St Vincent and the Grenadines / Special Interests

2012 is destined to be a watershed year in the  history of St Vincent & the Grenadines with the anticipated arrival of direct continental traffic after completion of  the new $240 million airport at Argyle in mid 2013. It’s been a long while coming despite serious reservations expressed by the local Green Party (SVGP), and its  impact will be wide ranging. Much of the island’s charm is rooted in an olde worldliness, the absence of rampant commercialism and over reliance on tourism, which is bound to present a major challenge as development pressures increase. Beaches are mostly black sand, but the country’s  projected  370 room luxury Buccament  Bay resort is on stream at Layou on the west coast, a massive overload already some have argued. White sand occurs around Young Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Caribbean, and there are more  traditional  atmospheric bars and restaurants  on the nearby mainland coast at Indian Bay and Villa.

St Vincent is a lush, mountainous, no frills, earthy destination with excellent hiking and probably the most understated natural phenomenon in the region, the dramatic crater rim of the Soufriere volcano and its deeply incised flanks which are accessed by trails from both the east and west coasts. Culture and heritage buffs are well served by the oldest Botanical Gardens in the western hemisphere on the outskirts of the capital Kingstown, a relic population of  Black Caribs at Owia and Fancy on the north eastern Atlantic seaboard, and the annual colourful carnival parades, “Vincy Mas”. The picturesque cricket ground at Arnos Vale by the old ET Joshua airport is also a great place to watch West Indies one day internationals.

Many old men of the sea contend that sailing the associated Grenadine islets and cays is a rite of passage, life affirming endeavour among the swells and cross currents of a world renowned area; yachting around the islands of Bequia,Union, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique and the Tobago Cays(snorkelling with turtles here too) is simply glorious and local ferries can be a good way to travel—allow leeway with schedules and timings though and always double check both. Alternatively charter the timber schooner Scaramouche out of Union, the odd light aircraft and partake of water taxis. Luxury villas can be rented on Palm Island, Petit St.Vincent, the uber rich enclave of Mustique and Canouan, all of which encapsulate the white sand palm fringed classic idyll and image. St Vincent essentially appeals to the rootsier traveller seeking an authentic West Indian experience.

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