40 to EC$50 per hour for a car holding two to fourpassengers. Sams Taxi & Tours (784-456-4338) is one of the more popular choices forsightseeing and getting around in general. Their drivers are courteous and friendly andoffer entertaining commentary as you explore the island.

By CarDriving in St. Vincent & the Grenadines is on the left. While initially driving on the narrow,

twisting roads is a bit of an adventure, you will quickly begin to enjoy the challenge andstart driving like a Vincy. There are limited road signs, but locals are usually quite happyto point you in the right direction. Remember to sound your horn as you make the sharpcurves and turns. Avis (784-456-4389) has an office at the E.T. Joshua Airport and themajority of local companies will be happy to pick you up at your hotel or at the airport. Rentand Drive (784-457-5601 or [email protected]) and Davids Auto Clinic (784-456-4026) in St. Vincent and Sunset Tours Moke & Jeep Rentals (784-458-3782) in Bequiaoffer similar rates and terms.

By BusFlamboyantly painted buses travel the principal roads of St. Vincent, linking the major

towns and villages. The central departure point is the bus terminal at the New KingstownFishMarket. Fares range from EC$1 to EC$6 (US.40 to US$2.20). Minibuses, which stop ondemand rather than at bus stops, run frequently between Kingstown and the popular hotelareas of Indian Bay and Villa. The number of vans starting in Kingstown and running toOwia or Fancy in the north is limited. The best way is to take the early bus to Georgetownand try to catch one of the two vans running between Georgetown and Fancy (EC$10). Toget to Richmond in the northwest take a bus to Barrouallie and seekonward transport fromthere. A day trip to Mesopotamia (Mespo) by bus (EC$2.50) is a worthwhile experience.

Driver LicencesA temporary driving licence, costing EC$100, must be obtained from the police station

on Bay St. or the Licensing Authority on Halifax St., with the presentation of a validoverseas drivers licence. If you have an International Driving Permit you must get itstamped at the central police station. Your car hire agent will assist you with getting apermit.

Safety TipsCentipede/Scorpion Bites - While not lethal, the severity and degree of discomfort

depends on individual sensitivity. If there is any doubt, you should see a doctor, especiallyif a child has been bitten.Coconut Palms - Never leave a baby or a small child beneath a coconut palm because

of the possibility of falling coconuts.Illegal Drugs - There are very severe penalties for possession of illegal drugs like

Cannabis (weed or ganja) and cocaine up to life imprisonment and yacht confiscation.Customs officials are well equipped and trained, so no attempts should bemade to importor export even small quantities for personal use.Manchineel - Avoid contact with the fruit commonly known asManchineel Apples, since

they look and smell just like small apples, they are very poisonous and sap from the treeand fruit blisters the skin. If it is raining, be sure that the tree you are sheltering under isnot a manchineel, as drops of rain falling off can still produce the same unpleasant effect.Sea Urchins - A black sea egg with long black spines. If the spines are protruding from

your skin then you can try to carefully remove them, but if they are beneath the skin DONOT try to pick them out as this could cause infection. If you leave them in your skin theywill eventually dissolve. To be safe, soak with vinegar or some form of antiseptic.


Ferry ScheduleBequia/Kingstown

A regular and efficient ferry service operates between Bequiaand Kingstown, St. Vincent, with two Bequia based companies Admiralty Transport and Bequia Express, operating 3 ferriesbetween them. Each ferry has an air-conditioned saloon, barand snackbar, or you have the choice of sitting up on deck andenjoying the fresh sea breeze. Please check with the ferrycompanies or the Bequia Tourism Association asschedules can sometimes be subject to change at shortnotice.Sailing time from jetty to jetty: 1 hourReturn Fare: EC$35One-Way Fare: EC$20

Bequia Express - Tel: (784) [email protected] BEQUIA DEPART KINGSTOWNMonday to Friday6:30am 8:00am8:30am 10:30am9:30am 1:00pm1:00pm 4:00pm4:30pm 6:00pm

Saturday6:30am 8:30am9:00am 12 noon4:30pm 6:00pm

Sundays & Public Holidays7:00am 8:30am4:30pm 6:00pm

Admiralty Transport - Tel: (784) [email protected] BEQUIA DEPART KINGSTOWNMonday to Friday (*December to April & July to August only)6:30am 7:45 am*9:00am* 11:30am2:00pm 4:30pm

Saturday6:30am 8:15am9:30am 11:30pm5:00 pm 7:00pm

Sundays & Holidays7:30am 9:00am5:00pm 7:00pm

Ferry Schedule toCanouan, Mayreau and

Union IslandA regular and efficient ferry service operates between theSouthern Grenadines and Kingstown, St. Vincent, with two St.Vincent based companies, MV Barracuda (784) 455-9835andMV Gem Star (784) 526-1158 or 593-6500. Both ferriestake cars, freight and passengers and they co-ordinate theirrunning.Each ferry has an air-conditioned saloon, bar and snack bar,or you have the choice of sitting up on deck and enjoying thefresh sea breeze and stunning views. Check with the ferrycompanies as schedules can sometimes be subject to changeat short notice.

Sailing time between St. Vincent and Union Island isapprox. 5 hours with all trips stopping in Canouan andMayreau

MV BarracudaDEPART KINGSTOWN DEPART UNION

Monday & Thursday Tuesday & Friday11:00am 6:30amSaturday Saturday11:00am Approx 4:00pm

MV Gem StarDEPART KINGSTOWN DEPART UNION

Tuesday & Friday Wednesday & SaturdayNoon 8:30am

Once a month MV Gem Star goes to Carriacou on aWednesday morning from Union Island and on the wayback they pass back through Union Island and depart forKingstown around 2pm. Call to check schedule.

Fares:Kingstown to Canouan and Mayreau EC$30 one wayKingstown to Union Island EC$35 one wayKingstown to Carriacou EC$50

Call to enquire for freight charges

16

solated beaches, romantic moonlit

evenings, swimming, snorkeling, scuba

diving, kayaking, walks, hikes, island

explorations, and island nightlife are but a

handful of the possibilities available when you

choose a sailing holiday in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines.

Visit ten islands, or anchor by one; sit back and

relax, or take to the helm the choice is yours.

