Tourism projects on course

The Tourism Development Project, which will see 18 tourist sites around the island upgraded, is said to be on course.

Minister of Tourism Glen Beache at a press conference on Tuesday announced that work is 85 per cent finished on the Vermont Nature Trail, and there is ongoing construction at Owia Salt Pond and the Botanic Gardens – which is ahead of schedule.{{more}} Apart from the Botanic Gardens, the designated sites come under the care of the National Parks Authority. At present, the Botanic Gardens is under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism. Once fully upgraded, it will be turned over to the National Parks Authority as an Independence gift to the Vincentian public.

Beache announced that work should be starting soon at Rawacou, Dark View Falls and Trinity Falls. He was, however, sceptical on the issue of the Falls of Baleine, which has been closed to the public for some time due to periodic landslides when it rains heavily. He expressed that the problem could be fixed but it would be difficult and expensive. Beache also suggested that the site be turned into ‘viewing only’ or prohibit entry if it is/has been raining.

Moreover, Beache pressed upon the public to clean up after they visit beaches and picnic sites. He lamented the fact that despite numerous requests, people seem not to be taking the issue of littering seriously. “We take pride in our houses. We need to take some more pride in St. Vincent and the Grenadines!” he pleaded.

Minister Beache also spoke of his 6-day visit to Taiwan with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker. The Vincentian team met with the Taiwanese Tourism Bureau to discuss ways of strengthening the link between Taiwan and SVG. They also met with several tour operators and travel agents to strike up interest in travel packages to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Taiwan owns its own airline, China Airways, and is a major stakeholder in EVA airways. Despite this, Beache relayed that Vincentian travel packages that they intend to promote need to be highly attractive because of the great distance involved in travelling from Taiwan to our island. “If you’re going to make that trip, you want to make sure you get the most out of it.” Beache announced that the Ministry intends to work closely with LIAT on these packages. He conceded that many have criticised the Government’s investment in the airline but they fail to realise that “…if there is no LIAT, there is no tourism!”

The Vincentian delegation also met with the President and the Premier of Taiwan, both of whom were satisfied with the relationship between their countries. Beache revealed that the Taiwanese president had promised to visit SVG some time in the near future – something the Minister is looking forward to, as it will let the Taiwanese see what St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to offer.

Beache also made mention of his meeting with Vincentian students studying in Taiwan. “They seem to be in good spirits,” he confirmed.(JSV)