On this page, we feature some tourist attractions which our Delegates and accompanying family members or guests, may wish to take advantage of whilst visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We also hope that once you get a taste of our beautiful country, you will return again and again to explore the many sights which we offer.
KINGSTOWN AND ITS ENVIRONS
Peace Memorial Hall, the venue for the Conference is located in Kingstown, the capital of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Kingstown, dubbed “the City of Arches” is the main commercial center of the Island and its interesting features include cobblestone streets, colonial buildings with the signature arch as a main architectural feature and quaint old Churches.
Historic buildings located within walking distance of the Conference venue which are a “must see” include the St. George’s Anglican Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Assumption. There is also the Botanical Gardens, established in 1765 as a plant breeding Center and to provide medicinal plants for the colony. It is the oldest botanical Gardens in the Western Hemisphere. The gardens feature flowering plants and trees as well as an aviary within which visitors can find the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Bird, the “Amazona Guildingi” or St. Vincent Parrot. Entrance to the Gardens is Free and the Gardens is open from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm daily.
A short ride away from Kingstown one can also find Fort Charlotte which is located on a high ridge north of the city. The old Officers quarters displays oil murals demonstrating the history of the Caribs. The Fort offers excellent views over Kingstown and the surrounding islands. It was constructed in 1806 and its canons were pointed inland to attack the indigenous Caribs.
VISIT TO DORSETSHIRE HILL
Located ten minutes away from Kingstown an Obelisk has been erected on Dorsetshire Hill where the late Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, First National Hero of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is said to have died. In his memory of, an Official Wreath laying ceremony takes place there every year on March 14th. One version of events state that Chatoyer and one Major Leith of the British Regiment were engaged in a duel when Chatoyer was fatally wounded.”
DISCOVERING THE GARIFUNA CONNECTIONS IN ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Visitors who have time to spend some days before or after the Conference may wish to take advantage of tours to some communities and sites which have a special connection to the Garifuna Heritage and culture. Both the extreme Leeward and Windward Coasts features what was once the heart of the Garifuna territory as was described in the 1776 Survey Map of St. Vincent (click here to view) done by the Colonial Government’s Chief Surveyor , John Byres . This Map clearly shows that such Lands were granted to the Caribs by the Treaty of 1773 (click here to view pdf). Thereafter, the British ostensibly claimed that the Caribs broke the terms of the Treaty and then used it as a reason, subsequent to the expulsion of the Caribs, to reclaim the land.
THE LEEWARD COAST
A half day tour to the Leeward side of the Island can take you along the coastal road and through lush, green mountainous landscapes to the furthest Leeward point named Richmond. Along the way you will encounter the communities of Rose Bank and Rose Hall where many Garifuna people reside. The last known Carib Chief of the Island, Jim Roberts, resided at Rose Bank. We invite you to stop and meet the residents who are friendly and helpful and who will be willing to provide more information. The Garifuna Heritage Foundation(TGHF) has institutional links with the Rose Bank Development Association (ROBDA) and the Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization (RHCDO), whose members will be only to happy to assist you in getting around.
On arrival at Richmond Beach via the town of Chateaubelair you can ask to be shown in the distant mountains, Morne Ronde, the general area where Chatoyer is said to have lived. Unfortunately, it is a steep and perilous journey to get there and only accessible by boat and on foot. No village exists there today.
Other interesting Tourist stops along the Leeward Coast include a stop at the Wallilabou Bay, Dark View Falls and Layou Petroglyphs .
THE WINDWARD COAST
The Windward Coast is on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Island and is no less mountainous. En route to the Garifuna village of Fancy, which is the furthest point on the Windward Highway, you will find fascinating stops such as the Garifuna villages of Overland, Sandy Bay, Point and Owia. TGHF also has institutional links with the Fancy Cooperative Group as well as individual members in other communities. We wish to specially invite you to visit the Village of Greiggs, which is said to be the village which was founded after many Garifuna returned who had fled to the mountains to escape the British in order to avoid being captured and sent into exile.
If you wish to visit these communities, please contact us at yurumeiconference@gmail.com and we will be happy to arrange a tour.
Other interesting Tourist stops along the Windward Coast include a visit to the Blackpoint Tunnel and the Owia Salt Pond.
For the more energetic, there is also an all day hike to the summit of the Soufriere Volcano . A very early start is recommended. Visitors interested in this activity , please contact us early and we will send information to you regarding tours or you can visit the Website of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority at www.discoversvg.com.
THE GRENADINES
As part of our national territory, we have 32 beautiful islands including mainland St. Vincent. Seven of the remaining islands are inhabited and as part of your visit you are welcome to explore the most popular including Canouan Island, Union Island and Bequia. Bequia is the most accessible and can be reached in one hour by Ferry which makes several scheduled trips per day. We recommend taking light aircraft to Canouan and Union Island unless you have extended time available to make the four hour journey by sea.
Tobago Cays Marine Park
The highlight of the Grenadines is a visit to the stunning Tobago Cays Marine Park, where you can swim with the turtles and enjoy spectacular beaches.
For further information and tours please see the following:
www.discoversvg.com
www.radiogrenadines.com
www.environmentalattackers.org