The crystal clear, azure waters, palm fringed

beaches and constant Trade Winds are all

guaranteed components of the perfect sailing

holiday taking you through this majestic volcanic

world. Five-star meals are prepared in the

delectable flavour of the islands and served to

you in a comfortable cockpit morning, noon,

and night.

Chartering


St. Vincent

I

Courtesy

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Crystal clear, turquoise waters, palm fringed beaches and constant Trade Winds are all guaranteed components of theperfect sailing holiday in St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Dan Christaldi

There are a number of reputable yacht charter companiesoperating out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as theneighbouring island of Grenada. They all offer starts in St.Vincent, so whether you opt for a bare boat, or a fully crewedvacation, St. Vincent is a prime jump-off spot. Starting here putsyou on the doorstep of the Grenadines without the 65 mile sail(including a 5-hour open-water passage) from St. Lucia, or the 6to 7 hour sail (often against the wind) from Grenada. The constantTrade Winds of between 10 and 25 knots create near perfectsailing conditions.Yacht charter companies like Sunsail and Barefoot in St.

Vincent, Sail Relax Explore and Octopus in Bequia, Wind andSea in Union Island and The Moorings in Canouan, offer aremarkable variety of monohulls and catamarans ranging in sizefrom 30 to 130 feet. They are known in these waters for theirexcellent service and knowledgeable crew.

The Friendship Rose, based in Bequia, operates day chartersto the Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and Mustique on their historic,Bequia-built sailing schooner. In the Southern Grenadines, Windand Sea and Chantours offer memorable day trips (and privatecharters) to the islands of Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and PalmIsland.Companies like the UK-based Grenadine Escape, and the

Barbados-based Chantours Caribbean have a wealth ofexperience sailing in the Caribbean. They can arrange just about

any yachting holiday anywhere in the Caribbean, from Martinique,St. Lucia, the Grenadines or Grenada, right up to the BVIs.

Private air charters for individuals, groups or families offer theconvenience of no crowds, no queuing up and no waiting around.The aerial views from the aircraft combined with the freedom tochoose when and where you wish to go is unsurpassable. Seatingfrom four to eighteen people, the Aero Commanders, Cessnas,Twin Otters and Britten Norman Islanders can fly you through (orto) the Grenadines and the short flight times enable you to makethe most of your precious holiday days.A full range of services are available at reasonable rates to suit

the needs of the individual, from private charters, sharedcharters, executive/corporate flights and inter-island, to airambulance and freight services.Airlines like SVG Air operate daily scheduled flights to and

from St. Vincent & the Grenadines. SVG Air and Raffles ResortCanouan have come together to offer the first Private Jet Servicebased in the Grenadines.

Chantours, a Barbados-based company, offers exclusive oneday excursions and 2 to 7 night yacht packages in the Grenadinesaboard their luxury 50-ft catamaran. They can also arrangeaccommodation in luxury villas and day trips from Barbados tothe Grenadines.The charter companies listed on the following pages will be

happy to assist you in planning your ideal getaway.

18

St. Vincent


Chartering in the GrenadinesWhether its a day charter in the Tobago Cays, or a few days onboard yacht, the relaxation is total and the beauty all encompassing

Dan

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20

St. Vincent


Yacht Charter and Day Cruises from unique local boats andspeedboats to crewed luxury yachts. Specialising in ShortGrenadines Charters and Speedboat Adventure Days with picnics,snorkeling and diving; flights can be arranged throughout theGrenadines. Choose from a selection of Bareboat or Crewed Yachts,Catamarans, Monohulls, Traditional Sailing Schooners and a rangeof Speedboats. This friendly team help get you out on the water for a day or longer

Sail Relax ExploreTel: 784-495-0886/9 or 784-457-3888e-mail: [email protected] www.sailrelaxexplore.com

Octopus provides the ultimate escape. Our elegant 63-ft. crewedsailing yacht and stunning ocean view villa are available individuallyor both combined for the perfect vacation. The yacht offers 4 doublecabins and 1 twin, 4 heads with electric flush toilets, basin &showerhead, a fully equipped galley, large saloon and navigationarea. The yacht also provides kayaks, windsurfing & snorkelingequipment. There is plenty of space on deck for soaking up the sunor join the crew and try your hand at sailing. Please visit the website,e-mail or call for further information.

Octopus On Land At SeaBelmont, BequiaTel: 784-432-5201 e-mail: [email protected]

Located in the heart of Clifton Harbour at Bougainvilla Hotel in UnionIsland, Wind and Sea offers day charters sailing through theGrenadines, including the stunning Tobago Cayes with a deliciouslunch and drinks served on their beautiful catamarans. They are alsoport agent for several cruise ships in the Grenadines.

Bougainvilla is a wonderful facility for yachtmen, dock, water, ice,restaurant " The Aquarium " serving fresh sea food everyday. FreeWifi service.

Wind and SeaBougainvilla, Clifton Harbour, Union IslandTel: 784-458-8678/8878 Fax: 784-458-8311e-mail: [email protected] www.grenadines-bougainvilla.com

Chantours can arrange anything from the exceptional and exclusive,to the simple and sublime. Join their luxury 45ft catamaran for the day visit Mayreau, the Tobago Cays andMorpion exceptional crew andexquisite cuisine. For total indulgence, exclusively charter yourpreferred yacht for a day, or a few days, and tailor everything frommenus to itinerary. Combine a yachting holiday with a few days at anisland resort/villa. With their NEW 2-night stateroom charters, guestscan simply reserve their own spacious cabin and Chantours will takecare of the rest. ~ Exclusive Cbean Day Excursions ~ TailoredLuxury Yacht Charters ~ Elegant Cbean Resorts/Villas ~ Golf &Spa Vacations ~ Group Excursions ~ Private Aircraft Charters

Chantours CaribbeanTel: 246-432-5591/246-432-0703email: [email protected] www.chantours.com


Barefoot Yacht ChartersBlue Lagoon, St. VincentTel: 784-4569526 Fax: 784-456-9238e-mail: [email protected] www.barefootyachts.com

Operated by a family that has been sailing the waters of theGrenadines for 7 generations, this is St. Vincents longest-establishedyacht charter company. Providing highly personalised service, theyoffer a fleet of beautifully equipped 32 to 50-foot catamarans andmonohulls at very affordable rates. Choose between a bareboatcharter or a luxury crewed trip. Honeymoon charters can also bearranged. Facilities include luxury ocean-view suites, aMediterranean restaurant and air-conditioned lounge bar and anInternet Caf.

