The contradiction that is SVG and its tourism development programme

In this month of Independence, I have cause to reflect on this amazing feat of nature called St Vincent and the Grenadines.

I have repeatedly said, that as a composite unit, we have the most appealing group of islands in the eastern Caribbean, and perhaps beyond. I have heard visitors laud our natural touristic sites, time and again, and dish out endless compliments on our landscape. They also comment on the unique appeal of our chain of islands.

Still, we have not yet capitalized on these natural wonders, despite the game-changing presence of an international airport and the key focus on very important hotel projects.

Salt Whistle Bay

Some Visitors’ Comments

I recently heard a group of visitors speak quite highly of Salt Whistle Bay, the Tobago Cays, Palm Island, and of Glossy Bay. They loved Union’s quaint special personality and going on a hike across the island. Though they wanted to, they did not visit Dark View Falls, nor had the chance to climb La Soufriere. I recommended to them that the next time they stamp their feet on St Vincent, they should also visit Fancy and Owia Salt Pond. This last time, a break-away couple saw Montreal Gardens and thought that they were as close to heaven as they could be on this earth – their words.

My Concerns

We are strong in our natural endowment. But there are some things that are of concern to more than a few. I base these comments on the principle that – We must not create facilities for visitors, without considering the pleasure, leisure and economic well-being of our nationals.

Indian Bay Beach

Indian Bay Beach

For all of St Vincent’s bays and inlets, we effectively have four or five ‘decent ‘beaches – Indian Bay being one. This is to where a few dozen Vincentians go at any one time. The beach is dirty. The water is constantly polluted from run-offs from the land. There is very little parking to accommodate even the few vehicles that may come there on a given afternoon. Further, I believe, that there may be some encroachment on public or beach land by one of the property owners in the area. I plead with the Planning Authorities to review the boundary markers of where some people go to escape the carnival. Treat our nationals better. And please do something about the pollution at Villa beach also.

The Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Set

In some of our existing promotional material, we still invite visitors to the non-existing Wallilabou set of the first in the series of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. We had a glorious opportunity to attach both historic and entertainment value to this set, for visitors and Vincentians alike. We didn’t do that. It is a crying shame that we have allowed this treasure to be destroyed like that. Who is responsible? Is it Shadow? Can we re-build it?

Mt Wynne Beach
There is a strange school of thought held by some government officials that the Mt Wynne beach access roads must, for the preservation of a “natural” look, remain in such a ruinous state, hostile to the due care of your vehicle. We have convenience rooms at one beach, but no facility nor water supply at the other. I expect that the Marriott hotel project will include facilities for nationals also.

The Bequia Roads

Bequia is a peaceful, calming sanctuary. This is universally acknowledged. But the roads, boy! Despite some work recently done by BRAGSA, they are in some places, quite horrible and dangerous! If there is to be any major mishap as a result, I believe that a strong case could be made against the appropriate authority for criminal negligence.

While speaking of Bequia, I cannot exclude the concern that many have raised about the condition of the J.F. Mitchell Airport and the need for the beautification of the area immediately around it.

Nightlife on St Vincent

This is how I would describe nightlife in St Vincent on a typical weeknight – “…………………………”! Why can’t the hotels get together and shuttle their guests to a single location on a rotation basis? We have the entertainers who could put on a professional package, two or three nights per week. Who is the spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and what are they saying will be done to correct these pathetic deficiencies? As a Vincentian, if you want to get out of your home for a weekday evening of relaxation, you virtually have to create your own programme.

If we are genuinely honest with ourselves, we must admit that the country needs to do much more to upgrade its recreational and entertainment facilities.

I appreciate the development initiatives such as the Rawacou Salt Pond and Park, Chatoyer Park, Black Point Tunnel, Vermont Nature Trail, etc. We can certainly lift their value immensely by doing something about the internal and surrounding infrastructure, for the benefit of our nationals. By so doing, the visitors will come.