Grenadine Air Alliance Magazine 2016

Flight Schedule ................................ 2 

Sunnybrook’s Life-saving 

Breast Cancer Research ...................4 

The Islands ...................................... 6 

Vermont Nature Trail .................... 16 

Destination Wedding .................... 20 

Art in Bequia ...................................25 

Sailing St. Vincent 

& the Grenadines .......................... 28 

La Grenade Family of Grenada ......35 

Cover Photo of 

Beautiful Tobago Cays of St. Vincent 

by Jonathan Palmer 

All rights reserved © 2016. Reproduction in whole or part of this 

publication without written permission is strictly prohibited. 

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure correct information, 

the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions 

or changes. The advertising content is the sole responsibility of 

the advertiser and the publishers accept no responsibility for any 

statements or claims made therein. 

The Grenadine Air Alliance Magazine 2016 is published on 

behalf of Trans Island Air, SVG Air and Mustique Airways by: 

West Indies Publishing Ltd. 

P.O. Box W883, St. John’s, Antigua 

Tel: (268) 461 0565 

Email: wip@candw.ag 

1

SHARED CHARTER DEPARTURES BETWEEN ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES & BARBADOS 

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1st, 2015 TO MARCH 12th 2016 

FROM: ST. VINCENT TO BARBADOS 

Daily Flt. #603 at 10:15 


FROM: BEQUIA TO BARBADOS 



FROM: CANOUAN TO BARBADOS 



FROM : UNION ISLAND TO BARBADOS 



FROM: BARBADOS TO ST. VINCENT 



FROM: BARBADOS TO BEQUIA 



FROM BARBADOS TO CANOUAN 



FROM: BARBADOS TO UNION ISLAND 



SHARED CHARTER DEPARTURES BETWEEN ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES & BARBADOS 

EFFECTIVE MARCH 13th 2016 TO NOVEMBER 5th 2016 

FROM: ST. VINCENT TO BARBADOS 



FROM: BEQUIA TO BARBADOS 


Daily Flt. #607 at 13:30* 

FROM: CANOUAN TO BARBADOS 


Daily Flt. #609 at 13:20* 

FROM: UNION ISLAND TO BARBADOS 


Daily Flt. #609 at 13:30* 

FROM: BARBADOS TO ST. VINCENT 



FROM: BARBADOS TO BEQUIA 

Daily Flt. #606 at 12:30* 


FROM: BARBADOS TO CANOUAN 

Daily Flt. #608 at 12:30* 


FROM: BARBADOS TO UNION ISLAND 

Daily Flt. #608 at 12:30* 


SHARED CHARTER DEPARTURES BETWEEN MUSTIQUE AND 

HEWANORRA, ST. LUCIA EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 20th 2015 TO APRIL 30th 2016 

Please note: Flight #908 will operate ONLY between December 15th 2015 to January 15th, 2016 

MUSTIQUE TO HEWANORRA, ST. LUCIA 



HEWANORRA, ST. LUCIA TO MUSTIQUE 



SHARED CHARTER DEPARTURES BETWEEN MUSTIQUE AND BARBADOS 

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 20th 2015 TO APRIL 30th 2016 

FROM: MUSTIQUE TO BARBADOS 

Fri., Sat & Sun Flt. #803 at 11:00 


FROM: BARBADOS TO MUSTIQUE 

Fri., Sat & Sun Flt. #806 at 13:15 


2

NEW SERVICE SHARED CHARTER DEPARTURES BETWEEN ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES AND 

HEWANORRA ST. LUCIA EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST 2016 TO FEBRUARY 28TH 2016. 

** Service to Hewanorra and George Charles, St. Lucia Effective February 29th, 2016. 

FROM: ST. VINCENT TO HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA 

Daily except Wed. Flt. #641 at 10:00 

**Daily except Wed. Flt. #641 at 11:10 

FROM: BEQUIA TO HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA 



FROM: CANOUAN TO HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA 



FROM: UNION ISLAND TO HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA 



FROM: HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA TO ST. VINCENT 


**Daily except Wed Flt. #642 at 15:55 

FROM: HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA TO BEQUIA 



FROM: HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA TO CANOUAN 



FROM: HEWANORRA, ST.LUCIA TO UNION ISLAND 



FROM: GEORGE CHARLES, ST. LUCIA TO UNION ISLAND, CANOUAN, BEQUIA and ST. VINCENT 


DEPARTURES BETWEEN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINE ISLANDS 2016 

***Please note these flights depart 15 minutes earlier effective March 13th 2016 to November 5th 2016. 

Therefore the departure time will be 10:00. ****Please note these flights depart 30 minutes earlier effective 

March 13th 2016 to November 5th 2016. Therefore the departure time will be 17:00. 