SVG Air (1990) Ltd., based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, hasoperated successfully for the past 20 years taking many a satisfiedcustomer from one Caribbean country to another. Specializing incharters and shared charters SVG Air offers a personalized servicesecond to none. Their fleet of light twins and a business jet flown byhighly professional pilots also offers an air ambulance service, afreight service and a handling service for any aircraft wishing to visitSt. Vincent and the Grenadines.Come fly with us!

SVG Air (1990) Ltd.Tel: 784-457-5124 Fax: 784-457-5077e-mail: [email protected] www.svgair.com

22

ome of the most attractive property

investment opportunities to be found

anywhere in the Caribbean are

currently available in St. Vincent and

the Grenadines.

Long renowned for its stunning natural beauty and

tranquil environment, this spectacular region has

now developed to such a point that while still

offering property buyers the traditional comfort

and charm of a tropical island home, investors

today can also enjoy the security of operating

within a well regulated legal and financial

jurisdiction.

Indeed, in these times of major global economic

challenges and financial uncertainty, many

investors are of the opinion that this area is one of

the best emerging markets for purchasing real

estate.

Property & Investment



S

Courtesy

LetovahVilla,B

equia

St. Vincent and the Grenadines now qualifies as an authentic emerging market for international business and property investmentWilfred Dederer

By Bryan Jeeves CMG OBEChairman - JeevesGroup and President of the St. Vincent Trust Service

St. Vincent as a low tax jurisdiction is nothing new. During 1976the first laws for international companies were passed before thecountry became fully independent. This was undertaken inconjunction with Swiss based lawyers who registered the St.Vincent Trust Service in Zurich, Switzerland and the Governmentestablished the St. Vincent Trust Authority in Kingstown.In 1993, the Jeeves Group from Liechtenstein, a highly

developed offshore jurisdiction, acquired the St. Vincent TrustService, Zurich. This led to a complete overhaul of theorganization and to new legislation being passed at the end of1996 in conjunction with the main players in the industry.The number of registrations experienced outstanding growth

and the Trust Authority was reorganized as IFSA-InternationalFinancial Services Authority. The current CEO is Mrs. ShardaBollers, who heads an excellent team. The St. Vincent TrustService has its own office in Kingstown.

The year 2001 saw the turbulences caused by the blacklistingof St. Vincent and the Grenadines, along with 44 otherjurisdictions considered by the OECDs FATF Financial TaskForce, to be inadequate in counter money laundering legislation.The introduction of appropriate laws and the formation of the FIUFinancial Intelligence Unit, in addition to fulfilling the other FATFrequirements, led to St. Vincent and the Grenadines beingremoved from the blacklist in 2003.The current global financial crisis led the G20 Meeting in

London, creating a new Grey List of countries where theexchange of information was considered inadequate. St. Vincentwas placed on this list and faced the arduous task of attaining atleast 12 acceptable TIEA Tax Information Agreements by the endof 2009. The Pittsburgh G20 has extended the date to March2010. At the time of writing this article in October 2009, St.Vincent already had 8 agreements signed, and more thanenough further agreements in the pipeline to comply by the endof 2009 - e.g. with the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark,Aruba, Netherland Antilles, Austria and Liechtenstein validated.



St. Vincent as an Offshore Financial Centre

Attractive opportunities exist both for those buyers purchasing a property purely for investment purposes and for those people whowant to make a sound investment, but also have a holiday home for their own use

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www.jeeves-group.com

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Many pose the question Quo Vadis SVG? It is abundantlyclear that the high-taxed countries of this world will continue towatch very closely all developments in countries with beneficiallaws and tax legislation. Despite the fact, for example, that the UKoffers non-residents special tax deals e.g. a net taxation ofapproximately 5% on firms registered in the UK, but not doingbusiness within the jurisdiction, or the US with the State ofDelaware offering multiple services of company registrations withno, or low, tax rates and with soft- controls, but to quote just twoof many worldwide accepted practices, it is easier for them toattack the policies of small states rather than amending theirpractice of preaching water and drinking wine. In the latestround of G20 meetings, renowned economies such asSwitzerland, Austria and Belgium were not spared the rod.Therefore it will be of paramount importance for SVG to

continually modernize its legislation on international companiesand mutual funds. The industry is also facing the future with arange of new compliant products using, amongst other things,the three fields that remain unchallenged, namely the last willand testament or letter of wishes, insurance products andinvestment programmes. All these vehicles can be structured in acompliant manner and can be effectively used for assetprotection and estate management. It will need diligent attentionto the supporting legislation and regulations to ensure that thejurisdiction of St. Vincent does not fall foul of any ring-fencingrebukes via the FATF/OECD. This will mean, for example, that anytax residency rulings for foreigners taking domicile within thejurisdiction need to be quid pro quo applicable to all Vincentianresidents e.g. worldwide income not taxed, but only the income

generated within thejurisdiction for all. This again isa glaring example of the dowhat I say and not what I domentality existing in theattitude of the larger nationsagainst the small. The UK onlyoffers exclusion of taxation onworldwide income for a specialclassification of taxpayer.However, if the smaller low taxnations do this for anyparticular segment, the ring-fencing complaint is automatic.During the recent UN Sessionthe SVG Ambassador C.Gonsalves courageouslypointed this discrimination outto the Assembly.Innovative products and

approaches are now requiredand, as ever, excellent personalservice so that the widespectrum of a financialservices sector, includingshipping, company, trust andmutual fund registrations, tomention the main elements,may prosper in the future.



St. Vincent and the Grenadines offer a range of property investment opportunities to suit every tasteand every budget

Znon


Courtesy

CamelotVilla

Beach retreats, classic villas and distinctive houses. Based in theislands, this friendly team offers a full service to help you find and enjoyyour perfect island hideaway. With a comprehensive online guide andswift, responsive service you can relax and fully enjoy your Grenadinesvilla experience. Benefit from helpful services such as provisioning,welcome meals and 24hr on-island assistance. Contact GrenadineIsland Villas for detailed information on island developments,investment opportunities and land & villa purchase. Visit theirWaterfront offices on Bequia to arrange guided property viewings.

