ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

Welcome to the beautiful island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. St. Vincent, Chief Island of the chain, is 18 mi long and 11 mi wide, and is located 100 mi west of Barbados. The island is mountainous and well forested. St. Vincent is dominated by the volcano Mount Soufrière, which rises to 4,048 ft. The Grenadines, a chain of nearly 600 islets with a total area of only 17 sq mi, extend for 60 mi between St. Vincent and Grenada. The main islands in the Grenadines are Bequia, Balliceau, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Isle D'Quatre, Petit Saint Vincent, and Union Island. With a population of 117,193, the Capital of the island is called Kingstown and it is said to be the largest city on the island.

St. Vincent is divided into two distinct coastal structures Windward (east) and Leeward (west). The Leeward (west) is endowed with a series of spectacular slopes and valleys running down into tranquil waters and beaches such as Ottley Hall, Mount Wynne and Kearton's Bay. One of the valleys, Buccament, also boasts a casino and a nature trail. The trail is ideal for picnics and for a sight of the elusive St. Vincent parrot. The drive up the meandering Leeward highway takes you through the villages of Layou and Barrouallie to Chateaubelair and Richmond, where the road ends with the sea on your left and mountains with the Soufriere Volcano in sight.

LANGUAGE
English and patois

FOOD
The National Dish of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is roasted breadfruit and Jack fish.

MUSIC
St. Vincent and The Grenadines has a thriving music scene. You will find an abundance of Steel Pan players, Soca singers, Calypsonians, Drummers, Dancehall artists, Gospel singers and many more. Many artistes record their music on the island with some having regional and international success. Presently one such artist has made it really big on the international scene. Kevin Lyttle with his hit "Turn Me On", recorded at Sky Studios in St. Vincent.

FESTIVAL
St. Vincent celebrates their carnival in June/July. In the many rural events and the midsummer splendor of Vincy Mas, celebrates a heritage of revelry, royalty and music. When steel pan orchestras play we hear the Caribbean's unique music. The verses of storytellers, the Calypsonians, reflect upon the soul of the nation today, the ills and dreams and aspirations. Out of which pasts dance the mischief making characters of Old Mas - the jab jabs, pierrots and jumbies, the boosey back, robbers and bats? They dance to Calypso's beat in the raw energy of the new Soca music which carries a flag-waving, jumping-up youth into a new Caribbean age, and crown their own royalty - Soca Monarch, Calypso Monarch, Miss Carnival, the Prince and Princess and the King and Queen of the Mas Bands.

Bright sunshine, clear skies, sea colors with various hues of blue and green. The temperature remains a friendly 80°F all year round. Tranquil valleys and clear streams flanked by majestic mountain peaks; super-abundance of singing birds and tropical fruits; friendly and hospitable people. These and more makes St. Vincent & The Grenadines the ideal choice for the independent traveler. Whether you arrive by sea or air you will be greeted by a friendly host, excellent cuisine, and breathtaking views. Tropical flowers and shrubs send their fragrance in the air. Birdsong and bright sunlight will wake you in the morning. A look through your window will entice you into the warm Caribbean ambiance. Visit this lovely island and escape to a heavenly paradise.

By Melissa Hunte