St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Beyond the important academic and training benefits of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, St. Vincent is one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean. The locals provide a warm and friendly environment and are proud to be in partnership with this enterprise – serving as staff members, vendors, landlords, and faculty (clinicians and practitioners).

The island is located in the Lesser Antilles and its government (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) is a member of the Commonwealth of Great Britain. As part of the country – neighboring islands such as Mustique, Canouan and Bequia – are well known as major tourist destinations.

Geography

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is situated in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern end of the Windward Islands chain. It is an archipelago of islands, St. Vincent being the largest, with the smaller Grenadines comprising Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, Petit St. Vincent and a number of small islets. The country lies approximately sixty one degrees West (61° W) longitude and thirteen degrees North (13° N) latitude, with its nearest neighbors being Barbados one hundred (100) miles to the East; St. Lucia twenty one (21) miles to the North and Grenada twenty eight (28) miles to the south.

The country covers approximately 384 sq km, and has a total population of 111,380 (1998 updated figure). The capital, Kingstown has a population of 25,000. The topography is quite mountainous, with average temperature of 27° C, and annual rainfall of 2100 mm. The official language is English, with approximately 85% of the population being functionally literate. The currency used is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), with an exchange rate of EC$1 = US$0.37.

History

The Carib Indians inhabited St. Vincent before the Europeans arrived, and the island still sports a sizable number of Carib artifacts. Explored by Columbus in 1498, and alternately claimed by Britain and France, St. Vincent became a British colony by the Treaty of Paris in 1763. In 1773, the island was divided between the Caribs and the British, but conflicts between the groups persisted. In 1776, the Caribs revolted and were subdued. Thereafter the British deported most of them to islands in the Gulf of Honduras. Sugarcane cultivation brought African slaves and, later, Portuguese and East Indian laborers.

The islands belonged to the West Indies Federation from 1958 until its dissolution in 1962, won home rule in 1969 as part of the West Indies Associated States, and achieved full independence Oct. 27, 1979.

Government

Dr. The Honorable Ralph Everard Gonsalves, Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), was appointed by His Excellency the Governor-General to the Office of Leader of the Opposition with effect from October 1, 1999. Dr. Gonsalves succeeded the distinguished statesman, the Honorable Vincent Ian Beache, who voluntarily demitted that Office. On December 6, 1998, Dr. Gonsalves was elected Political Leader of the ULP in succession, to Mr. Beache. He is now into his second term as Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, his Unity Labour Party (ULP) having successfully contested the General Elections of 2001 and 2005.

Historical & Cultural Sights

Kingstown Market: A bustling, vibrant market carrying a superb selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish. Particularly well stocked on Fridays and Saturdays. Local arts and crafts are frequently displayed in the courtyard.

St. George’s Anglican Cathedral

Built in the early 1800s in the Georgian architectural style it features spectacular stained-glass windows, one of which was originally commissioned by Queen Victoria to hang in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Eventually the window found its way to Kingstown as a gift to the bishop.

St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral

Built in 1823, and rebuilt most recently in the 1930s by a Flemish monk, the cathedral displays an amazing mixture of styles, including Moorish, Romanesque, and Georgian, all fashioned out of dark volcanic-sand bricks.

The Botanical Gardens

The Leeward (west) coast of St. Vincent leads to many interesting sights. A visit to the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, is a favorite stop for both visitors and Locals. Here, rare and exotic flowers, plants and trees abound. The garden was founded in 1762 as a commercial breeding ground for plants brought from other parts of the world. St. Vincent was Captain Bligh’s original destination when the mutiny on HMS Bounty delayed his first scheduled arrival. He eventually completed a second voyage, and a descendant of one of his original breadfruit trees thrives in today’s garden. There is also an aviary for a close-up view of the majestically colored national bird, the St. Vincent parrot (Amazona Guildingii). Guides are available and will happily escort you on a short, half-hour tour of the grounds for US$2 a person, longer tours are available for US$3 a person.

Fort Charlotte

On Berkshire Hill, just west of town, and over 600 feet above the bay, is Fort Charlotte. Named after King George III’s wife, the fortification was constructed in 1806. In its heyday, it supported 600 troops and 34 guns. Some of the old barracks now house a museum with the colorful history of the Black Caribs depicted on its walls.

The Grenadines

Palm Island

At the World Travel Awards it was named ‘The World’s Leading Private Island’. Caribbean Travel & Life ranks it amongst the Caribbean’s ‘most romantic resorts’. Travel & Leisure says it is ‘one of the best places to stay in the world’. Palm Island is a very special place.

It lies on its own 135-acre island in The Grenadines, that chain of exclusive little islands that runs between St. Vincent in the north and Grenada in the south. It is reached via a 45-minute flight from Barbados to neighboring Union Island, followed by an 8-minute ride by private launch.

Great care has been taken to ensure the resort blends in with these untouched natural surroundings. The five white sand beaches are complemented by just 37 guest rooms that are dwarfed by the coconut palms and charmingly styled with their island-setting in mind. Activities are low-key and generally focused upon the sand and the sea, while dining is always a breeze-cooled beachfront affair, the delicious Euro-Caribbean cuisine taking full advantage of freshly-caught seafood and locally-grown vegetables.