Grenadine Island VillasBequia Waterfront, Frangipani GardensTel: 784-529-8046 or 784-455-0969 or 784-457-3739e-mail: [email protected] www.grenadinevillas.com

When looking for land, whether for commercial use or to build thatdream vacation or retirement villa, look to Union Island. Amagnificent volcanic island set in the Caribbean Sea, unspoiled andpeaceful, you will find it to be an idyllic location. Erika's is a fullservice realtor, providing legal services, land surveying and plenty ofsupport to help ease the process, especially for foreign purchasers.Call them today, or check their listings online. Erika's has a widerange of excellent properties, just waiting for you to fall in love with.

Erika's Land & Villa AgentsTel: 784-485-8335 Mobile: 784-494-1212North America Tel: 416-848-7325 Fax: 784-485-8336e-mail: [email protected]

www.erikamarine.com/realestatesales

After many years of experience in finding suitable villas to match theirclients vacation aspirations, Grenadine Escape share theirknowledge by advising and recommending possible purchaseoptions based on the vision you have for your own Caribbean home.They have dedicated agents on both sides of the Atlantic. A year agothey bought a property of their own at Lower Bay in Bequia. Theirinvestment has grown thirty percent in value. For first hand knowledgeof properties throughout the region, contact Grenadine Escape.

Grenadine Escape Sales & RentalsLower Bay, Bequia & London, England.Bequia: 784 4960654UK: 44 208 [email protected] www.grenadine-escape.com

30

he multi-island country of St. Vincent

and the Grenadines is a land of many

contrasts. Comprising 32 enchanting

islands and cays, St. Vincent, referred

to as the mainland, is mountainous and lush,

with tumbling waterfalls, verdant rainforests,

magnificent coral reefs... and an active volcano.

Abounding in natural beauty, steeped in history

and rich in cultural heritage, St. Vincent is still

relatively untouched by mass tourism and remains

a wonderful place to "get away from it all" and

soak up some true Caribbean culture.

St. Vincent


St. Vincent

TPart of a great ceremonial vessel found in the Southern Grenadines;Saladoid 160-650AD

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St. Vincents Botanical Gardens, founded in 1763, is the oldest botanical garden in the western hemisphereZnon

A Brief HistoryThe Kalinago (or Caribs as they were

named by the Europeans), knew St. Vincentas Hairoun - Land of the Blessed. The islandmay first have been inhabited by a group ofAmerindians, sometimes known as theCiboney, whose economy would havedepended both on marine resources andon foods gathered or hunted from the land.Evidence of these Archaic or pre-ceramicpeople is strongest in islands such asAntigua, Trinidad andMartinique, butmuchfurther research is needed to establish thetrue extent of the earliest occupation of St.Vincent.Another indigenous group of

Amerindians, who entered the Caribbeanisland chain from the northern regions ofSouth America, formed a second wave ofmigration into the islands beginningaround 500BC. Highly skilled navigators,mariners, pottery makers, weavers andbasket makers, these early Caribbeanpeople introduced agriculture into theislands, mainly in the form of cassava their staple crop.Archaeological evidence indicates that

these people established settlements in St.Vincent from around 150AD onwards. Overthe next 1,200 years, they engaged intrading and exchange with other groups inother islands up and down the Antilleanchain, bringing subtle changes to thepopulation structure and its culture.A final migration from South America

brought the Island Caribs into the region,arriving in St. Vincent around 1,450AD less than 50 years before the Europeanswere to first set foot in the Caribbean. Thepre-existing Amerindians were overrun bythe Caribs (although much of their culture,language and skills were absorbed andendured in a modified form) and a newchapter in Vincentian history began.More warlike than their predecessors

or perhaps simply more threatened theCaribs vigorously defended their homelandagainst any attempts at foreign occupation.Their valiant resistance throughout the 17thcentury prevented St. Vincent from beingtaken and colonized until long after mostother Caribbean islands had well-established European settlements.In the first half of that same century,

there were some new arrivals on the island.Africans both survivors of shipwreckedDutch and Spanish slave ships and, later,

escapees from British plantations inBarbados slowly began to be absorbedinto St. Vincents existing Carib population,adopting much of their language and theirculture. Referred to as Black Caribs todistinguish them from the original YellowCaribs, the progeny of this unique group inSt. Vincent became the foundation of theGarifuna (which means cassava-eatingpeople) who today populate Belize andHonduras.Despite sustained resistance, both the

British and the French pursued theirattempts to settle the tantalizingly fertileisland into the early 18th century. Althougheach was deeply mistrusted by both theBlack and the Yellow Caribs, it was theFrench who became St. Vincents firstEuropean settlers, permitted by the Caribsto establish small holdings and settlementson the Leeward side in the early 1700s.Meanwhile the European nations

continued to be at war. The 1748 Treaty ofAix-la-Chapelle officially ended the War of

32

St. Vincent


Petroglyph at Yambou

Zno

n

the Austrian Succession and included the proviso that St. Vincentremain officially neutral. The 1763 Treaty of Paris, which ended theSeven Years War, saw France ceding the neutral island of St.Vincent to the British, together with Grenada and the Grenadineislands.During the period 1772-1773 (referred to as the First Carib War),

the Caribs engaged in guerrilla-like warfare and destroyedplantations by setting them on fire. With Carib aid, the Frenchforcibly seized the island in 1779, but restored it to Britain in 1783,under the Treaty of Versailles. In 1795, the Caribs began the twoyears of conflict known as the Second Carib War. With the aid ofFrench rebels from Martinique, the Caribs, led by their two mainchiefs Chatoyer and Duvalle, plotted the removal of the British bysystematically attacking the British settlers and theirestablishments and engaging the British militia. Chief Chatoyerwas killed in battle on March 14th 1795. Proclaimed a national heroin 2002, a monument in Chatoyers honour can be seen at the siteof the battle in Dorsetshire Hill.Although shocked by Chatoyers death and the loss of much of

their French support, the Caribs fought on. Battles continuedthroughout St. Vincent over the next year, with both sides bearingheavy losses. Finally, after a night of arduous fighting at Vigie, theCaribs approached the British with a flag of truce on June 10th,1796.During the next four months, nearly 5,000 Black Caribs were

exiled to the tiny island of Baliceaux off the coast of Bequia. InMarch 1797, those who survived the ordeal of exile and almosthalf did not were loaded onto a convoy of eight vessels andtransported to the island of Roatan off the coast of Honduras. Thefew remaining Yellow Caribs in St. Vincent scattered to the north of

the island near Sandy Bay, where their descendants can still befound today.The islands plantation economy, based on enslaved labour,

flourished in the early 19th century with sugar, cotton, coffee andcocoa itsmain cash crops. After the emancipation of slaves in 1834,indentured labourers from Portugal and the East Indies werebrought in to rectify the labour shortage. In 1871 St. Vincentbecame a part of the British colony of the Windward Islands.By the latter half of the 19th century the sugar trade had

slumped and a lasting depression ensued, made worse by adevastating eruption of La Soufrire in 1902 which destroyed thenorthern half of the island and killed over 2,000 people.In 1925 a Legislative Council was inaugurated but it was not until