FROM: ST. VINCENT TO BEQUIA 

Daily Flt. #603 at 10:15 *** 


FROM : BEQUIA TO CANOUAN AND UNION ISLAND 


FROM: ST. VINCENT TO MUSTIQUE 

Mon–Sat (except Public Holidays) Flt. #131 at 07:30 


FROM: ST. VINCENT TO CANOUAN 


Daily Flt. #605 at 10:15*** 

FROM: ST. VINCENT TO UNION ISLAND 


Daily Flt. #605 at 10:15*** 

FROM : BEQUIA TO ST. VINCENT 


Daily Flt. #614 at 17:30**** 


FROM: UNION ISLAND TO CANOUAN AND BEQUIA 


FROM: MUSTIQUE TO ST. VINCENT 

Mon–Sat (except Public Holidays) Flt. #311 

Depart Mustique at 07:50 

Daily Flt. #315 Depart Mustique at 16:30 

FROM: CANOUAN TO ST. VINCENT 



Daily Flt. #616 at 17:30**** 

FROM: CANOUAN TO UNION ISLAND 


FROM: CANOUAN TO BEQUIA 


FROM: UNION ISLAND TO ST. VINCENT 



Daily Flt. #616 at 17:30**** 

3

Sunnybrook’s life-saving breast cancer research 

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most 

innovative breast cancer researchers. Working out of Sunnybrook’s Louise Temerty Breast 

Cancer Centre – the largest facility of its kind in the country – these researchers are inventing 

the future of breast cancer care. 

“Our experts are connected to breakthroughs that have made treatment more effective 

and with fewer side-effects for women,” says Dr. Eileen Rakovitch, the Temerty Centre’s 

medical director. “In all of the work we do, the goal of extending and saving lives, as well as 

improving quality of life, is front and centre.” 

Wave of the future 

Undergoing chemotherapy is never easy. In addition to side-effects that affect daily 

living, patients can wait months to learn whether the drugs are doing their job. 

“The 1.5 million women worldwide who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year 

need to know early on whether their chemotherapy is working,” says Dr. Greg Czarnota, 

head of Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Research Program. 

A high-tech monitoring technique co-invented by Dr. Czarnota addresses this need. 

Known as WaveCheck, the technology combines traditional ultrasound imaging with new 

software to detect responses to chemotherapy in breast tumours, making it possible for a 

woman to know what’s happening inside her body just weeks – not months – into chemotherapy. 

This allows doctors to know quickly whether a change of course is necessary. 

WaveCheck has been used successfully in clinical studies at Sunnybrook with more than 

100 breast cancer patients. The research continues and has been expanded to include 

women at other cancer centres in Canada and the United States. 

4

Research to aid younger patients 

Young women with breast cancer have different needs than the broader patient population. 

Research shows they’re more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of the 

disease, they face unique complications of their treatment such as infertility and premature 

menopause, and are at greatest risk of psychological and social distress. These women 

often face the diagnosis while they’re building their careers, considering starting families of 

their own or already parenting young children. 

Sunnybrook medical oncologist Dr. Ellen Warner was instrumental in creating a program, 

called PYNK, that provides these patients with the support system they need to get through 

treatment and recovery. PYNK also conducts studies that improve treatment for young 

women. 

Dr. Warner, along with other breast cancer experts across Canada, is leading the establishment 

of a national biobank with patient, tumour, treatment and recurrence data and 

biological specimens – for example, tumour and blood samples – from breast cancer 

patients aged 40 and younger. Biobanks are indispensible to cancer research, as they play a 

role in the discovery of cancer risk factors and in the design of personalized treatments. 

5

The Islands 

La Soufrière 

Photo © Jonathan Palmer – Mustique Airways 

St. Vincent 

The largest island in the country of St. 

Vincent & the Grenadines – ‘mainland’ St. 

Vincent – is approximately 21 miles long and 

11 miles wide. Its neighbours are St. Lucia to 

the north and Grenada to the south. 

Their soon to be opened ‘state of the art’ 

international airport will definitely make this 

paradise an easy getaway holiday destination. 

The island does not have mega-resorts, 

wild night life or shopping malls, but what 

it does offer is some of the finest natural 

beauty to be found anywhere in the Eastern 

Caribbean – it’s an eco-tourist’s paradise. 

In the north is a semi-active 4,048-foot 

volcano, La Soufrière, up which more energetic 

visitors can hike and enjoy unparalleled 

views. The less adventurous may choose 

to visit the oldest botanical gardens in the 

western hemisphere, on the outskirts of the 

capital, Kingstown. Here you’ll find a famous 

breadfruit tree, a direct descendant of the 

ones brought from Tahiti by Captain Bligh of 

‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ fame. 

6 

The lush volcanic soil is perfect for 

agriculture and St. Vincent produces an 

abundance of fruit and vegetables which 

supply many other nearby islands. In the 

beautiful Mesopotamia Valley you’ll find 

picturesque terraced farms and banana plantations. 

If you’re wondering how to cool off 

on a hot day, you can visit one of the many 

waterfalls and take a refreshing dip. 

The charming capital, Kingstown has a 

great market, a variety of stores and numerous 

restaurants serving delicious local 

cuisine. On the south coast, you’ll find 

many small, friendly hotels and also the 

popular yacht harbours at Young Island and 

Blue Lagoon. St. Vincent has become one 

of the major yachting centres in the region 

and being just a stone’s throw from Bequia, 

northernmost of the Grenadines, it’s the 

ideal place from which to start your cruise. 

St. Vincent’s rich heritage, vibrant culture 

and breathtaking beauty make it an unforgettable 

destination – somewhere between 

heaven and earth ... but a little closer to 

heaven.

Bequia 

Bequia, the name derived from a Carib 

Indian word meaning ‘Island of the Clouds’, 

lies nine miles south of St. Vincent and is just 

7 square miles. 

Bequia is home to just under 5000 people. 