Yet Palm Island is not just a resort. It’s a place where guests slow down, recharge their batteries and gradually rediscover the wonders of nature. Panoramic walking trails show off indigenous iguanas and interesting birdlife. Visiting yachts and traditional beach homes contribute a sense of authentic island life. And boat trips to the world-famous Tobago Cays ensure visitors leave with a great ‘sense of place’.

Mustique

The island of Mustique is owned by the Mustique Company, which in turn is owned by the island's home owners. The island has approximately 90 private villas, many of which are available for weekly rentals through the Mustique Company. There are also two privately-owned hotels on the island (The Cotton House and Firefly). Because of its luxury and isolation, Mustique has over the years attracted a number of the rich and famous: Noel Gallagher, Princess Margaret, Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Kate Moss, Felix Dennis, James V. Kimsey, David Bowie, Tommy Hilfiger, Robert Worcester, and Jonathan Marks. Those who still have homes on the island can sometimes be seen at Basil's Beach Bar.

The island covers 1,400 acres (5.7 km² or 2.2 sq. miles) and it has several coral reefs. The land fauna includes tortoises, herons and many other species. The year-round population of about 500 live in the villages of Lovell, Britannia Bay and Dover.

Britannia Bay, Mustique

With a harbor front focal point, this fishing village is the commercial heart of the island. Groceries can be bought at Corea's Food Store and at the Mustique General Store. The French-run Sweetie Pie Bakery is a fabulous place to stock up on baguettes, croissants and pain au chocolate. Basil's Bar & Restaurant is just across the road. A visit to their Wednesday night barbecue buffet is a must, as is staying for the "jump up"! The annual Mustique Blues Festival is held at the bar. The boutique at Basil's, and the much-photographed pink and purple gingerbread houses of Treasure Boutiques, are splendid places to pick up souvenirs.

Bequia

Lying just nine miles to the south of St. Vincent, Bequia is the largest of the Grenadine islands - a compact seven square miles. Her history has been deeply entwined with the sea for generations. The age-old traditions of boat-building, fishing and whaling are still evident today. The main port of entry is Port Elizabeth in Admiralty Bay - a picturesque bay if ever there was one and a popular anchorage with yachtsmen from all over the globe. It is considered one of the best harbors in the Caribbean because of its deep "U" shape, calm, clear water and ample depth, allowing large boats to come very close to shore for repair and general maintenance. When mooring in the bay, be sure to stay clear of the ferry route to the jetty in Port Elizabeth and check with the local authorities for certified moorings and garbage disposal.

There are excellent marine services to be found in and around Port Elizabeth with convenient dinghy docks located at Frangipani, Gingerbread, Plantation House and in Port Elizabeth where there is easy access to showers, laundry services and internet facilities. There is a very good docking facility, the Tradewinds Cruise Club now located at Bequia Marina. The Bosun's Locker is now located behind the Anglican Church, where water, fuel, ice and other marine essentials can be easily obtained and loaded directly onto your vessel.

Princess Margaret Beach (also known as Tony Gibbons Beach) is a popular and generally safe anchorage with a lovely beach and calm, clear water. At the far end of the bay there is a natural rock archway leading into a small, sheltered cove. One of Bequia's best beaches lies just beyond at Lower Bay, a long stretch of pure white sand with crystal clear water, excellent for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. A good daytime anchorage, though occasionally subject to swells. Near De Reef Restaurant (great spot for lunch and drinks, particularly popular on Sundays when they sometimes have a live band performing), there is a small stretch of on-shore reef providing an area of shallow pools along the shore especially suitable for children. Beware of the poisonous, manchineel trees and the yellow-green "apples" strewn along the beach. Contact with the leaves, branches or fruit will cause severe blistering. Several popular restaurants and bars, including Dawn's Creole and Coco's Place provide light snacks, delicious lunches and cold drinks at very reasonable prices. If you are in search of a welcome break from the hot midday sun, visit Claude Victorine's Art Studio (call first, 458-3150), it's just up the hill at the end of the bay. On display are wonderful watercolor works by her daughter, Louloune, and Claude's own unique hand-painted creations on silk.

Friendship Bay, on the south-eastern side, is a short distance over the hill from Lower Bay. This sheltered bay provides a secure anchorage for yachts and offers excellent snorkeling, scuba and windsurfing conditions. Lunch and drinks are available at the Friendship Bay Hotel. www.friendshipbayresort.com

The more wind-swept beaches of Hope, Spring and Industry, along the eastern coastline, have ample shade and make excellent picnic spots. While Spring and Industry are easily reached by road, Hope is more remote and you should be prepared for the rough, downhill hike to the beach (and back up again). Caution should be taken when swimming along this coast as there can be a strong undertow at times.

Some excellent web sites to visit for information are listed below:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2345.htm
http://www.svgtourism.com/channels/1.asp?id=4