1951 that universal adult suffrage was introduced. St. Vincent & theGrenadines belonged to the Windward Islands Federation until1959 and the West Indies Federation between 1958 and 1962.Britain granted internal self-government to the island in 1969 andas a British Associated State, Vincentians were responsible for theirinternal affairs while Great Britain handled foreign affairs anddefence.On October 27, 1979 St. Vincent achieved full Independence

within the Commonwealth from Britain, with Robert Milton Cato asthe new nations first Prime Minister. The New Democratic Party(NDP) formed a majority government with James Mitchell as PrimeMinister in 1984. Politically, the island remained under theleadership of Sir James Mitchell until March 2001 when the UnityLabour Party (ULP), led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, won 12 of the 15parliamentary seats.St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to be a stable

democratic society welcoming visitors from around the world.


Carib Chief Chatoyer and his wives

34

t. Vincent is blessed with verdant

mountain landscapes, volcanic-rich

soil with unspoiled backdrops of

brilliant flora and alluring crystal clear

waters which beckon diving enthusiasts from

around the world. Add to this the easy

accessibility of the idyllic islands and deserted

cays of the Grenadines, and the entire country

emerges as a prime eco-playground.

Theres something here for one and all from

sailing and dolphin-watching, to hiking the nature

trails and swimming in mountain rivers and

waterfalls. You can climb to the top of a volcano, or

explore the fascinating underwater gardens

surrounding this pristine archipelago diving sites

abound in the turquoise waters surrounding these

volcanic islands...

Island Adventures


S

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St. Marys Cathedral, built in 1823

St. Vincent

On the trail to La Soufrire volcano

Courtesy bgb Communications

Abundant reef-life, normally found at 80-ft. in most divedestinations around the world, flourishes here at depths of only25-ft. with an extraordinary variety of critters and tropical reeffish such as angelfish, sargeant majors and peacock flounder. Itis little wonder that St. Vincent was voted the top small animaldestination in the Atlantic and the Caribbean by Rodales ScubaDiving Magazine in 2004.

Dive St. Vincent, Indigo Dive and Fantasea Tours specializein creating tailor-made dives for the beginner and experienceddiver alikethey know where all the best dive sites are located.The shallow-water reefs surrounding almost every island alsomake snorkeling an exciting adventure.

If land activities are more to your liking, contact HazECO Toursor Sams Taxi & Tours their exciting and informative tours arethe perfect way to get off-the-beaten-track and discover thereal St. Vincent. HazECO can also provide guides for varioushiking excursions, including Trinity Falls, the Vermont Nature Trailand the La Soufrire volcano.

From St. Vincent, Bequia is only an hour away by the regularlyscheduled ferry service (see page 15). This is an inexpensive wayto see another island while visiting St. Vincent. Occasionally,during ferry crossings, a school of dolphin will leap and twirl tothe delight of passengers. Six types of dolphin are found inVincentian waters, including spinner, spotted, Fraser andbottlenose. Whales, such as Orcas and pilot, can also beobserved. For those interested in a day of dolphin and whalewatching, outings can be arranged through several operators,including Hal Daize of Sea Breeze Nature Tours and Earl and Kim

Halbich of Fantasea Tours who also offer boat trips to theGrenadine islands and the lovely Falls of Baleine.

SightseeingThe natural wonders of St. Vincent can be seen at the

Botanical Gardens, the oldest such gardens in the WesternHemisphere. Located to the east of the Leeward Highwayheading north out of Kingstown, the gardens were founded in1762 as a commercial breeding ground for plants brought fromother parts of the world. These gardens were Captain Blighsoriginal destination when the mutiny on HMS Bounty delayed hisfirst scheduled arrival. He eventually completed a second voyageand a descendant of one of the original breadfruit trees hebrought thrives in todays garden. Unofficial guides are readilyavailable and can give you a tour of the grounds (negotiate a feebefore setting out expect to pay between US$3 and $5 perperson). There is also a small aviary where you can see the rareSt. Vincent parrot.

Approximately 5 miles/8 kilometres northwest of Kingstown,the road up the Buccament River Valley to the Vermont NatureTrails veers east, off the main road. The nature trails are anetwork of well-posted loops through the 1,000 2,000 footlevels of Grand Bonhomme. The well-maintained paths passthrough an evergreen forest and then on to a tropical rain forest.Towering ferns, 60-foot bamboo stands and hardwood forests100-feet overhead are all standard fare on this extraordinarynature walk. Almost halfway up is a parrot-viewing area where,given the time and the patience, one may be rewarded by seeing

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St. Vincent


St. Vincent

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The Owia Salt Pond is located along the north east coast

the St. Vincent parrot in its natural habitat. Your chances are bestbetween 4pm and dusk.

Continuing north on the Leeward Highway for another 30minutes brings you to the small whaling village of Barrouallie(Bar-relly). The shoreline is dotted with colourful whaling boatswhich are used primarily to catch blackfish, a species of smallwhale. A mere remnant of a once thriving industry during the 19thcentury, the meager catch taken here in no way threatens anyspecies of the water-born mammals.

Another 1015 minutes north is Wallilabou (Wally-la-boo),which is situated on a picturesque bay. Wallilabou was made allthe more famous recently when it was used as the location forPort Royal in the popular Disney movie, Pirates of theCaribbeanCurse of the Black Pearl and its sequel, Dead MansChest.