The inhabitants, some of whom are descendants 

of 19th-century Scottish sailors, are 

friendly, easy-going and always happy to strike 

up a conversation with broad smiles on their 

faces. 

The island is steeped in sea-faring traditions 

such as boat-building, fishing and 

whaling. Although there’s an airport, the 

majority of visitors still arrive by boat. It 

wasn’t so long ago that the local ferry, the old 

schooner Friendship Rose, would be piled 

high with passengers, fruit, vegetables and 

possibly a few goats and chickens as well. 

The main harbour at Admiralty Bay is one 

of the most popular cruising yachtsmen’s 

hang-outs in the region. Along the waterfront 

you can find a number of great places to eat, 

drink and party – all within a few minutes’ 

walk of each other. 

The picturesque capital of Port Elizabeth 

has a sleepy, old-world ambience and you can 

walk from one end to the other in 20 minutes. 

There’s a great handicraft market and also an 

excellent fresh fruit and vegetable market. Ask 

for directions and you could be told to ‘turn 

left at the almond tree’. 

Apart from world-class beaches, and excellent 

snorkelling and diving, there are some 

wonderful hiking trails. Worthwhile is a visit 

to the rugged east coast, which is wind-swept, 

thinly populated, and has stunning views of 

the Atlantic. 

Bequia - sweet, sweet, sweet!!!! 

Mustique 

The mere mention of Mustique conjures up 

images of fabulous villas, European Royalty 

and glamorous pop-stars; certainly, this privately 

owned island, originally purchased and 

developed by Colin Tennant in 1958, is a playground 

for the rich and famous. 

However, there’s a lot more to Mustique 

than glitz and glamour. For starters, the 

three square mile island has some of the finest 

beaches in the Grenadines – Macaroni 

Beach, on the east coast, is consistently rated 

as one of the ten top beaches in the southern 

Caribbean, with its ‘Whiter than White’ sand 

and its ‘Bluer than Blue’ water, and a shaded 

picnic area under the palms. 

Although small, Mustique is fairly hilly, so 

walking long distances can be fairly hard work 

Bequia 


7

– the best way to get around is by mule (not 

a donkey, but a gasoline-powered golf cart) 

– though if you drive one you’ll know why 

it’s called a mule!. For genuine equestrians, 

there’s also an excellent stable where you can 

hire thoroughbred horses and gallop down 

deserted white sand beaches. 

With its gently rolling hills, low-key ambience, 

amazing beaches and great diving, it’s 

easy to see why the island is such a popular 

destination. Britannia Bay, the yacht harbour, 

is the main focus of activity with a small 

fishing village, a couple of stores and the 

legendary Basil’s Bar, home to the annual 

Mustique Blues Festival. 

The building of private homes has been 

limited to 140, and the island, whilst offering 

a complete infrastructure of roads, 

water, electricity and other facilities, retains 

a leisurely feel and a distinctive character of 

tranquil elegance that is uniquely Mustique. 

The Southern Grenadines 

It was when tourism was introduced in 

the 20th century that the Grenadine islands 

really started to flourish with their dazzling 

beauty, crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches 

and spectacular coral gardens. 

Although the islands lie close together, 

each has a charm and character of its own – 

from the elegant grandeur of privately-owned 

Mustique, the rich diversity of Canouan, the 

timelessness of Mayreau, the exclusivity of 

Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent Resorts, 

the relative bustle of Union Island to the pure 

wonder of the Tobago Cays. 

The Tobago Cays, a pristine marine park, 

must surely be the jewel in St.Vincent’s crown 

– five deserted islands set behind a horseshoe 

reef in one of the most magnificent settings 

it is possible to imagine. Accessible only by 

boat, the cays are one of the natural wonders 

of the western hemisphere and a must for any 

visitor. 

8 

Mustique 

Photo © Jonathan Palmer – Mustique Airways

Canouan 

Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, 

Canouan is a lush tropical paradise in the 

southern Grenadines with wide, white sandy 

beaches, crystal clear and calm blue waters, 

lush, green hilly terrain, and one of the largest 

living coral reefs in the Caribbean that teems 

with brightly coloured aquatic life offering 

incredible diving and snorkelling. 

Canouan is located in the heart of the 

Grenadines, within easy reach of neighbouring 

Mustique, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays 

and 110 miles southwest of Barbados. With 

direct flights from Barbados, Puerto Rico, 

and St. Vincent, visitors can now enjoy painless 

air access. 

Canouan is just five square miles in size 

and formerly a community of some 700 

farmers and fishermen. The now expanding 

local population still includes fishermen, 

proud of their community heritage as boat 

builders and harvesters of the sea. Models 

of the traditional wooden boats are still lovingly 

constructed by hand. Laughter prevails 

as a vital ingredient of this community, and 

the sounds of happy children and elders create 

a feeling of traveling into an easier place 

and time. Canouan manages to retain a distinct 

quality inherited from another time in 

history. 

Boasting an airport runway, a luxury 

resort with one a spectacular championship 

18-hole golf course designed by Jim Fazio 

and a natural harbour for yachts, Canouan 

has become more and more popular with 

visitors. The variety of amenities, restaurants 

and accommodation has grown and there are 

now many excellent value guesthouses where 

visitors will be assured of a warm welcome. In 

spite of all the development, the principal settlement 

of Charlestown retains its distinctly 

Union Island 


Caribbean flavour and has not lost any of its 

island charm. 

