St Vincent West Indian Cuisine

An island country in the central Windward Islandscommunity of separate huts including all modern
of the West Indies. It comprises St Vincent Islandfacilities. All hotels are small and emphasise
and the northern islets of the Grenadines. Part ofpersonal service.
the West Indies Federation from 1958 to 1962,Tropical, with trade winds tempering the hottest
the country gained self governing status in 1969months, June and July.
and full independence in 1979. Kingstown, on St.St Vincent, like all the Wind wards, is volcanic and
Vincent, is the capital.mountainous with luxuriant vegetation and black
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy andsand beaches. The Grenadines are equally lush.
export crops include bananas and arrowroot.Secluded coves, spectacular coral reefs, rainforest
Tourism is also important.hiking and superb sailing conditions are among the
The islands are composed of volcanic rock.main tourist attractions.
Thickly wooded volcanic mountains run northSt Vincent is one of the few islands where good
south and are cut by many swift streams.West Indian cuisine can almost always be enjoyed
Soufriere the highest of the mountains has hadin hotels. There is plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables
devastating volcanic eruptions.and other seafood on offer. Lobster is available in
The country is a constitutional monarchy with oneseason.
legislative house, its chief of state is the BritishMost evening events take place in hotels and it is
monarch represented by the governor general,best to ask at individual hotels for a calendar of
and the head of government is the prime minister.events. Nightclubs include the Aquatic club and the
The French and the British contested for controlBuccama Club on the Leeward Coast. The Attic in
of Saint Vincent until 1763, when it was ceded toKingstown features a wide variety of music
England by the Treaty of Paris.during the week and live entertainment at
From casual and economical to elegant andweekends. There is one casino on the island, at
exclusive, lodgings in St Vincent and thePeniston, on the Leeward side.
Grenadines offer something for every taste andDesigns on sea island cottons can be bought and
budget. The choice ranges from a rustic cottagemade up into clothes within a few days at a
on the beach or a historic country hotel in thenumber of shops. Handicrafts and all varieties of
mountains, to a luxury resort with an island tostraw made items, grass rugs and other
itself. Young Island, an idyllic small island off thesouvenirs can be bought at a number of
south coast of St Vincent, has a cottageworkshops and gift shops.