Farther north is the end of the highway at Chateaubelair andRichmond. Here hikers can climb the western trail to LaSoufrire, the massive volcano that takes up the northern thirdof the island. While this trail, which turns inland at the WallilabouDry River, is considered more scenic than the eastern trail whichcomes up from just north of Georgetown, on the windward sideof the island, it is rougher and takes about three hours to reachthe volcano crater. The more popular, three-and-a-half-mile trailon the eastern coast begins about one mile north of Georgetown,just above the Rabacca Dry River. A four-wheel-drive vehicle isneeded to navigate the old plantation road that takes hikers tothe base of the 4,000-foot volcano. Guides and vehicles for eithertrail should be arranged with a reputable tour company.

Dark View Falls are two majestic falls, set in the forest-cladRichmond Valley on the northwest of the island. A naturalbamboo bridge spans this tumbling river luring you to a uniquesetting of the two falls, in step formation. This is an uncommonfeature for one site, with elevations of up to 229 feet.

One of St. Vincents most popular northern attractions isvirtually unapproachable by land. The Falls of Baleine can onlybe reached comfortably by boat, usually a day trip out ofKingstown with an organized tour company like Friendship Rose(based in Bequia), Sea Breeze Nature Tours or Fantasea Tours.

Before heading out of Kingstown toward the windward(eastern) side of the island, take the wonderfully scenic ridealong Queens Drive, in the heights, just east of the capital. Theroad begins about halfway between Kingstown and the E.T.Joshua Airport at Sion Hill. It first winds north up a ridge,climbing Dorsetshire Hill (where the famed Carib chieftainChatoyer met his untimely end battling the British), to MillersRidge. From there the road heads in a northeasterly fashion andthen veers south to the airport.

The road up the Atlantic side of the island can be approachedfrom two ways, at the end of the airport runway in Arnos Valebefore the two routes join together on the coast at the village ofPeruvian Vale. Heading northeast, almost straight out the end ofthe runway, is the Vigie Highway, which leads to Marriaqua (alsoknown as Mesopotamia) Valley, the islands breadbasket. Theroad veers eastward at the small town of Mesopotamia wherethree rivers meet to form the Yambou River, along whose banksslightly downriver are a couple of petroglyphs. The river and theroad run parallel through the Yambou Gorge, before the roadturns slightly northward toward Peruvian Vale. Just north of


La Soufrire Volcano

Wallilabou was used as the location for Port Royal in thepopular Disney movie, Pirates of the Caribbean

Falls of Baleine

The Mesopotamia Valley is known as the islands breadbasket

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Mesopotamia, on a secondary road, are the Montreal Gardens.While theyre not as well known as the Botanical Gardens inKingstown, the array of exotic flowers, spices and plants is no lessimpressive and definitely worth the short detour to get there.

The other route from the airport up the east coast follows thecoastline through one of St. Vincents prime beach areas, stretchingfrom Villa Point past Indian Bay to the end of Calliaqua Bay.Along this part of the winding road are numerous hotels,restaurants and shops, often with a view to the south toward theGrenadines as a dramatic backdrop.

Lying 200 yards off this part of the coast are two rather small, butimpressive islands. The closest and largest is Young Island, asingle-island resort. Legend has it that the island was a reciprocalgift to an English official from a Carib chief who had received ahorse from the Englishman. A small ferry is the only link betweenthe island and the mainland of St. Vincent. Behind Young Island,sticking out of the water on an island shaped like a large loaf ofpumpernickel bread, is Fort Duvernette. Transportation to the fortcan be arranged with the ferry at the dock on Villa Beach.

Continuing up the coast, past Peruvian Vale, the full extent of theislands banana and coconut production is apparent. Travellingpast the fields of tropical crops around Biabou (Bye-a-boo),Colonarie (Con-a-ree), into Georgetown, and even past theRabacca Dry River to the Orange Hill Estate (with nearly 3,200acres, one of the largest coconut plantations in the world), theislands reputation as an agricultural powerhouse in the region ishandsomely displayed.

Though blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, thesetreasures need to be safeguarded and can no longer be taken forgranted. Environmentalists are becoming concerned over thedeterioration of reefs due to ill-placed anchors and debris. Thewaters are being over-fished and the land becoming more litteredwith discarded cans, bottles and plastic. While visiting with us,please be aware that all of us must become more sensitive to thepreservation of the environment so that we can continue to enjoythis paradisaical playground that is St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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St. Vincent


St. Vincent

The exquisite Montreal Gardens envelope some 7.5 acres of fertilemountain land, cradled in a hollow beneath the majestic peak ofGrand Bonhomme

St. Vincents prime beach areas stretch from Villa Point past Indian Bay to the end of Calliaqua Bay

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Leeward CoastChateaubelair - The bay here, with its 40-foot deep reef andarray of brightly coloured fish, is a snorkellers dream. Whileusually a good anchorage, especially on the eastern half of thebay, the northerly swells in the winter months can causedifficulties. Customs clearance is now available in Chateaubelair.Cumberland Bay - The bay is very deep and those boats wishingto anchor will need to do so with a bow or stern rope to a palmtree. There is no customs clearance.Petit Byahaut - Four moorings are available at the resort at PetitByahaut. There is a small beach, diving and snorkelling aresuperb. At Dinosaur Head (face of Byahaut point) you will find a120-foot wall covered in sponges, seafans and coral.Troumakar Bay - This small well-protected bay, with room foronly a handful of yachts, has some mooring posts on the beach.There is good snorkelling along the northern shore.Wallilabou - This picturesque bay is a good diving spot andreliable line handlers are available to help secure yachts.Customs can be cleared here between 4pm and 6pm (up to 7pmduring the busier winter season).Kingstown - Customs and immigration can be cleared atKingstown Harbour between 8:30am and 4pm; there is a tie-upfor yachts.

South-East CoastBlue Lagoon - Surrounded by palm trees, this area with a lovelybeach provides a very pleasant anchorage. Moorings areavailable at Barefoot Yacht Charters or Lagoon Marina.Villa Beach and Indian Bay - There are two white sand beacheson mainland St. Vincent located on the southeast end of theisland. They are divided by a small hilly projection and areeasily accessible. Both beaches offer good snorkelling andprovide lovely views of Young Island and some of the Grenadineislands.Young Island Cut - The anchorage here, lying in clear water, isa favourite with yachtspeople. Anchor with care as the currentsweeps both ways and the centre of the cut is 65 feet deep.Moorings are available, but stay clear of the sea bed close toYoung Island itself. No customs clearance.

