Ins & Outs of SVG 2020

Fort Charlotte Completed in 1806, Fort Charlotte is on a ridge 600 feet above the sea, providing a magnificent view across Kingstown and down the Grenadines. Belmont Lookout & Montreal Gardens This lookout provides visitors with the opportunity to view one of St. Vincent’s most productive and picturesque landscapes, the Mesopotamia Valley. From its heights users can view the scenery in all its beauty before descending into the valley. There is a viewing platform, washrooms and interpretive signage. Just north of Mesopotamia are the Montreal Gardens. Both the scenery and the array of exotic flowers, spices and foliage are truly spectacular and well worth the trip. Wallilabou Heritage Park Located on the leeward (west) coast of St. Vincent, near to Wallilabou Bay – the site of the film Pirates of the Caribbean. It is also close to Cumberland Bay, one of the best known anchorages on the island. Facilities here include parking, gazebo, benches, visitor centre, restaurant and bar and a pedestrian bridge. Out & About in Take time to explore St. Vincent – a stunningly beautiful island with some dramatic scenery, both along the coast and the interior. You will no doubt discover why the Caribs named it “Hairouna” meaning “land of the blessed”. From St. Vincent, Bequia and the Southern Grenadine islands can easily be reached by ferry. There’s a smorgasbord of diving adventures, with hundreds of dive sites and year-round good visibility. The Botanic Gardens Located on 20 acres of land on the outskirts of the capital, Kingstown, the Botanic Gardens are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Among the wide variety of tropical trees and shrubs are several breadfruit trees from the original plants brought by Captain Bligh (of The Bounty fame) in 1793. Conservation of rare species of plants has been practiced since the Gardens were founded in 1765. Other conservation works involve the captive breeding programme for the endangered St. Vincent Parrot (Amazonia Guildingii), the national bird. The Heritage Museum and Science Centre Situated just outside the top gate of the Botanic Gardens. Aimed at cultivating interest in biodiversity conservation and heritage preservation, it houses a collection of artefacts, antiques and environmental exhibits. A minimum donation of US$2 per person is requested. Fort Duvernette Also known as Rock Fort, this defensive structure was built around 1800 to protect the town of Calliaqua. About 50 yards off Young Island Resort, it still has many of its armaments intact. Grand Bonhomme Photo: Calvert Jones Fort Duvernette Photo: Calvert Jones 36 DISCOVER ST. VINCENT INS& UTS