Click the map for more details on St. Vincent.

St. Vincent is a lush, volcanic island of steep mountain ridges, valleys and waterfalls. The rugged eastern coast is lined with cliffs and rocky shores while the western coastline dips sharply down into black and gold sand beaches. To the north, the volcano, La Soufriere, rises 4048 ft. The rich volcanic soil produces an abundance of fruits, vegetables and spices, such as coconuts, bananas, breadfruit, nutmeg and arrowroot.

English is the official language. The islands have been integrated centuries of British heritage into a casual West Indian lifestyle. Some of the smaller Grenadines retain traces of the French cultural heritage in language and custom.

It is believed that the original inhabitants were called Ciboney and came to the Caribbean from South American by AD120; the Caribs followed these.

The Carib inhabited islands, including St. Vincent, were among the last to be colonized by the Europeans as the dense Carib population made it hard for the Europeans to gain a foothold.

In 1748, the European nations finding that they could not compromise with the Caribs, declared St. Vincent neutral by the Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle. Subsequently the islands changed hands many times as both the British and the French fought for possession. In 1763, by the Treaty of Paris, St. Vincent was finally under British rule. The last open rebellion by the Caribs was in 1795, and by 1797 the Caribs lost. St. Vincent still has many Carib Indians living on the northern slopes of La Soufriere and life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has now settled into a quiet and peaceful coexistence for all of its inhabitants.

CLIMATE:

Average daytime temperatures range from 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F to 30 degrees / 87 degrees F.
Dry season January - April. Rainy season is July - October. Average rainfall is 80’ on the coast, 150’ inland.

CLOTHING REQUIREMENT

Casual resort wear is the general rule for both men and women during the day. While most restaurants do not require a jacket or tie for dinner, if there is a doubt, it’s best to inqire ahead of time. During the cooler months, a light wrap or pullover may be needed.

Out of respect for local customers, swim wear should not be worn on the street, or in shops and restaurants.


FINANCES AND BANKING

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, which is linked to the U.S. dollar. The exchange rate will vary slightly depending on whether cash or traveler’s cheques are involved, and whether you convert them at a bank or business establishment, such as a hotel or restaurant. The normal range is between $2.60 - $2.70 EC to US$1.00.

U.S. and Canadian dollars, traveler’s cheques and credit card are generally accepted by hotels, tour operators, some car rental companies and business places.

Normal banking hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am – 3 pm. On Fridays, most banks remain open until 5 pm. Hours are generally extended during Christmas, Easter and Carnival and may be affected by local holidays.

The American Express Representative in St. Vincent is Caribbean International Travel Services on Granby Street in Kingstown.

The Western Union Money Service in St. Vincent is The British American Insurance on Egmont Street in Kingstown.


GETTING MARRIED

Visitors may be married in St. Vincent and the Grenadines once they have been residents for at least three days, and have obtained the proper license. A special license can be obtained from the Ministry of Justice or an ordinary license from the Registry. Both require payment of a modest fee, and the ordinary license required publication of notice of the ceremony in the registry for a minimum of seven days. The Registry is located on Halifax Street (also known as Back Street), and is open 8 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, and Saturday 9 am to 11 am. If you have previously been married, you should bring a copy of your divorce decree with you.


CUSTOMS AND ENTRY

Citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States need only a passport or proof of citizenship (birth certificate or voter’s registration card) to visit St. Vincent and The Grenadines for up to six months. All others must present a valid passport. A return or onward ticket is also required of all visitors.
Visitors may bring up to one quart of wine and spirits, 50 cigars, and 200 cigarettes into St. Vincent and the Grenadines without paying duty. All visitors must pay a departure tax of EC$30.00 upon leaving.


ELECTRICITY

Voltage is 220 volts – 50 cycles. Appliances rates at 110 volts (US. Standard) normally work satisfactorily with a transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver units.


POPULATION

ST. Vincent and the Grenadines has a population of approximately 112,000 (January 1998 estimate). African, East Indian, Portuguese, Carib and European heritages are present.


WATER

The water is safe to drink. Bottled water is available.