Windward CoastOn the windward side of the island there are a number ofbeautiful black sand beaches. Especially popular is Argyle, a longbeach unto which breakers crash furiously.Because of the strong under currents, most of the windwardbeaches are not recommended for swimming.


Beaches and Anchorages

Barrouallie is a picturesque coastal village and pleasant anchorage immigration clearance can be done at the police stationacross from the playing field

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St. Vincent


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HazECO Tours offers visitors an opportunity to experience thebreathtaking beauty and volcanic nature of this country by land andby sea. Personalized, top quality eco-tours to all of the islandsnatural and historical sites can be enjoyed in comfortable, air-conditioned vans or Land Rover Jeeps, or on their luxury 40-ft powerboat. Let their experienced guides take you to the spectacularwaterfalls, lush rainforests, volcano, forts, the Tobago Cays andMustique. See fascinating sights, including ancient petroglyphs andintriguing heritage sites; go bird-watching; explore the islands ontheir off-the-beaten-track hiking excursions.

HazECO ToursP.O. Box 2604, St. VincentTel: 784-457-8634 Fax: 784-457-8105 VHF 16/68 e-mail: [email protected] www.hazecotours.com

While in SVG enjoy a coastal eco cruise with SEA BREEZE NATURETOURS. See live marine entertainment from leaping dolphins to thetail of a whale diving. Since the late 80s, Sea Breeze Nature Tourshave pioneered whale and dolphin watching on the island. Withexperience and ongoing training, they were the first tour operator toI.D. these graceful, gentle cetaceans on each tour. Listen to thesemammals chattering on a hydrophone. Glimpse turtles, flying-fishand the omnipresent aviary. Visit the Pirates of The Caribbean filmset with snorkeling at the beach. Fishing charters available.

Sea Breeze Nature ToursHal & Beverly Daize, Arnos Vale P.O., St. Vincent

Tel: 784-458-4969 e-mail: [email protected] www.seabreezenaturetours.com

Discover the Grenadines with The Friendship Rose. Daily Cruises tothe Tobago Cays, Mustique and the tropical coast of St. Vincent. Diveor snorkel the Tobago Cays, sip Champagne at Mustique, escapealong St. Vincents tropical coastline and visit Disneys Pirates of theCaribbean movie locations. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and cake, with drinks all day all included. Cruise packages also available combining villa andhotel accommodation, inter-island connections and a selection ofday cruises throughout the Grenadines.

Caribbean Schooner CruisesFriendship Rose - 100ft Local Classic Sailing SchoonerTel: 784-495-0886/9e-mail: [email protected] www.friendshiprose.com

St. Vincent

An outstanding tour company with over 15 years experience in showingvisitors around the island. A wide range of specialized sightseeing tourstailored to suit all interests. Discover the breathtaking beauty of theLeeward and Windward coasts with experienced, knowledgeable guides hike the nature trails, visit exquisite botanic gardens, swim in mountainrivers and waterfalls, climb the volcano and explore this land of verdantlandscapes. Sams also offers an island-wide taxi service, airporttransfers, car rentals, internet, fax and telephone services. They also caterto yachtsmen, offering mooring, customs and immigration clearance.

Sams Taxi ToursCane Garden, St. VincentTel: 784-456-4338 Fax: 784-456-4233 e-mail: [email protected]

Indigo Dive specializes in creating tailor-made dive experiences for thebeginner & expert diver alike. They offer a money back guarantee - if youarent satisfied with their service, they will refund you the cost of yourdive! Glass bottom boat & snorkel tours available for non divers too! Thebest diving on the island is just a few minutes boat ride away. The IndigoDive professionals will introduce you to reefs and wall dives teamingwith a diversity of sea life and a number of challenging wreck sites for themore adventurous diver to explore. Services include One to One andgroup tuition, snorkeling excursions, Leeward & sunset cruises, tours tothe Falls of Belaine, Larakai lava bed and Pirates locations plus privatecharters and yacht rendezvous service.

Indigo DiveTel: 784-493-9494e-mail: [email protected] www.indigodive.com


An experience to the islands none can beat! A fully qualified Captain,Earl Halbich has been cruising the islands for over 20 years. Theirfleet of luxury power boats include 60ft party catamaran, 42ft cruiser,38ft & 28ft Bowens. Their excursions are personalised andinformative with the comfort and safety of their guests always inmind. Cruise to the Falls of Baleine, the Grenadine Islands, SunsetCruises, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Scuba Diving, Land Tours, PrivateCharters & Celebration Cruises. Unlimited drinks, snorkelingequipment and lots of fun complimentary. Isnt it time for aFantasea?

Fantasea ToursVilla Beach, St. VincentTel: 784-457-4477/5555 Fax: 784-457-5577e-mail: [email protected] www.fantaseatours.com

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he capital city of Kingstown is located

in the south-western part of the island,

hugging a mile-wide swath of land on

Kingstown Bay backed up by a ring of

green hills and ridges. Nicknamed the City of

Arches, Kingstown is full of old world charm with

cobblestone sidewalks, old brick buildings and,

like many Caribbean capitals, much of the colour

and bustle of the island can be found in the Market

Square at the corner of Bay and Bedford Streets.

This is especially true on Fridays and Saturdays

when the vendors bring in loads of fresh fruit and

vegetables, meat and fish.

While hours of business vary from store to store,

they generally open from 8am until noon, 1pm

until 4pm on weekdays and half day on Saturdays.

Banks normally open Monday to Thursday from

8am to 2pm and on Fridays 8am to 5pm.

