Over the River and Beyond
EDITOR: Tucked away in the northeastern pocket of St.Vincent and the Grenadines are the flourishing villages of Sandy Bay, Owia, and Fancy, affectionately called ‘Over the River’.
For years, residents here watched the ocean creep closer, threatening the roads, homes, and livelihoods that connect their communities. In recent decades, these areas have seen a total transformation through the improvement of roads, bridges, and the installation of utilities.
A major threat that, until recently, had not been addressed was the slow but obvious erosion of the coastline, which would eventually compromise the integrity of the road networks in these areas. Today, with the Sandy Bay Coastal Resilience Project, the tide is finally turning. But how exactly is this transformation happening—and what does it mean for the future of the people of these proud indigenous villages?
As indigenous communities, these villages contribute to the nation through agriculture and sports, and it’s important that goods and people are able to commute in and out consistently and without interference.
Because of the mountainous terrain, the roads in this area were constructed along the coastline, thus adding to the complexity of the issue. Roads were therefore vulnerable to the damaging waves rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Anecdotal accounts suggest the current conditions of the coastline are “a joke” compared to what existed many decades ago. Some residents have even said the seas have washed away older roads and recreational playing fields.
One may argue that we cannot fight against nature and that we could relocate people to a safer, more sheltered area. But Sandy Bay is more than just a village; it is a connecting ground for the native people of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribs. Our only National Hero once lived here and, as such, the area holds cultural and historical significance, and should be preserved for future generations. In her glory, the magnificent La Soufrière would agree, which is why during her last eruptions in 2021 the width of the beach in Sandy Bay increased drastically, providing more protection than what had existed pre-eruption.
The Sandy Bay Coastal Resilience Project could not have come at a better time. The construction of an armoured revetment has allowed for a larger area of reclaimed land and the provision of a defense mechanism against future erosion.
The Government, through its collaboration with Smith Warner International Limited and with funding from the Caribbean Development Bank, has completed one of the three lots identified to be protected by the coastal revetment. With the completion of the works here, existing homeowners have an additional line of defense to protect their property from storm surge and damaging waves. More land space has also been created, which can allow for more visitors to the area, and new recreational areas can provide income for small vendors in the community over the weekends and holidays.
The Atlantic Ocean is known for its powerful waves and merciless storms. Modern engineering approaches such as those being implemented with this project will help to preserve our road networks, the villages ‘Over the River’, and the livelihoods of every Vincentian who lives there.
Luzanne Edwards, MSc Site Engineer
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