Mayreau 

Situated 7 miles south of Canouan and 

with a population of only 250, Mayreau can 

only be reached by sailing boat or ferry – 

once there it’s very hard to leave. 

This little gem of the Caribbean has 

unspoiled, postcard picture beaches and bays 

and is ideally situated for a ‘land and sea’ vacation. 

From there it is easy to take short trips 

by sail or speedboat to the nearby islands. 

Days can be spent picnicking and sunbathing 

on the wide swathes of deserted beaches or 

snorkelling in the calm, clear waters – this is 

the quintessential place to get away from it all. 

Mayreau is a small island and therefore 

perfect to explore on foot. With only one 

main road running between Saltwhistle Bay 

and Saline Bay, the island’s entire length can 

9

Southern Grenadines 


be walked in an hour. A short hike up ‘Station 

Hill’ brings visitors to the picturesque village 

of Old Wall with its quaint church from 

where there are spectacular vistas of the 

Caribbean Sea and nearby islands. There are 

several bars and informal restaurants offering 

home cooking, refreshments and where 

guests are treated like long lost friends. 

Known for its safe anchorage, Saltwhistle 

Bay in the north has a beautiful tree-lined 

beach and exceptionally calm water that is 

perfect for swimming. All of the beaches 

have powdery white sand and even the windward 

beaches are protected by reefs. 

There’s no glitz and glamour in Mayreau 

and life hasn’t changed much in the past 40 

years or so – it’s an undemanding place with a 

timeless charm where simple pleasures make 

a stay here well worthwhile. 

Palm Island 

It was originally called Prune Island. The 

former owners (John Caldwell and his wife 

Mary) renamed it Palm when they set about 

to transform the island into a truly palm 

island by planting hundreds of coconut trees. 

Rob Barrett, the proud owner of Palm 

Island, has made it into what can arguably be 

called the perfect resort location. 

It is located just about a mile from Union 

Island where a private boat will meet and 

transport you to this privately owned and 

exclusive island resort which is all that is on 

this 135 acre island paradise. 

White sandy beaches and crystal clear 

water surround Palm Island. It is the perfect 

getaway for nature lovers and those who want 

to relax and do nothing but enjoy this fabulous, 

all-inclusive resort. Casuarina Beach, a 

special favourite amongst resort guests, runs 

10

along the entire western side of the island. 

Non-resident visitors are always welcome 

provided that prior arrangements are made. 

Union Island 

Located just 40 miles south of St. 

Vincent, Union Island, the crossroad of the 

Grenadines, is often called ‘Little Tahiti’ 

because of its high, almost vertical peaks 

which, on a clear day, are visible from St. 

Vincent’s capital, Kingstown. 

For yachtsmen, Clifton Harbour (like 

Bequia) is a main provisioning stop, and the 

place to obtain fuel, ice, water or internet 

access. The main harbour has two small marinas, 

moorings, and a great anchorage behind 

Newland’s Reef close to two interesting and 

somewhat unique islands – Newland’s Island 

(unique as it has a population of one) and 

Happy Island (unique because it was built by 

an enterprising gentleman named Shanti. He 

spent a year dumping several boat-loads of 

sand, conch shells, coconut and palm fronds 

into an area of water just inside the reef thus 

creating his own island). 

The town of Clifton is a ‘bustling’ by 

Grenadine standards and boasts great places 

to eat at reasonable prices. There are several 

stores and water-front guest houses, and the 

local people (the island has a population of 

around 2,500) are warm and friendly. 

With a small airport and several local boat 

operators, Union is the perfect place for a day 

cruise to the central Grenadines, being less 

than an hour from the neighbouring islands 

of Mayreau, Petit St. Vincent and the Tobago 

Cays, none of which can be accessed by air. 

There are regular flights to Union not only 

from St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique and 

Canouan, but also from Barbados. 

Petit St. Vincent 


11

Celebrating 25 Years of 

a Successful Family Business 

Villa Beach, St. Vincent 

FOR RERSERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 

Tel: (784) 458-4283 • Fax: (784) 458-4385 • Email: beachcombers@vincysurf.com 

www.beachcombershotel.com 

12

ADVERTORIAL 

Beachcombers began as a modest six-room bed and 

breakfast, located on Villa Beach, with the intent and 

commitment to provide excellent service through a warm 

family-oriented atmosphere. 

September 8, 1990 marked the day of the first check-in, and signaled 

the start of a journey into the exciting world of catering to and 

accommodating guests from all around the world. It began with a 

quaint set up - the norm was for guests to receive breakfast on the 

patio of their room. The constant presence of owners and operators, 

Richard and Flora Gunn, ensured the family-oriented connection 

Richard and Flora wanted to pass onto their guests. 

It is on this type of connection that Beachcombers has grown to 

what it is today. Major development began with the addition of a restaurant 

and bar in 1992. The owner-family was always easy to find 

13

ADVERTORIAL 

on premises, as they were eager to be the first 

tasters of new recipes in their effort to create a 

uniquely Beachcombers menu. 

Understandably, the staff increased commensurate 

with expanding services and 

physical plant that also included a spa, meeting 

rooms and on-premises laundry. Soon, a 

true Beachcomber team of welcoming faces 

were ready to take on even more. Careful to 

ensure that the original family-oriented business 

approach characterized their service, 

Beachcombers expanded, with the changing 

trends in the international marketplace. 

The physical plant was replaced with a more 

modern design and appeal, but furniture was 

salvaged to preserve the sense of history and 

reminder of how it all began. 

In 2010, the old restaurant and bar was 

demolished, and its replacement was designed 

Come experience our 

islands on fun and 

informative tours 

• Coastal and Grenadine 

Island Cruises 

• Whale and Dolphin 

Watching, Snorkeling, 

Waterfalls & Sunset 

Cruises 

• Island Eco Land Tours 

• Hotel Packages & 

Private Party Charters 

• We get you there 

quickly and safely. 

(784) 457-4477 

Cel (784) 528-8858 

www.fantaseatours.com 

info@fantaseatours.com 

Villa Beach, St. Vincent 

14

ADVERTORIAL 

to reflect a more contemporary Beachcombers. 

A traditional English Tea featuring beautiful 

tea settings, sweet and savory treats and live 

music in the open-air restaurant overlooking 

the pool and ocean, happens every Wednesday 

and Sunday from 4-6pm. A delicious BBQ 

with buffet-style sides and Classic Caribbean 

Steel Pan music makes Beachcombers a good 

‘lime’ on Saturday nights. On weekends, during 

Happy Hour, you often find locals, guests 

and visitors to St. Vincent enjoying breath-taking 

sunsets on the pool-side deck overlooking 

the ocean. Further expansion in 2015 has 

provided for sixteen more rooms, a 300 person 

state-of the-art Conference and Banquet 

Room versatile enough to accommodate 

business meetings, conferences and weddings. 

From the humble beginnings of a six-room 

facility, Beachcombers today offers forty-eight 

(48) rooms of six (6) different categories, 

catering to diverse travel and comfort needs. 

Forty (40) employees working diligently every 

week to deliver consistent and excellent service. 

Beachcombers is proud to be one of the 

larger hotels on the island of St. Vincent, but 

the one thing that has not changed, is that 

stay-over guests and walk-in persons who use 

the bar, restaurant, spa and other facilities, can 

still find themselves being served and catered 

to by the warm and welcoming owners, who 

are always ready for a conversation. 

15

Vermont Nature Trail 

Travelling to the Caribbean always 

evokes images of relaxing on a beach 

in front of crystal clear blue waters, 

snorkeling through coral reefs and breezy nights 

filled with the calls of tree frogs. Somehow, 

hiking through mountainous terrain and/or rain 

forest is just is not anywhere in that dream. This 

is a shame. Besides the beach, the sea, surfing, 

fishing, whale watching and sailing, hiking is 

becoming a cornerstone of the eco-tourism 

age, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines is in 

the forefront. Our island nation offers hiking 

trails suitable for all fitness levels. The Vermont Nature Trail, buried deep in St. Vincent’s 

mountainous heart on the outskirts of the Buccament Valley, is a great example of a medium 

level trail. 

Hiking is a great activity for anyone. No special training is needed, other than a desire to see 

the beautiful natural contrast St. Vincent’s terrain has to offer – though good walking shoes are 

a must. 

16

Located in St. Vincent’s southern 

interior, nine miles from Kingstown, 

the Vermont Nature Trail offers great 

hiking for all ages and abilities. In this 

10,870 acre reserve, you can enjoy two 

miles of clearly marked hiking trails 

through a variety of forest habitats. 

Informative signs describe the fauna 

and flora you may encounter as you 

make your way through lush woodlands 

to the St. Vincent Parrot Look-Out on 

the far side of the reserve. 

The Vermont Trail is a true forest 

path. Shrouded by a canopy of trees, it 

makes its way through a hidden world 

of rock-strewn streams, tropical and 

plantation trees and a trove of bird 

species. Sightings of the rare St. Vincent 

Parrot are practically guaranteed. 

Listen for their unmistakable calls and 

then look out from the view point as 

they fly above the forest canopy in front 

of you. 

For the birders that are out there, 

this is also the habitat for the Whistling 

Warbler, Black Hawk, Cocoa Thrush, 

the Crested Hummingbird, Redcapped 

Green Tanager, Green Heron and 

several other interesting species. 

Now, you can plan your holiday to 

include a hike through the lush forests 

of St. Vincent, a walk along white 

sand beaches with clear blue waters, 

whale watching, a secluded day trip 

to a romantic cove to snorkel, and 

nights spent listening to the beautiful 

caribbean sounds. That is a holiday 

to remember, and it can be your new 

reality. See you soon on the trail! 

17

For some local luxury

www.bequiabeach.com | +1(784) 458 1600 | Friendship Beach, Bequia

20 

For more information contact: The Bequia Sailing Club 

Email: bsc@vincysurf.com www.begos.com/easterregatta

Destination Wedding 

by Zahra Airall 

Wedding on Petit St. Vincent 

FALL IN LOVE … AGAIN 

“ I DO! ” 

Whether exclaimed with excitement or whispered with solemnity, these two small words 

reflect the passion, love and hope shared by two people embarking on a lifetime journey 

together. There is an extraordinary essence that filters through the air when he looks deeply 

into her eyes, his hands wrapped around hers. There is an unheard enchantment that echoes 

thought the moment as she blushes at him, revealing a smile only he could elicit. And in that 

perfect collection of seconds where their lips acquaint for the first time as husband and wife 

… there is magic. 

So what better way to enhance that magic than getting married right here in St. Vincent 

& the Grenadines. Wiggle your toes in the sand or walk down through Botanical Gardens. 

Have an intimate ceremony with your own steel orchestra or musician, or maybe just let the 

ocean’s orchestra serenade you on a deserted island. Entertain all of your family and friends 

and treat them to a tropical fantasy aboard a schooner where your fantasy will commence 

from the moment you arrive. 

St. Vincent & the Grenadines flora and fauna offers more varied settings than the 

Vincentian sunset. Remember, the beach is only the beginning. This is your wedding, your 

honeymoon, your dream vacation all bundled into one amazing voyage, so why not relax 

from the moment you board the plane or ship? 

Besides offering the perfect destination for your wedding, St. Vincent & the Grenadines 

can also offer professional wedding planning services whether it is just for two or an assembly 

of friends and family from around the world. 

21

A Caribbean Wedding 

courtesy of Wilfred Dederer 

Wedding on Petit St. Vincent 

How can our wedding planner help you escape the dreaded wedding mania? 

Pros! Your wedding planners have a wealth of experience and can turn your pinterest 

board into an unforgettable experience. 

Island people! They’re familiar with the island, so after emailing, skyping, pinterest 

sharing and whatsapping, they can recommend the perfect venue for ceremony, reception 

and bridal shoots. 

Connected! It’s all about networking, which means hairstylists, make-up artists, musicians, 

caterers/chefs, flowers, photographers, entertainers, bands, steel pan orchestras, 

doves, butterflies, and anything else you need to make you day perfect, are all within the 

wedding planner’s reach. This could also mean better package for your budget. 

Legal Liaisons! Your wedding planner will brief you on the documents you need to 

carry with you and assist with the legal preparations for your wedding, including recommending 

the perfect marriage officer. 

Runners! That’s right - they will do all the running around for you. Confirming bookings 

with vendors and preparing the décor for the ceremony and reception are nothing for 

you to worry about. 

So Relax and Fall In Love … Again! 

Recommended Wedding Planners 

Petit St. Vincent 

info@petitstvincent.com 

www.petitstvincent.com/weddings 

T: 954 963 7401 

Total Advantage Travel 

www.totaladvantage.com 

travel@totaladvantage.com 

T: 1 800 419 1635 & 416 240 7700 

A Caribbean Wedding 

suzanne@acaribbeanwedding.com 

www.acaribbeanwedding.com 

T: 784 528 7444 

22

Basil’s Bar • Mustique 

Established in 1976, Basil’s Bar Bar is is built built on on stilts stilts on on a rock a rock overlooking the 

the majestic majestic Britannia Britannia Bay. Bay. Voted Voted “one “one of of the the best best bars in in the world” by 

Newsweek since 1987, and capturing the #37 spot on CNN Travel’s list 

of the World’s 50 Best Beach Bars. It’s “a place where sailors party with 

business moguls, fashion models, gardeners, rock stars and school 

teachers”. Basil’s has a reputation as one of the finest seafood restaurants 

in the Caribbean. 

Join us year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and our Wednesday 

night BBQ Jump-up. Basil’s is home of the only Blues Festival in the 

Caribbean happening January 21 20 – February 4, 2, 2015, 2016, and our New Year’s 

Eve celebration should not be missed. 

At Basil’s in in Villa, Villa, just just across from from Young Island on on St. Vincent, carries gift 

items and contemporary furniture from Bali and other parts of Asia. Our 

Boutique at at Basil’s Bar Bar on on Mustique features great great silks silks from India, casual 

wear, silk Kaftans by Camilla, and our famous Basil’s Bar T-Shirts. 

Just up the road from from Basil’s Basil’s Bar Bar is is the the Mustique General Store which 

stocks fine wines, cheeses and and gourmet products. Across Forever features 

antiques from Bali and India, furniture from Asia and beyond, a magnificent 

collection of contemporary pieces, home furnishings, fabulous lighting, 

accessories and more. Like us on Facebook, and check us out when you 

next visit Mustique 

Downstairs 

Downstairs 

Cobblestone 

Cobblestone Inn 

Inn 

is 

is where 

where 

you 

you 

find 

find 

Basil’s 

Basil’s 

Bar 

Bar 

Kingstown. 

Kingstown. 

Sit and 

Sit 

relax 

and relax 

in air-conditioned 

in air-conditioned 

comfort 

comfort 

and 

and 

enjoy 

enjoy 

a 

a 

delightful 

delightful 

cocktail, 

cocktail, 

our 

our daily 

daily 

buffet 

buffet 

lunch, 

lunch, 

á la 

la 

carte 

carte 

breakfast, 

breakfast, lunch 

lunch 

or 

or dinner. 

dinner. We 

We 

are 

are 

also 

also a 

full-service 

full-service 

catering 

catering 

company 

company 

for 

for 

lunch, 

lunch, 

dinners, 

dinners, 

weddings 

weddings 

and 

and 

any 

any 

special 

special 

occasion. 

occasion. 

Email basilsbarkingstown@vincysurf.com or telephone (784) 457-2713. 

Email basilsbarkingstown@vincysurf.com or telephone (784) 457-2713. 

Basil’s Bar 

Mustique • St. Vincent 

www.basilsbar.com 

Tel: (784) 488-8407/8350/8405 

Fax: (784) 456-5825

Julie Lea 

Capturing Caribbean Culture: 

Art in Bequia 

It is our thoughts of Caribbean culture - its customs, 

ideas, the behavior of its people - coupled 

with beaches and blue seas that drive our desire to 

holiday in islands like St. Vincent & the Grenadines. 

Two remarkable ladies, Julie Lea and L.D. Lucy in 

Bequia, have spent between them over fifty years 

creating works and venues, teaching and displaying 

the culture of Vincentians in various mediums so 

that visitors and locals alike can gain easy access to 

keepsakes and works of art and open the world to 

the wonderful Vincentian Caribbean Culture. 

Julie Lea discovered art at age five and has 

never stopped. Julie culminated her formal training 

with a degree in Art from George Washington 

University in Washington, D.C. Julie and her family 

discovered Bequia in 1978, cruising on a charted 

48 foot schooner. “We sailed into Bequia at dawn. 

While the others went ashore after an all-night passage 

from the Pitons, I stayed on board and started 

painting. It changed the direction of my art.” 

by artist and fashion designer Jeremy Payne 

by L.D. Lucy 

25

y Dinks Johnson 

Oasis Art Gallery and Gift shop 

From that time until 2005, Julie found 

ways to spend time in Bequia, so much so 

that Julie and her husband finally purchased 

a permanent residence in 2005. From 1978 

onward, Julie has produced countless numbers 

of painted works and published three 

books: Bequia Reflections: An Artist in the 

Caribbean, To An Island in Africa, and, finally, 

Bequia A Feast of Colour. Bequia Reflections: An 

Artist in the Caribbean and Bequia A Feast of 

Colour are books that not only reflect her own 

work but also other visiting Australian artist 

Peter Carr’s perceptions of St. Vincent. To An 

Island in Africa chronicles three years in the 

life of Dr. Vivian Usborne Child, (currently 

95 years young) who was dedicated to helping 

people, not just in St. Vincent and the 

Grenadines, but also in East Africa. 

When visiting, you will find Julie busy 

painting in her studio, or teaching adults 

water colors and volunteering in children’s 

programs. If not in Bequia, visit www. 

juliesavagelea.com to view a great deal of her 

collected works. 

British born L.D. Lucy arrived in Bequia 

via Canada twenty years ago. A self-taught 

26

artist, Lucy opened Oasis Art Gallery and Gift 

Shop in 2009 because she saw Vincentian artists 

did not have a place where cutting edge art and 

old world art could be found together. From 

its inception, Lucy went in with the mandate - 

everything you see here is made in our country 

of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Now in its 

seventh year, Oasis Art Gallery and Gift Shop is 

for from being just a little gallery in the seaside 

town of Port Elizabeth, Bequia. It has become 

a must see site, as its collection is truly a cross 

section of Vincentian arts and crafts. You will 

discover paintings from established and burgeoning 

artists, pottery, model boats, jewelry, 

coconut cosmetics, prints, cards, carvings, 

sculptures and souvenirs. 

A unique place where you will find “Old 

World” meeting the “New World”, Oasis Art 

Gallery and Gift Shop can be found upstairs 

behind the Porthole Restaurant. Make sure to 

take the time to see it. 

Culture is not only what makes a place 

memorable, but establishes the foundation to 

making lasting friendships. Now when you visit 

St. Vincent & the Grenadines and you have seen 

these ladies’ work, you will gain a better understanding 

why you want to come back to see us 

soon because it should not be just about the 

beach and the sea. 

Julie Lea 

L.D. Lucy 

We provide a retail outlet for fine imported wines 

and liquor as well as local and imported beer, bottle 

water and soft drinks, teas, coffee and cider. 

Distributor for Mount Gay Rum and Remy Cointreau 

porducts in the Grenadines. We offer a carefully 

selected inventory to suit your taste and budget. 

27

28

Sailing St. Vincent & the Grenadines 

Photos by: Wilfred Dederer 

The act of sailing evokes all kinds of images and feelings. St. Vincent has played its 

part in sailing’s colorful history, and that history in turn has left its mark on every 

aspect of the island. Here you will find full time cruisers, vacationers who come to 

taste St. Vincent & the Grenadines through chartering, and visitors and competitors who come 

to spectate and/or participate in competitive sailing events such as Bequia’s Easter Regatta. 

The history of Caribbean seamanship goes all the way back to the beginning, circa two thousand 

years ago, when the first inhabitants arrived out of South America on canoes. Columbus 

brought the sail, and for over three centuries, these waters were home to merchantmen and their 

square riggers, filled to bursting with riches of all sorts; naval officers from Spain and France 

and Britain and the Netherlands were relied upon to defend the merchantman from the countless 

pirates and privateers, always on the lookout for plunder. St. Vincent & the Grenadines, in 

particular, would come to play a large role in the story of the region for its boat building enterprises 

in the late 19th century to support the whaling and cargo industries. 

29

30 

Fiercely independent, world travellers 

and retirees, cruisers are people who have 

decided freedom and tranquility are of 

the highest priority. These people have 

purchased their sailing vessels to live 

aboard full time so that they may travel 

from one island to the next when the urge 

hits them. Cruisers will run from island 

to island throughout the Grenadines and 

some more adventurous ones will pop up 

to Martinique to shop for some of their 

favorite French provisions. Cruisers will 

take the weekend to anchor at a favorite 

spot to snorkel and barbecue, or find a 

secluded cove to ‘lime’. If they so desire, 

they may even stay in their mooring, hang 

out in their cockpit, and watch the world 

go by on Caribbean time. 

continued

Explore the beautiful islands of 

St Vincent and the Grenadines 

MAYREAU MORPION PALM ISLAND MUSTIQUE BEQUIA TOBAGO CAYS CANOUAN 

Ti Marouba 

52ft long catamaran 

Max capacity – 40 persons 

Sun Spirit 



Sky Flirt 



Wind and Sea 

SPECIALIST IN DAY SAILING CHARTERS 

www.grenadines-windandsea.com • windandsealtd@gmail.com 

Bougainvilla, Clifton, Union Island • Tel: 1 784 458 8678 • Cell: 1 784 493 3128

Want to be a cruiser, but don’t own your own boat? A Caribbean boat charter offers all 

the exotic adventures of sailing, without the added complexities of actually owning a vessel. 

It is the ultimate self-directed, all-inclusive holiday experience, with commensurate pricing 

and a range of offers, from the more luxurious – if you want to be pampered, for instance, 

you could hire captain and crew to cater to your demands – to something a little more DIY, 

such as a bare boat charter, where you supply your own crew, in order to fully experience 

the hypnotic rhythms of St. Vincent sailing. Imagine: a new, secluded beach, bathing suits, 

snorkeling, diving, the catch of the day prepared right on the beach you just swam to. Just 

the sort of holiday friends, lovers, and family will never forget. 

If you are interested in finding out how to take advantage of the ultimate all-inclusive 

package that will fit any visitor’s abilities, budget and desires, go to our website www.westindiespublishing.com 

to see what is available for you. 

32

34

This is not a Fairy Tale ... It is Real! 

Longstanding family businesses fascinate us all. The transition from generation to generation 

is always the greatest challenge notwithstanding the need to evolve and to modernize. The 

La Grenade family of Grenada has done it all, with a history of successful family enterprises 

dating back to the 18th century. Louis La Grenade established his family’s business legacy by 

becoming one of the first free men of colour to acquire extensive land holdings in Grenada, and 

further owned schooners to ship the sugar and spices grown on his plantation. This shipping 

arm formed the basis for the De La Grenade Industries we have today. 

The story goes that a Dutch missionary, stuck on the Banda islands in Indonesia with few 

material possessions, made a deal with Louis La Grenade: in return for passage, he gave the 

businessman some dry seeds and an exotic liqueur recipe. This two hundred (200) year old family 

secret recipe can be found today in La Grenade Liqueur. This international award-winning 

product has become a cornerstone of De la Grenade Industries. It’s those nutmeg seeds which 

helped transplant nutmeg production into the Caribbean, where today Grenada is the second 

largest nutmeg producer in the world. 

Parts of the estate stayed within the family over the intervening years and until Sybil La 

Grenade started her home products company, there were no ongoing operations on the property. 

Sybil began her career as a school teacher, focusing on home economics, and would eventually 

35

ise to become Grenada’s home economics 

supervisor in the late 1960’s. It was around 

this time that she started La Grenade 

Home Products, the precursor to today’s 

De La Grenade Industries. The company 

was incorporated in 1984. In 1990, Morne 

Délice Nutmeg Syrup, first developed in 

1969, received the Grand Gold Medal and La 

Grenade Liqueur, the Gold Medal from the 

Monde Selection in Brussels 1 ; Construction 

on the family’s factory had only begun that 

same year; heretofore the award-winning 

syrup was being manufactured in a house! 

It must be stated, Morne Délice Nutmeg 

Syrup was the first Caribbean food product 

to receive the Grand Gold Medal from the 

Monde Selection. 

Sybil’s life was tragically cut short in 

1991; her daughter Cécile – a US-trained 

food technologist, now Governor-General 

of Grenada – would take over, leading the 

transition from cottage industry to full commercialization, 

expanding the company’s 

product range which includes offerings such 

as Morne Délice Nutmeg Jam, Morne Délice 

Nutmeg Jelly, Morne Délice Guava Jam, 

Morne Délice Guava Jelly, De La Grenade 

Liqueur, De La Grenade Orange Marmalade, 

De La Grenade Grapefruit Marmalade, De 

La Grenade Pepper Jelly, De La Grenade 

Rum Punch, De La Grenade Seamoss, De 

La Grenade Ginger Syrup, De La Grenade 

Mauby Syrup, and De La Grenade Pepper 

Sauce, De La Grenade Curry Mango and De 

La Grenade Lime Pepper Pickle. 

De La Grenade has now introduced 

three additional line of products; Nutmeg 

Tamarind Dipping Sauce, Nutmeg Ginger 

Barbeque Sauce and a Herbal Marinade; 

made from fresh local herbs and spices from 

De La Grenade’s garden. 

Seek out Morne Délice after reading 

this article for you will not only taste a 

great Caribbean product to take home but 

also taste bit of history that you can savor 

with every bite. This is not a Fairy tale… 

It is Real! 

1. Monde Selection, (circa 1961), test consumer products to assure customers that the product they purchase is of great 

quality. Four levels of awards exist, from highest to lowest are: Grand Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. 

36

Grenadine Air Alliance Magazine 2016

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