Shopping & Services


St. Vincent

TThe capital city of Kingstown

Much of the colour and bustle of Kingstown can be found in the Market Square this is especially true on Fridays andSaturdays when farmers and vendors bring in loads of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish

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KingstownThe city consists of twelve small blocks that are easy to walk

and perfect for browsing. Shops and stores range from simple tosophisticated, selling local crafts, books, cameras, binoculars,watches, crystal and bone china, gold and silver jewellery, SeaIsland cotton and batik. Edwin D. Layne & Sons is a sizeabledepartment store on Bay and Middle Streets where you will findeverything from clothing and fabric, to building materials andelectrical supplies. The Voyager (on Halifax Street) is one of onlya few duty-free shops in town.If you are in need of provisions, C.K. Greaves Supermarket on

Upper Bay Street is convenient and has probably the widestselection of products in town. They also operate SunriseSupermarket (opposite the airport). Checkwith them about theirdelivery service to the docks.The new Cruise Ship Complex has docking facilities for yachts

as well as large passenger ships. The well-stocked GourmetFoods operates a supermarket/caf there, offering a wide varietyof high quality frozen, deli, dry and canned food products andwines from all over the world. Here you will also find a number ofshops carrying a range of local art and craft.For an excellent selection of freshly baked breads, cakes,

pastries, croissants and the like, be sure to visit Natures BestBakery in Arnos Vale.Opposite the post office on Halifax St. is the old library which

was donated by the famous American philanthropist, AndrewCarnegie. The new library has moved to Lower Long Lane and thelovely Carnegie Building is now shared by the St. VincentNational Trust and the Alliance Franaise.

Currency and BankingThe official currency in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the

Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, which is also used in several otherislands in the region and is linked to the US dollar. The exchangerate will vary slightly depending on whether cash or travellerscheques are involved and whether you convert them at a bank orbusiness establishment such as a hotel or restaurant. The normalrange is between $2.60 and $2.68 EC to $1 US.The rate for other currencies fluctuates daily, but in addition to

the US dollar, the British pound sterling and the Canadian dollarare widely accepted. US and Canadian dollars and travellerscheques are generally accepted in hotels and most places ofbusiness and credit cards are usually accepted at most hotels,business establishments and at some car rental companies.Normal banking hours are Monday through Thursday from

8am until 2pm, although some banks now remain open until3pm. On Fridays, most banks re-open from 3pm until 5pm. Hoursare generally extended during Christmas, Easter and Carnival andmay be affected by local holidays.ATM machines are available at the National Commercial

Bank, RBTT Bank, Scotiabank and FirstCaribbean InternationalBank.Kingstown is the main financial and business centre where you

will find the head offices of local, regional and internationalcompanies. There is an established offshore banking industry onthe island and companies such as the St. Vincent & theGrenadines Offshore Finance Authority can provide you withessential information for the setting up of companies and trusts.


St. Vincent

a place so sweet of terrain, oftemperament, and of populace, thatthe senses are enchanted and the soul refreshed

Carols unique photographs capture both the intimate charmand the vibrant images of the islands, with a painters eye. Aregular visitor for the past six years, shewith her cameraand notebookhas travelled the islands by foot, taxi,workboat and sailboat. Her images are available as signedprints, notecards, posters and again this year in her firstpublished book of photographs of St. Vincent & theGrenadines. Find them at locations throughout the islands.

www.carolnicklaus.com

by Carol Nicklaus


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From delicious pastries, cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, piesand cakes for every occasion to wholesome 12 Grain and

Flax seed bread, French and Italian bread, Kaiser, Croissants,buns, loaves, rolls and orders for special occasions..

Experience the difference at Arnos ValeMon Fri: 7 am 7 pm, Sat 7am 4 pm

Tel: 482 9561, Fax 456 5028, [email protected]

Out of Town Shopping & ServicesIn Calliaqua, check out Gourmet Food, they carry an excellent

selection of imported cheeses, exotic meat and seafood, alongwith a good range of other deli items. In the area youll also findHowards Marine who will handle your mechanical problems(they are the agents for OMC) and KP Marine, a general chandlerywith an Internet caf.On the southern side of town is an area known as Villa. This is

where youll find many of the islands hotels, restaurants and barsalong with a few nice boutiques. When in the area be sure tocheck out the recently opened Basils Bali Day Spa (see page46), just across from Young Island. It is a haven of relaxation whereclients can indulge in the pleasures of the Balinese spa therapiesand products on offer and, at the same time, enjoy someshopping in the adjoiningWine Shop and Boutique, where youllfind a wonderful selection of wines from around the world and aglamorous range of fashionable island wear and accessories.The beautifully appointed Oasis Spa (see page 46) is also

situated in the Villa area, perched right on the coastline with theCaribbean Sea and Young Island as its backdrop. Owned andoperated by qualified aesthetician, Monique Tash, the spapampers clients with everything they need to rejuvenate mind,body and spirit. With private treatment rooms, they offereverything from manicures, pedicures and waxing, to facials,body scrubs and wraps. Fancy a massage? Why not try their hotstone massage in the outdoor gazebo by the sea? Monique alsooffers a travelling spa service to many hotels and villasthroughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

SVG National TrustThe St. Vincent National Trust headquarters is located inKingstown, in the Old Carnegie Public Library (Heritage Hall).There is a wonderful exhibit of archaeological treasureshoused within. It is open to the public Mondays Thursdays,10a.m. to 5p.m. or by special arrangement. Entrancedonation EC$5.00. Members free.The Trust is partially supported by Government grants andmember's dues, but is able to accept gifts and contributions.

Tel: (784) 451-2921e-mail: [email protected]

At Basil's


St. Vincent

Basils newly opened full service SPA is located in Villa across fromYoung Island.At Basil's visitors will also find a wonderful collection of beautifulbamboo furniture, contemporary pieces, and many more exquisiteaccessories for the home, imported from Asia and beyond.While there, be sure to stop by the lovely new coffee shop right bythe sea.

At BasilsVilla (across from Young Island), St. VincentTel: 784-456-2602e-mail: [email protected] www.basilsbar.com

Created by skilled craftsmen, these fine spirits, whose rootsoriginated in the sugar cane regions of St. Vincent, eventually founda home at the Mt. Bentick Estates in the early 1900s. Here, nestledamid lush agricultural country, abundant in pure mountain water,generations of blendmasters have carefully reproduced thesedistinctive Sunset rums: forged by time in oaken barrels and soughtafter by true connoisseurs.

St. Vincent DistillersP.O. Box 112, Kingstown, St. Vincent & The GrenadinesTel: 784-458 6221Fax: 784-457 6361e-mail: [email protected] www.sunsetrum.com

Gourmet Food, originally from Sweden, offers a wide variety of highquality frozen, Deli, dry and canned food products from all over theworld. They have three outlets: a supermarket in Calliaqua,supermarket/caf at the Kingstown Cruise Ship Berth and at O'car inBequia. Also available is

Documents

Ins and Outs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines