The Caribbean - Backpacking > Jamacia, Cuba, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad The Caribbean Trends since we started Caribbean Yeah Man. It is not cheap, it is not easy to island hop, few independently travel and small island nationals can be void of attractions. But we love it. Cuba and Jamaica are stand-out gems. Country Summaries North Africa Caribbean Islands - inc. Cuba & Jamaica . Wait. There is something different about this summary. With 13 independent island nations, god knows how many separate islands (over 7000!) and many more dependent [overseas territories] it just isn't practical to list country all countries with full summaries. So we have split this section by regions as much as we could since each region is pretty similar - the regions are explained to the right. There is one overview and summaries for the two biggest and most interesting countries ( Cuba and Jamaica ). There is also something different about the Caribbean too, in that travelling freely and independently (certainly on a budget) just isn't possible in the same way as in Asia, the Americas or Europe.

As a region, despite the fact it is tough to get around, short on 'attractions' and expensive it is, in places, sensationally beautiful and impossible not to fall in love with. As always if you decide these are some of the countries you want to visit and need more planning information then you are strongly recommended to complement what you find here with a planning guide . Trust us it will make life much easier. If you are set on going and need a guidebook or reading material please see a list of recommended guides/books here (go on, have a look). All guides/books can be viewed in more detail and click-through purchased with Amazon in the UK, US or Canada. Plus shopping through the site is a big thank you (if you have been helped out), to see why click here . It is worth looking, if you have not already, at the example layout to see the guidelines each section of information is based on - or for other travel advice and site home head for The Geography It is important to start with a little geography as 'the Caribbean' can be a pretty open term in which some include parts of Central and Latin America under.

For the record we only cover Caribbean Islands here, which have four distinct regions: (working West to East and then South to North) - The Greater Antilles , that's Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola (Hispaniola being the island that is split between Haiti and Dominican Republic). After Puerto Rico (an American territory) as you hit the British and America Virgin Islands, you come to a large group of small islands known as the Leeward Islands (note, the Leeward Antilles are something else off Venezuela (the ABC islands not covered here). Here you'll find most of the small islands - a mecca for yachts - such as Saint Kitts and Nevis , Antigua and Montserrat. Then heading South towards South America you find the Windward Islands or Less Antilles - Dominica , Martinique Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada . The last in the chain, really part of South America, is Trinidad and Tobago. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are considered part of North America and because not so budget independent traveller friendly are more or less excluded from this page.

The Leeward and windward are of course loose terms from an age long since passed and there are many examples of islands some consider in one or the other group. We just keep things simple here! Is it possible to travel independently (backpack) the Caribbean? The answer is both yes and no, depending on your expectations. Yes, in that as much as 'of course it is', you can travel virtually anywhere on the globe and there are some great destinations within the region. And no in that don't expect to hop from island to island freely and cheaply. In fact if you have any expectations of cheap travel, island hopping and a network of facilities (such as hostels) geared to budget travellers (such as in South East Asia) you are going to be sorely disappointed. With a few exceptions in the Lee and Windward Islands, island hopping across the whole region just isn't possible [on the whole] by ferry (and inter-island airfares are expensive). Equally any travel without a return/onward ticket can be problematic. The other issue is cost.

The Caribbean is no more expensive than Europe or North America, but finding cheap places to stay can be tough (US$40-100 for a double needs to be considered an average for a private double (outside Cuba, where US$15-30 is more normal)) and the same goes for cheap eats. Transport is not too pricey, but public transport can be patchy and a pain on Sundays or late in the day. So you will need to use local taxis at some point. Thus getting the best out of many countries requires a hire car which will likely be slightly more expensive than in North America/Europe. The key consideration for most of the Caribbean (greater Antilles aside) is the countries/islands are tiny with generally little to see/do (apart from hang-out, the appeal for many) and with small populations. Where there are no direct flights from North America or Europe (Saint Vincent, Dominica, etc.) the number of tourists is also tiny.

Small islands, small populations and few tourist make islands idyllic, but can also limit you to no/little transport, no/little choice to stay and the urge (if time pressured and unable to find a nice place within your budget to kick back) to want to move on - when perhaps the next ferry is only in several days' time. That's a down-side, the language, people, music, clear water, scenery, rum, occasional sense of isolation and leaving 'it all behind' do go a long, long way to compensate. What should I not miss? Highlights: Jamaica, its vibe and beauty. Cuba its equally special vibe and sheer uniqueness (no where else in the world quite like it). Exploring and hiking Dominica. Laid back and largely forgotten Carriacou . The Tobago Keys and the remote/isolated feel of the Grenadines. Carnival in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba. It goes without saying it is impossible not to love the language/slang, rum, dominos, sunsets, music and friendly faces. And of course for anyone lucky enough to see the region on a small boat/yacht.

Lowlights: It's not cheap and many [smaller] islands have limited attractions along with major hassle/cost in moving onwards to find more to do/see. Food in many parts is not only expensive, but uninspiring (Jamaica aside). Cruise ships and the periodic crowds they bring are also a downside if they affect your plans due to the sudden influx of temporary visitors. The Bahamas, although stunning away from major entry points is the most heavily developed, expensive and American influenced. Onward travel and naturally the crime and violence that unfortunately affect many urban areas (although playing dominos in a small town on a small island it won't be further from your mind -nevertheless you do need to take care especially after dark). How is best to get around between the islands? Getting Around: For ferry options, see right. The regional airline is Leeward Islands Air Transport or LIAT (Luggage In Another Town or Leave Island Any Time, which say it all for the reputation). Caribbean Air is a second option with a smaller network focused on Jamaica covering only the major islands. As part of Air Jamaica there are good connections with Air Jamaica into Jamaica from North America and the UK.

Getting into the region from Europe the UK and Paris are the best/cheapest hubs. Visas and one-way/open-jaw tickets Apart from Cuba, where you need a 'Tourist Card' the region is pretty much visa free, but getting around a few countries on a loop on one-way tickets can be problematic. Warning: If you are planning to travel around the region hopping several international boundaries make sure you have some evidence of how you will leave each country (onward or return ticket). One or more of the following issues may occur. On check-in for a flight (with a one-way ticket) your will not allowed to board without showing/buying a return or an onward ticket from the destination country. On buying an inter-country ferry ticket, you will simply not normally be allowed to buy a single without the same evidence. And lastly questioning upon entry/exit at immigration is a possibility. Typically, however the issue is normally at check-in on a one-way plane ticket or when buying a single ferry ticket. Some countries/islands/ferry companies are shit hot on this, others don't seem to care too much.

In the worst case we have pleaded with airline check-in staff showing details of ferry timetables we planned to use, all to no avail. Airlines and ferry companies tell you they are mandated not to let anyone travel to a new country without right to remain (i.e. residency permit, or onward travel arrangements). So what to do? Well booking ferry tickets in advance outside of the region/country is near on impossible and booking onward plane tickets for a long journey removes any flexibility which is the joy of travel. In situations where you plan to move onwards using private transportation (such as a charter or yacht) it is even more difficult. So if you are transiting/travelling through countries that you don't have a fixed booking to leave from, you are strongly advised to have evidence at hand showing onward transport - even if you have created it yourself. We have handled this previously by simply editing the text on a previous/old flight booking confirmation to read as if we have a booking to leave on a later date. We have also been advised that a letter from a yacht charter company (put together yourself) or similar that you will join xyz vessel on a certain date is another option.

To someone selling you a ferry ticket, a print out of a flight confirmation is an easy simple option to get a one-way ticket and no way will it be checked (as long as it is realistic). The same goes with a flight-check in (obviously with a different airline than the one you are checking-in for). We have put such a confirmation/reservation in front of many with no issues and in the event there was - you could simply plead ignorance or that your travel agent screwed up. The other option is the purchase of a return ferry/plane tickets for every leg - an expensive option. What type of money do I need? How do I get it on the road? Money: There are plenty of ATMs in the Caribbean and you can use credit cards in many situations. The USD is king (many of the regions currencies are pegged to it). Many of the smaller islands (Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and the Grenadines), have a shared currency in the form of the Eastern Caribbean Dollars (or EC for short).

This and most of the local currencies are referred to as 'dollars' (e.g. Jamaican Dollar, Barbadian Dollar, Trinidad and Tobago Dollar, Bahamian dollar). In these cases and with EC when you are quoted a price (and certainly near cruise ship ports) make sure it is for the local currency rather than US dollars. The French Islands (Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Martin) use Euros and Puerto Rico, Bonaire the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) and the US VIs use USD. In Cuba both USDs and Euros are perfect, but there is a small transaction tax on USDs so if you get the choice, Euros are better. What island hopping is possible? (on public ferries) Bahamas - daily ferries (in season) from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. No regular public onward transport via water to other island nations. Greater Antilles: Jamaica, Haiti/Dominican Republic or Cuba - fly in/out only. All have regular flights from Europe and North America (apart from Cuba which is best accessed from Canada or Mexico) and regionally, with Jamaica being the best connected locally.

Leeward Islands: The following island group is connect by ferry - Puerto Rico, USVI, BVI / St. Martin, Anguilla, Saba, St. Bart's, St Eustatius / St. Kitts, Nevis / Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat. To get between this group to another you need to fly (or have a yacht) or there is a once a week ferry between Nevis and Montserrat - but double check it is still running when you read this (M.V. Caribe Sun). It should be noted that Antigua is the air hub for the regain for LAIT airline. Puerto Rico has the cheapest flights from the USA and a main cruise ship boarding point. For Guadeloupe, see below. Windward Islands: Barbados and Trinidad/Tobago are fly in/out only (although between Trinidad/Tobago there are good/regular ferries). From Guadeloupe a good chain of possible island hopping ferries starts where you have connections via Express des Iles from Guadeloupe to Dominica to Martinique to Saint Lucia. From Saint Lucia you need a flight to the neighbouring island of Saint Vincent (or Barbados to the far East).

From Saint Vincent you have the possibility of a daily (M/V Bequia Express) service to Bequia . Then from Bequia (or Saint Vincent) you'll find a less regular ferry all the way down the Grenadines (M/V Gem Star - other services come and go). When you hit the last island (Union Island) of the Grenadines you can wait for a public ferry if available or find a local to take you the short hop to Carriacou the first island in Grenada (this won't be cheap at between 100-200 USD for the whole boat depending on your negotiation skills and fuel prices) or take the twice weekly ferry to Carriacou. From Carriacou you have a good ferry to St. George in Grenada (the main island) from where you then need a flight to move onward from. So.....

the three main hubs (starting points) to 'explore' from via ferry are from Antigua and around (least recommended group due to island size and costs - best suited for those with their own boats), Guadeloupe/Martinique (one of the best apart from the fact the 'French Islands' are pricey and touristy) and Grenada/Saint Vincent/Grenadines (the least touristy, but most remote, experience). If you want to see as much as possible and cover the region overland - fly between the Greater Antilles (or visit separately) and/or from Antigua with only three small flights you can get to Port of Spain in Trinidad. Or with only one flight from Guadeloupe/Martinique all the way to St. George in Grenada. Either way, as you see, it is not easy, ferries are no bargain and getting into/out of countries without providing some evidence of onward travel can be painful. Flying (LIAT is unfortunately the only realistic option for the most part) can get you just about any significant island. Cruise Ships Through out the Caribbean you will see these massive vessels off shore and in dock.

There are a few countries where these vessels cannot dock anywhere, but on the whole they visit every territory (apart from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Cuba and the smallest islands). On one hand they provide a nice tour of the region with no discomfort and a snap shot of many islands for their guests. From a practical point of view for those not on board, the area directly around the typical docking port will have a different flavour and will be crawling with tourists and touts on days when a vessel is docked. On these days every conceivable attraction, natural or otherwise will be totally over-run by - typically badly dressed - tourists who on the most part seem to want nothing more than to get back on their boat. Waterfalls in the likes of Dominica and Jamaica that can be a deserted oasis of peace and calm on one day will be total zoos the next. Just the way it is. The Caribbean: Greater Antilles Get your bearings... show/hide map of the region × View Larger Map (external link) Jamaica Intro: There is one thing beyond all doubt, Jamaica is stunning and one of those select few places in the world where natural beauty is abundant. As you would expect many of the beaches are pretty good too.

Long stretches of golden sand on crystal blue waters with many little hidden beaches where a clear rivers runs into the sea from a virgin forest or cane field. As great beaches and natural beauty are not something lacking from the Caribbean as a whole, what really sets Jamaica apart is it shows them all off with its crowing features: the vast mountains in its interior and a vibrant culture. So undeniably Jamaica looks great - and the food and music are awesome too - but clearly the down-side is the crowds that flock to it and who are comprised almost totally of package tourists or cruise ship passengers. Those exploring independently are few and far between and as such facilities for backpackers are not plentiful - especially if on any sort of a budget. It seems the concept of someone without pre-booked accommodation for every night of their stay is an enigma in Jamaica and don't try to explain it to immigration or tourist officials.

Equally the 3-4,000 cruise ship passengers, most getting off the boat for only the day, - (over 1.3 million a year, on top of over 2 million long-stay visitors) in a country where the majority of the population scrapes a living - clutching hard currency will have an inevitable effect on how visitors are treated/greeted in parts (there is a lot of hassle in major ports and resorts) and how busy some attractions get. So to get the best from Jamaica you need to get well away from the major resorts and cruise ship ports (located mainly around Montego Bay), have a reasonable budget, explore the interior away from the beaches (for this you really need your own transport) and find your own little corner of paradise in the more budget orientated and independent hide-always such as Treasure Beach and many places in the East of the island.

Crime and violence is certainly a widely reported issue and you need to take care anywhere after dark and certainly after dark in urban areas (as in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia), but most of Jamaica's astronomical crime/murder rates is not aimed at or concerned with tourists, and on the whole Jamaicans are some of the loveliest bunch of people you may care to meet (that is well away from a major resort or cruise ship ports). In compensation you have an island easy to self-drive and explore by car, with best in class food (vegetarians and vegans will enjoy it in particular), music, beaches and scenery. The core issue is someone spending one week in a Montego Bay resort is likely to have a low opinion of Jamaica, the same person taking in more of the country well away from the best beaches and major air/sea ports will feel totally different. The fact remains along with the likes of India there is so much to like and dislike about Jamaica that your ultimate opinion will depend on what you can see/do and moreover manage not to see/do.

The jury is out on: Negril - although cruise ships don't call and there is no lack of bars and fun, along with a sunset/beach to die for, Negril, the original backpacker/hippie corner/resort of Jamaica is clearly over-developed and with a probability (depending on the season, bar and where you stay) of a crowd you might not want so many of around. The hippie feel still exists and is reflected by a collection of neat places to stay and the odd place with 'special' ingredients to some dishes. It all comes at a price and is clearly on the package tour industry map. Highlights: The more remote areas where small scale independent places to stay and restaurants have sprung up. Examples are Treasure Beach, Strawberry Field, many parts of the Eastern part of the island, plus many more. The scenery, the rum, the dominos, the locals, the views in North Eastern Coast and the language. The local food/music and getting off the beaten track to interact with the locals. Lowlights: The prices - Jamaica is [like most of the region] not cheap (when compared against most of Asia or Central America). Unfortunately there are many private beaches and large areas of prime coastal land not accessible.

Getting around without a car, lack of cheap places to stay or simply independent places to stay outside the resort or large hotel model. Crowds at attractions on days cruise ships call. Some persistent hassle around main resorts (although it is much better now than in years gone and you can't blame the locals from trying to make a living in a tough environment). And lastly coming across a group straight off a cruise ship or package resort that leaves a lot to be desired in their behaviour/attitude to the locals, culture and environment. Visa strategy: US, Canadian, Australian, and EU passport holders do not need a visa. Typical tourist trail: Very few travellers to Jamaica actually go very far. The key resorts are on the northern coast near Montego Bay and Negril. Some visitors will make tours from their hotel resort to places such as Nine Mile and the Blue Lagoon. Those independent travels who do visit will typically make a beeline to Treasure Beach, but when on public transport won't go/get too far. Those with a car will typically follow a loop around the island perhaps focusing on the Northern and East coast the most. Getting around: As with Cuba, to get the best out of Jamaica you need to hire a car.

The roads are good for the most and driving is easy. If you can afford it, a small 4WD is best for bumpy/poor rural roads. Car hire is slightly more than in the USA or Europe, but worth every penny. For those who cannot or won't drive there are frequent mini-vans along the built up areas of the coastal roads and long-distance buses across the country between major towns. The problem is these take you on the whole to and from the city centres which are the last place you want to be and always from the accommodation options and attractions which are normally well outside urban areas. Jamaica is totally possible and fun to get around on public transport, only you'll get to plenty more places, see more and save loads of time if you can club to together and share the cost of a hire car. Costs: You'll need between US$50-80/day per person between two, with the average room normally costing between US$50-100 and the balance being spent on food/drinks and transport. If you want to stay in more upmarket places and take the odd tour you need to probably double this amount. Money: Plenty of ATMs. Take USDs as a back-up.

Communications: Wi-Fi plentiful. Guide book: Rough Guide read and worked the best in our test Dangers: Gun crime and gun violence is an unfortunate reality within Jamaican society and it is worth note driving after sun set or being on the streets after dark with anything of value in areas not normally frequented by tourists. However whereas inner-city murder and gun crime rates are on a per capita level through the roof, much is political violence or drug-related and not target against tourists. People vibe: Locals: As with the likes of India you will find an extreme cross-section of locals from those who can be extremely aggressive, persistent and/or rude (normally around tourist areas) to the most beautiful friendly welcoming and peaceful people you can imagine, whether a Rasta running a beach cafe or a housewife in a rural area - although as you guessed you need you need to far away from the tourist hotspots to meet the best people. Other travellers: Typically American and Canadians (although more Canadians do gravitate towards Cuba) along with a splash of Brits. Most will be on package tours and you can come across in the younger crowds some less than respectful behaviour.

If a cruise ship is in port most of the visitors at any attraction are probably from it and again typically American. Independent travels are typically North American, European or ex-pat Jamaicans visiting their home country. Accommodation: Hot water: Typically, but not always in the cheapest of places. Average cost: It is possible to find rooms for US$20, but not probable outside certain areas/seasons. More likely is US$75-100/night for a double. There are no hostels or backpacker geared places outside Kingston. Although the standard is generally high for your money and cost/standard is in line with the rest of the [English/French speaking] Caribbean, prices are way, way more than in Central America or most of Southern and South East Asia. Language: English spoken. If English is not your first language you may struggle with the accent. Food: Jamaica has a great and distinctive cuisine and plenty of outdoor cooking. Most popular are patties and jerk is a style of cooking in which meat (normally chicken or pork, but often also fish and many other dishes - even tofu) is dry-rubbed or wet marinated with a very hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice.

Some dishes can be bland due to proportion of yam and other sweet potatoes used, but jerking adds a kick to the rest. The national fruit is the Ackee and is cooked with saltfish to form the national dish of Ackee and saltfish, which is superb. Vegetarians: By virtual that the Rastafarian religion precludes eating of meat, there are great vegetation and vegan options available. Hassle and annoyance factor: Some persistent hassle, notably around Montego Bay and Negril. Women alone: Fine, but with caution if travelling widespread Tourist factor: 8/10 Local poisons for the body: Bars are split clearly between those aimed at and used by tourists (live music - almost certainly a Bob Marley track played - fancy decor, cocktails, safely after dark and high prices) and those used exclusively by locals, which are dark, not generally inviting and the main drink being consumed is 'overproof' white rum (with overproof refereeing to an alcohol content of over 100% proof).

To find the happy middle, you need to be outside urban areas and somewhere more rural where you can enjoy a Red Strip or Rum and Coke with a game of dominos and watch Jamaicans interact with each other without blaring Dancehall music or urban tension/youths. These you find more with ease in the more relaxed corners of the island. You may hear cocaine offered around resorts, but ultimately the drug of choice and fame in Jamaica is cannabis. Getting hold of some weed is not something that takes much effort and there are clear hot spots for its sale. Almost everywhere you will catch its scent and get hold of in the same way as you might ask for a spare cigarette. Despite the widespread smell of ganja emanating from every other set of dreadlocks and offers of plenty of trips to see 'me [sic] plantation', there is no real centre for it where its use by tourists is tolerated. In fact police are all too happy to 'stop and search' a car and shake you down for so much as a jumbo rolling paper and would in turn march you to the station (or look for a bribe) if they found anything actually illegal. So be warned and don't carry anything around in your car/person that might be found.

It is one rule for the small-hold-farming Rastas in mountains and another for tourists. Decriminalisation is still a long way off in Jamaica. Rating: 8/10 (with some spare cash) Cuba Miss at your peril: 'Highlight of Independent Travel' Cuba is unique in the Caribbean and throughout the world, and there is much to like in terms of a travel destination. Things are changing fast, but essentially you have a two tier system within the country - one for visitors and one for locals. It is this two tier system, the politics that created it and the prolonged period of isolation that makes Cuba so special. To enter a country isolated from the rapid development the world has undergone in the last fifty years is extraordinary, to see the still strong remains of a period [the 1950s] - when clocks, as it were, stopped in Cuba (the revolution) - in the architecture, interiors, cars, decorations etc., is astonishing. Above this all is also an island of stunning natural beauty and to top it off, friendly, welcoming locals and cheap rum/seafood.

The dilemma in all this is it is clearly the politics and isolation that makes Cuba so special and has preserved it, yet in those politics and isolation is a situation that has (and still is) making life very tough for millions of ordinary Cubans. Politics aside, Cuba is very different to other countries in the region and around the world from a traveller's perspective and for that reason it is hard to know how to approach this summary. Given these unique particularities, there is already much written on the internet about the practicalities of Cuban travel (although less from a backpacker perspective), so this information is kept brief. Travel in Cuba is a little more expensive than you might at first think, but travel is easy and arriving on one of the many daily flights from Europe, Canada or Mexico, picking up a hire car, hitting the road and staying with locals is easy and something that should not be missed. Cuba is also the biggest (single country) island in the Caribbean and there is a lot to see. It is thus easy to bite off more than you can chew, especially with the 'big three' highlights of Varadero's extraordinary beach, colonial Trinidad and the capital Havana, having enough to suck up plenty of your time and tough to pull yourself away from.

Hiring a car is by far the best way to go as driving is simple on near deserted roads. You'll have the pick of the country with the opportunity to stop in more out of the way locations and meet the endless streams of locals always looking for a lift. If you can't afford to rent a car (it's not overly cheap) or don't drive there is a good efficient network of inter-city buses, but as a foreigner you are limited to specific bus line(s), being locked into their timetable and the network does not allow for spontaneous exploring. On shorter legs you will be at the mercy of taxis that can become quite expensive. The food can be a little bland, although with a little cash to splash out, the seafood is exceptional value for money, and the various rum cocktails and local cooking ingenuity more than make up for any limited choice suffered. Naturally, imported items are expensive and essentially only on sale for the tourists and Cubans with relatives abroad that can afford them. Other than this there really isn't much not to like. Cuba is changing fast, and for the better with restrictions on private business lifted, making independent travel much easier (such as locals providing food and lodging).

It will keep on changing with further relaxation even attracting more foreign capital. The thoughts that every visitor is stuck with are how will these changes affect the country? And a guilty pleasure in seeing it 'before' any major change whatever 'before' or the change may be. Highlights: Havana, Trinidad, Santiago. Partying like it is 1959. Exploring and getting to know towns slightly off the tourist trail such as Cienfuegos and really getting anywhere off the normal tourist trail. The people, self-driving, architecture and beaches. Lowlights: Package tours and resorts, the cayes and high cost for of imported items. Visa strategy: Most nationalities visit visa free, but you need a 'Tourist Card' or tarjeta de turista which you need to buy before arrival. Most package tourists have these sorted out for them, but for everyone else you need to buy one in advance. If there are flights to Cuba from the country you are in you will find one easy to pick-up from the embassy in person or by post. Costs vary, depending weather you go in person or not and where you are, but the process is simple and you'll pay about US$25-50.

More often than not the airlines flying to Cuba sell them, so if you are a US visitor, buy your tourist card at the airline desk from your country of departure. Aside from the visa/tourist card, you are also required to have and prove you have travel/health insurance for the duration of your trip. There is a high chance your normal travel insurance won't cover you due to US sanctions, so get on the web and buy a short stay policy that does or buy the basic insurance from the airport when you arrive. Typical tourist trail: Probably 90% of those visiting Cuba, take in only Havana and Varadero (the near-by impressive beach/resort) and to honest you could fill a week on these two alone. Those with more time and energy to make the journey will most likely take in Viñales (an area in the West with limestone karst mountains/hills which is slightly overrated) and the standout highlight on the south coast of Trinidad. Cienfuegos nearby is often included in a typical itinerary and there are many stops of interest between/around Havana and Trinidad that can be made. Package tourists often head to the Northern coast Cayes to purpose built resorts where great bridges connect the series of islands to the main land.

And lastly those with time take in Santiago in the East. Costs: Cuba is expensive to fly to. It is expensive for imported items and foods; fuel and car hire are not overly cheap - but not too bad. On the whole (for accommodation and local produce) Cuba is great value for money. Money: There are two currencies in Cuba, the CUC (Convertible Cuban Peso) and the CUP (Cuban Peso). Much is written about these two 'systems', but it almost doesn't make a difference to a visitor. The essential difference is you (as the wealthy visitor with access to hard currency - even the most cash strapped backpackers are wildly rich compared to locals living within the state system) have and spend convertible pesos. You will have CUCs and spend CUCs which are pegged to the US dollar, no need to think about CUP, you probably won't even see them and locals certainly won't want them over CUCs - anywhere that takes CUP will take CUC at a rate everyone will know.

As a foreigner you are expected to pay for everything in convertible Pesos (technically you can't change your money into CUP - nor would you really want to -, but can get hold of them if you really want) and this is no great hardship. It is true that tourist are at times slightly over-charged using CUCs, but given the CUP state system is a low standard and the tiny wages most Cuban live on, losing a few dollars by overcharging here and there is not something anyone who can afford a plane ticket there should moan about. Communications: Your mobile phone will work and you can get a data connection, but the network is state-owned with crazily high roaming costs. You are best advised to ensure all data roaming is turned off and you don't make/receive calls (use SMSs). Internet can be found in big/package hotels, but it is slow and expensive. Forget about Skype and leave your laptop at home. Guide book: All the major travel guide publishers have good options. Getting around: As with Jamaica, the best thing you can do is hire a car, the road system and major roads are good, plus there is very little traffic.

Hire car costs are expensive compared to the USA and Europe and to pre-book a car you normally use an agent in Europe paying in Euros. If you can't or don't want to drive, then there is a good public transport system between the towns of major tourist interest (but you will miss out on the gems between the attractions along with the opportunity to get to know the endless tide of locals who hitchhike). As a foreigner you are restricted to one (and the best) bus company and since the local transport is very basic (along with the fact you are banned from it technically) getting short distances is impossible unless on foot/bus or in an often expensive taxi. Domestic flights are available from Havana to Santiago and Trinidad. People vibe: Locals: Cubans are on the whole friendly, welcoming and hospitable. However having good, basic in Spanish is essential in getting the best from locals and using your time with them to understand the country and its psyche. Other travellers: Most package tourists are Canadian, most independent travellers are European (French, Italian, Spanish, German, British), there are naturally few Americans.

Visiting as an American: If you are a US citizen you are technically breaking US sanctions not by visiting, but by spending money (which in turn makes it impossible to visit). As an American in Cuban you will be welcomed with open arms and are free to visit without restriction (the restriction is on the US side). Many Americans visit Cuba each year trouble free, you just need to pick up your flight in Canada, Mexico or similar and keep your travel destination to yourself [from US authorities]. Restrictions have been lifted in recent years (even The Simpsons made it!) but even with Castro dead free access tourist travel (you need another reason) for Americans is some way off. Accommodation: There is plenty of accommodation in Cuba, split into three very clear categories. State-run big resort hotels, often on the cayes or more remote areas of coastline. These are expensive and not really setup for walk-in business. Secondly, you have smaller state run hotels which can be great and a window to the past, but can also be overpriced and with poor service/standards. And thirdly the staple and one of the highlights of any trip to Cuba: Casas Particulares.

A Casa Particular (Spanish for private house) are private homestays where (since 1997) is a private household can rent a room or rooms to tourist. Sometimes these rooms are in a separate building/annex, sometimes they are part of the main house. Often they are run older Cubans (since children would have left home, leaving more room). Typically speaking, the owners are extremely hospitable and the interior of their homes are a window into the past and to that of the lives of Cubans. Think of it as like a bed and breakfast. Casas particulares can be recognised by a small sign on the door, with two blue triangles ('roofs') against a white background, which the owners obtain after paying a fixed per-room annual tax. It is hard not to be able to find a room in a Casa particular anywhere close to somewhere on the tourist circuit and if you can't find one, there is normally someone to show you the way. Equally all the owners seem to know each other and will normally recommend a place of a friend in the next town you visit.

However the very best and most charismatic ones do fill up and if upon scanning your guidebook, which will list the ones of particular note, you see something that takes your fancy, a call/SMS ahead is worthwhile (if only calls and e-mail where easier/cheaper!). There are now however even booking websites, but unless you are going at peak time and have your heart set on one address, it is better to play it by ear on the ground. Average cost: For a Casa Particular between 15-30CUC - 25CUC is a typical price quoted for better properties in better locations. Bargain hunters will be able to get lower prices and it always makes sense to ask for a discount in low season. Note that not all Casas Particulares are registered (with the blue and white sign plus tax payment to the government) occasionally you can be offered a room in one of these (which is illegal - but still possible) at a lower price. Language: Not a huge amount of English spoken outside Havana. It really helps to have at least basic Spanish and the more you speak the more you will get out of your trip.

Food: Breakfast is typically included at a Casa Particular and dinner is normally offered for an extra fee (most are keen to offer). There are plenty of places for each in tourist destinations (less so when you get away from the tourist hotspots) and food is good/cheap (cheap by Caribbean not Asian standards) - but can be basic. Seafood is the exception where prices are lower and standards are high. However, if a foodstuff is not grown or produced on the island [and has to be imported] it will be expensive. A Paladar means a private restaurant that has been permitted since 1994. These are normally restaurant set into homes (or outside) with few places, perfect for home-cooked food. Some are commercialized and expensive, while others are hidden and cheap. Vegetarians: No problem Hassle and annoyance factor: None really Women alone: No problem Tourist factor: 4/10, clearly Cuba is not touristy with most visitors staying put in one of many resorts, but at some points/places it can be a little busy. Local poisons for the body: Rum dominates Cuba and every kind of cocktail that can be made out of it. It is also dirt cheap.

Naturally you will find cigars aplenty, although the best go for export. Ratings: Overall - 8/10; When you are on a tight budget - 7/10; For something unique and stimulating - 10/10; For peace and an easy trip - 8/10 For a full list of planning guides, recommended guide books and reading material, please click here . Remember, this is only a take (an overview if you will); very few get the chance to see every inch of every country or have the time to get everyone's opinion (you are welcome and encouraged to mail in yours ). Please, please if you have been anywhere recently send your comments to contribute and help keep all information fresh for future travellers. Or if you are about to head off remember this site when you return and put a few lines in an e-mail to let us know if things have changed. "How much does a person live, after all? Does he/she live a thousand days, or only one? For a week, or for several centuries? How long does a person spend dying? What does it mean to say 'for ever'?" — Pablo Neruda Support the site and review the best here .

About us Windward Islands | islands, West Indies | Britannica.com Windward Islands Alternative Titles: Îles du Vent, Islas de Barlovento Related Topics Martinique Windward Islands, French Îles du Vent, Spanish Islas de Barlovento, a line of West Indian islands constituting the southern arc of the Lesser Antilles . They lie at the eastern end of the Caribbean Sea , between latitudes 12° and 16° N and longitudes 60° and 62° W and include, from north to south, the English-speaking island of Dominica ; the French département of Martinique ; the English-speaking islands of Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent , and Grenada ; and, between Saint Vincent and Grenada, the chain of small islands known as the Grenadines . The coast of Grenada, in the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Caribbean Sea. Creatas Images/Thinkstock Though the islands of Trinidad and Tobago geologically are an extension of the South American mainland, they are often considered to constitute the southern end of the Windward group.

Similarly, Barbados (east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ) is not physiographically part of the chain but is usually grouped with the Windward Islands . Dominica was formerly administered by the British government as part of the Leeward Islands , rather than the Windwards. The geology of the Windwards is volcanic, with craters, hot springs, and sulfuric vents found in the mountainous central ribs of the islands. On May 8, 1902, the eruption of Mount Pelée on Martinique was one of the most destructive in modern history, killing about 30,000 people. Mount Pelée, Martinique. © Albert Barr/Shutterstock.com The climate of the Windwards is marine, and the extreme tropical heat is greatly tempered by the steady trade winds and daily sea breezes. A dry season alternates with a wet season, with the eastern sides of the islands receiving more rainfall because of the prevailing northeasterly trade winds. Hurricanes are a threat from June to October. The population is predominantly black or of mixed ethnicity , with an admixture of East Indians, Chinese, Portuguese, French, and British. Learn More in these related articles: caribbean Caribbean One Way Charters from St.

Lucia or Martinique to Union, Grenada, St. Vincent, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, Antigua Start your holiday from the splendid island of Martinique (Marina of LE - MARIN), or from St. Lucia you can sail down to the South, exploring St. Vincent, Bequia, Mystique, Cannouan, Tobago Cays and Grenada, or Union Island. Disembarkation will be at an island of your preference, where you can leave the yacht, or alternatively you can sail back to the departure base. The trade winds will blow with you; you could then explore more exotic anchorages that you have missed on your way down. There is also a route from Martinique up to the Northern islands, discovering Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Martin, St. Barts, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis. These holidays are the opportunity to explore and experience the unforgettable islands of the tropical region paradise. The Caribbean's sun shines almost constantly, approximately 12 hours a day.

The climate is Utopian, the daily temperatures are fairly consistent all year round, with an average temperature of 27oC.There is in fact only a 3o C difference between the warmest and the coldest months of the Year. The time for sailing is all year round, unlike the European seasons, the main difference between summer and winter is the level of rainfall. The period between December-May is the dry season, apart from the odd shower, during the European summer, conditions are still ideal with refreshing rain showers. The Easterly trade winds that blow all year round and rarely exceed force 5, ensure splendid sailing conditions which combined with the many beautiful and un crowded island anchorages have made the Antilles a sailing paradise for the yacht charterer. Links for more information: St. Lucia is a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado (depending on your taste).

The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea Links for more information: Martinique lies in the heart of the Caribbean Archipelago and is one of the many islands which make up the group of lesser Antilles, or "Breezy Islands." The waters lapping at its shores are those of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Caribbean Sea to the west. The island is located 4,261 miles from Paris (8 hours by plane), and is 273 miles from the American continent (4.5 hours by plane, direct flight). The closest two neighboring islands are Dominica (15.5 miles to the north) and Saint Lucia (23 miles to the south). Martinique is 1,965 miles from New York City, 1,470 miles from Miami, 2,270 miles from Montreal, and 425 miles from San Juan. The Caribbean : 14 days itinerary Departure: Martinique St. Matin / St.

Maarten Simpson Bay Lagoon and only 30 minutes from the airport Simpson Bay Lagoon Entrance The Simpson Bay Lagoon, the Caribbean's largest salt water lagoon with a surface area of several square miles, connects the Dutch side of the island with the Northern French half. The lagoon is large enough to allow full size yachts to explore its waters, but being well protected, is ideally suited for small boats. During the winter months, hundreds of yachts are at anchor here and transform the lagoon in a busy community Explorer Island is an enchanting sight in the center of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and is an ideal stop for a picnic or even a cocktail at sunset. This tiny, uninhabited island of a few acres has a lovely beach with palm trees and is occasionally visited by a pontoon tour boat. Further to the South West, residential developments line the shores, leading into the quiet off-shot, unofficially called 'Mullet Bay Lagoon'. Exploring the Western part of the lagoon, the beautiful million Dollar estate homes of Terres Basses can be viewed.

neighboring islands of Anguilla and St Barths West Indies Map and Information Page Lesser Antilles (southeast) The Bahamas consist of over 3,000 individual islands and reefs. The Greater Antilles include the island countries of Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic (Hispaniola), and Puerto Rico. The Lesser Antilles are the much smaller islands to the southeast, and they are divided into two (2) groups, the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands. Indians were the first inhabitants, and then, in 1492, the explorer Christopher Columbus became the first European to arrive at the islands. It's believed by historians that he first stepped foot in the Bahamas. Columbus called these islands the Indies because he thought he had finally reached Asia (and the East Indies). Spain, when Columbus' mistake was discovered, (pardon the pun) renamed them the West Indies, to distinguish them from the Spice Islands in the Pacific Ocean, (the East Indies) which we now call Indonesia.

The modern day, the West Indies refers to: The islands of the Bahamas Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | history - geography - islands and nation, West Indies | Britannica.com Saint Vincent and the Grenadines islands and nation, West Indies Written By: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Islands and nation, West Indies Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Form of government constitutional monarchy with one legislative house (House of Assembly [231]) Head of state British Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II , represented by Governor-General: Sir Frederick Ballantyne Head of government Literacy: percentage of population age 15 and over literate Male: not available GNI per capita (U.S.$) (2014) 6,560 1Includes 8 nonelective seats (including 1 seat for the attorney-general and 1 seat for the speaker serving ex officio). Country Data Overview (PDF) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, island country lying within the Lesser Antilles , in the eastern Caribbean Sea . It consists of the island of Saint Vincent and the northern Grenadine Islands , which stretch southward toward Grenada .

The island of Saint Vincent lies about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Saint Lucia and 100 miles (160 km) west of Barbados . It is 18 miles long (30 km) and has a maximum width of 11 miles (18 km). The larger islands of the Grenadines associated with Saint Vincent are Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Prune (Palm) Island, Petit Saint Vincent Island , and Union Island. The Tobago Cays, just to the east of Mayreau, have been designated a wildlife reserve. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. © Digital Vision/Getty Images The name Saint Vincent originally applied to the mainland and the group of smaller islands associated with it. After the attainment of independence in 1979 the multi-island state was renamed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The capital and major port is Kingstown , on Saint Vincent. The country is a member of the Commonwealth . Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Land Relief, soils, and drainage The island of Saint Vincent has thickly wooded volcanic mountains running north-south and many short swift streams. Though numerous, the streams are small except after heavy rains. There are no navigable rivers. The island’s two highest peaks are both on the volcano Soufrière (4,048 feet [1,234 metres] and 3,864 feet [1,178 metres]), in the north, which erupted disastrously in 1812 and 1902, seriously affecting the country’s agriculture and temporarily displacing residents of communities around the foothills of the volcano. The 1902 eruption coincided with that of Mount Pelée on Martinique . Soufrière became active again in 1979, repeating the cycle of agricultural damage and massive evacuation. The volcanic ash, which spread as far as Barbados, is said to have enhanced the fertility of the soil. Other noteworthy peaks on the island include Grand Bonhomme and Mount St. Andrew.

Connect with Britannica Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest The soil of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is very fertile and permits the easy cultivation of a variety of vegetables and fruits as well as arrowroot, which is no longer a major crop but is still grown in the northeastern part of the main island. Vegetation is varied, and there are a number of plants of striking brilliance, including hibiscus and poinsettia . Cultivated land spreads out below the forest zone, and in some areas terraces protect against erosion. Birdlife on the island is especially rich. Climate Saint Vincent lies in the path of the northeast trade winds and has a tropical maritime climate. Rainfall and temperature vary with elevation. Average annual rainfall ranges from about 60 inches (1,500 mm) on the coast to 150 inches (3,800 mm) in the central mountains. More-moderate amounts fall on the coastal area, which annually receives about 60 to 80 inches (1,500 to 2,000 mm). Heavier amounts fall on the windward (eastern) side of the island.

The temperature at Kingstown averages between the mid-60s and about 90 °F (between about 18 and 32 °C). Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) occasionally pass across or near the island; it suffered notably severe ones in 1780 and 1898, and less-severe but still destructive ones in 1955 and 1980. The dry season on Saint Vincent lasts from January to May; the rains start in June and continue until the end of the year. People Structures of Government: Fact or Fiction? Some two-thirds of the inhabitants are descended from Africans who were enslaved and brought to work on the sugar plantations; another one-fifth of the population is of mixed African-European ancestry. There are small minorities of people of South Asian, European, Carib , and mixed African and Carib descent; the latter are known as the Garifuna. English is the official language.

An English patois is commonly spoken and referred to in some academic quarters as “nation language” (that is, a postcolonial version of a language that was imposed by colonizers—in this case, English—that incorporates underground language codes from formerly suppressed languages, in this case the African languages of the slaves). Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Caribbean Sea Nearly half the population is Protestant, and another one-third is independent or unaffiliated Christian. Less than one-tenth of the population is Roman Catholic. The Spiritual Baptist, or Shaker (as it was known in Saint Vincent), church, a syncretic Protestant-African faith, was banned from 1912 to the 1960s; in the late 20th century the church began a significant resurgence. There are also branches of North American Evangelical churches, and there are smaller numbers of Hindus and Muslims. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Life expectancy is about 70 years for males and in the mid-70s for females. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines once had one of the highest birth rates in the West Indies.

That figure declined drastically in the late 20th century, however, largely as the result of government family-planning efforts, and by the early 21st century it was roughly equivalent to the West Indian average. The rate of natural increase declined likewise over the same period. The country has a high rate of emigration . Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Economy Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries The economy of Saint Vincent is chiefly agricultural. The country is one of the world’s few producers of arrowroot , despite a major decline in the industry. Saint Vincent was once the greatest exporter of it. Cotton and sugarcane were formerly important to the economy, but, since the second half of the 20th century, bananas have been the leading export, and cotton is no longer grown. Other important crops include sweet potatoes, plantains, yams, coconuts, and dasheens and eddoes (types of taro). Rice and flour are milled from imported white-cargo or rice and wheat. All these agricultural products are used locally and exported to neighbouring Caribbean countries. The interior of the island of Saint Vincent is still forested, though there is significant encroachment on the woodland.

There is a growing fishing industry, both offshore and inland, that produces for local consumption as well as for export to other Caribbean islands and to the United States , particularly to locations on the Eastern seaboard , such as Miami and New York City . Lobster , conch, tuna , and swordfish are the main seafoods exported. Manufacturing and trade Manufacturing is of minor economic importance. There is some focus, however, on light manufacturing, on the milling of rice and flour, and on the production of beer. There are also plants for distilling rum, building yachts, and making boxes for locally produced beer and the packing of bananas. The major imports are machinery and transport equipment, food and beverages, chemicals, and fuels, coming primarily from the United States and the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom) countries, especially Trinidad and Tobago , and Venezuela. The main exports are bananas, packaged flour and rice, and root crops such as dasheens and eddoes. The country’s main export destinations are the Caricom countries, particularly Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda . Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Tourism Tourism has assumed a significant role in the economy, especially with the greater accessibility of the Grenadines through the airports established throughout the islands and the use of larger and more modern boats. Noted for their coral reefs and fine beaches, the Grenadines serve as the focus of the country’s tourism sector. They are particularly favoured by those interested in yachting and sport fishing and lend themselves to Caribbean tourism’s traditional emphasis on sun, sea, and sand. One of the Grenadines, the island of Mustique, is privately owned by a consortium of landowners, many of whom rent their property to vacationers. Ecotourism is being encouraged on the main island, Saint Vincent. Houses on the island of Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. William J. Hebert—Stone/Getty Images Transportation The major airport is at Arnos Vale, southeast of Kingstown. Several of the Grenadines also have airstrips. Kingstown has a deepwater port and a cruise-ship berth. Transport on the island of Saint Vincent is adequate.

A road network runs along most of the coast from Chateaubelair in the northwest, down to the south coast, and back up to Fancy on the northeastern side of the island. The area on the western side from Fancy to Chateaubelair is extremely rocky, and the roughness of the terrain has prevented the completion of the road network around the island. A series of feeder roads were built from the coastal area inland to facilitate the movement of agricultural products to the markets and to serve numerous inland communities. Government and society Constitutional framework Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The British monarch is the head of state and is represented by an appointed governor-general. A prime minister, the leader of the majority party, is the head of government. The unicameral legislature is the House of Assembly. It is composed of 15 members (called representatives) elected to five-year terms by universal adult suffrage, along with six nonelected members (called senators) who are appointed by the governor-general—four on the advice of the prime minister and two on the advice of the leader of the opposition. Two additional seats in the legislature are designated for the attorney general and the speaker.

The number of members of the House of Assembly may vary between 21 and 23, depending on whether the attorney general and the speaker are elected from inside or outside the House. Justice Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ court system consists of a lower and an upper judiciary. The lower courts include magistrates’ and family courts; the High Court and the Court of Appeal form the upper level. Saint Vincent retains its connection with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. This consists of an appeals court and a high court, while the final court of appeal remains the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Education, health, and welfare Primary education is free but not compulsory. Most primary schools are administered by the government, and a small number are private. Secondary education begins at age 11. Most secondary schools are government controlled, with a few run by the Catholic and Anglican religious organizations with government assistance. Other educational institutions include technical and vocational schools, a school for children with special needs, and Saint Vincent Community College, which provides nursing and teacher training among other subjects. The University of the West Indies Open Campus has a location in Saint Vincent. Government health initiatives are directed primarily against chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension .

For children, the focus of attention is on immunization against diseases such as polio and measles . Combating obesity and asthma in children is increasingly a priority. HIV/AIDS receives great attention from the health authorities, and domestic violence is a growing area of concern. The country has a main public general hospital, several smaller public and private hospitals, and a number of outpatient health centres. Cultural life Carnival is the major cultural event. The Nine Mornings Festival takes place in Kingstown in the nine mornings preceding Christmas. While traditionally it consisted of early-morning street parades accompanied by caroling, bicycle races, and other festivities, the focus now in Kingstown is on early-morning street concerts. In the rural areas, celebrations of this festival are more diverse and include attempts to revive dying cultural practices. Some of the Grenadine Islands have annual regattas that include carnival-type activities. Kingstown has a number of cultural heritage sites. They include the Botanical Gardens (founded in 1765) and Fort Charlotte (1806); of architectural interest is the Georgian-style St. George’s (Anglican) Cathedral.

Other 18th- and 19th-century buildings include the courthouse and the House of Assembly, which occupy the same building, and the police barracks. Traditional cultural practices such as tea meetings (ceremonial speech and singing demonstrations) are occasionally held, and there has been some emphasis put on dance, drama, and music festivals. Calypso , soca (which blends traditional calypso and Indian rhythmic instruments), and Jamaican dancehall and reggae music tend to dominate the country’s music charts. The rise of individualism , economic independence, and migration have led to a decrease in the importance of the extended family. Women are increasingly involved in economic, political, and cultural life to a greater degree than was the case traditionally. Men and women have equal status under the law, and a government department of gender affairs is concerned with issues including gender equality and equal access to social, political, economic, and educational opportunities. With globalization , the demand for foreign foods has increased, and these are widely available in supermarkets. Growing awareness and concerns about health and nutrition are beginning to lead to a greater emphasis on local foods for consumption, however. The country’s markets are usually well stocked with fruits and vegetables.

The national dish is roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish (jack); the fish are commonly caught locally, and breadfruit have been present on the island of Saint Vincent since 1793, when they were brought by Capt. William Bligh , the former commander of HMS Bounty. Sports and recreation Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are internationally renowned for the clarity and calm of their offshore leeward waters, which have lured countless yachtsmen, sailors, surfers, and scuba divers to the islands. Native Vincentians, however, favour land-based sports, especially cricket . The Arnos Vale Sports Complex, in Kingstown, has become a popular venue for one-day international cricket matches. Over the years, Vincentian cricketers have represented the West Indies in international cricket tournaments and have played professionally in England. Vincentians are equally fond of football (soccer); the national team has played in the Caribbean Cup and the Gold Cup world competition. The sport of netball has also produced a number of strong Vincentian national teams. Basketball and women’s cricket and football are gaining popularity. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines made its first appearance at the Olympics at the 1988 Seoul Games .

Vincentian athletes compete and place regularly in the quadrennial Commonwealth Games. Media and publishing The government runs a free public library system. Several weekly newspapers are published. Cable television service provides programs mainly from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and from North America . Local radio and television programming is provided by a government-owned broadcasting company in the capital. There are a number of private radio stations, including one affiliated with a political party and another that broadcasts religious programs. History Colonization Before the time of European contact, Saint Vincent was first inhabited by the Ciboney , who were joined and eventually displaced or conquered by an Arawak people who had originated in Venezuela and settled the West Indies . About a century before the arrival of European explorers, the Arawak were themselves displaced by another group, the Carib , who originated from South America . It was formerly thought that Christopher Columbus first visited the island and named it Saint Vincent on Jan. 22, 1498, a day that used to be celebrated as “Discovery Day.” It is now known that Columbus was still in Spain on that day, and there is no evidence to suggest that he ever visited Saint Vincent.

In the 17th century a group of so-called “Black Caribs,” also known as the Garifuna , was formed from intermarriage between the indigenous Caribs and more-recent African arrivals. The Africans were mainly slaves who had escaped from plantations in Barbados or were taken from raids on European plantations; other Africans came from a party of slaves who were shipwrecked in the Grenadines in either 1635 or 1673 (both dates are frequently given) and eventually reached the Saint Vincent mainland. The Caribs resisted frequent British, French, and Dutch attempts to settle in Saint Vincent, but they eventually allowed limited French settlement of the island’s west coast in the early 18th century. This move was likely aimed at gaining French support against the more aggressive English. In 1763, with the Treaty of Paris , Britain was granted control of Saint Vincent and settlement proceeded, although the Caribs refused to accept British sovereignty . In 1779 the island was seized by the French, but in 1783 it was restored to Britain under the Treaty of Versailles .

The Caribs’ ongoing resistance to British presence led to two wars (1772–73 and 1795–96); the Caribs were exiled following the second. Most were deported to an island off the coast of Honduras , from which they later migrated to Belize and other areas along the Atlantic coast of Central America . Those who remained sought refuge in the interior of the island until an act of the colonial legislature in 1805 pardoned them for their rebellion, which had been deemed treasonous. Following the conquest of the Caribs, the British government took full control of the country. After the Treaty of Paris of 1763, Saint Vincent had become part of an administrative union known as the Windward Islands . The union comprised the islands of Grenada , Saint Vincent, Dominica , Tobago, and the Grenadines ; they shared a common representative assembly and a seat of administration in Grenada. This union soon collapsed, and the islands were given separate representative assemblies.

In 1791 the islands of the Grenadines were partitioned between Grenada and Saint Vincent, with Saint Vincent having administrative control over the ones to the north; these were closer to Saint Vincent and therefore could more effectively be administered by it. This system of administration lasted until 1877. It was replaced by a crown colony system in which a governor and a nominated council administered the islands on behalf of the British crown. A plantation economy grew, producing sugar, cotton, coffee, and cocoa with the use of the labour of enslaved Africans. The emancipation of the slaves in 1834 increased the bargaining power of the former slaves and reduced the planters’ total control; Portuguese and South Asian labourers were introduced later in the century to increase competition and weaken the position of the emancipated people in the labour market. In the latter half of the 19th century, sugar prices fell, plunging the island into a depression that lasted through the end of the century. The hurricane of 1898 and the eruption of Soufrière in 1902 were especially damaging to agriculture, hindering economic recovery, and virtually signaled the end of the sugar industry.

Sugar was replaced as the major crop by arrowroot and Sea Island cotton, which remained the dominant export crops until their place was taken by bananas in the 1950s. The 20th century was dominated by a struggle to replace the crown colony system of government by a representative system. A legislative council was established in 1925, but the franchise was limited and the majority of descendants of slaves were kept out of the process. Efforts to extend the franchise and to get further constitutional reform culminated in a federation of the islands. Riots in the mid-1930s, sparked by fallout from the Great Depression , paved the way for further constitutional reform that reached a climax in 1951, when universal adult suffrage was introduced. Saint Vincent also joined the West Indies Federation, which existed from 1958 to 1962. A new constitution was adopted in 1960. Saint Vincent became a state in association with the United Kingdom on Oct. 27, 1969; it had become a member of the Caribbean Free Trade Area on July 1, 1968.

It joined the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom) in 1973 and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States in 1981. Independence After the collapse of the West Indies Federation in 1962, efforts began that were aimed at creating political union among different groupings of the federation’s former members, but the efforts did not bear fruit. Most of the islands sought independence individually. Independence for Saint Vincent was achieved on Oct. 27, 1979. Shortly thereafter, the political entity became known officially as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The new government was formed as a constitutional monarchy and became a member of the Commonwealth. The country held its first elections in December of that year. The Saint Vincent Labour Party , the ruling party of the time, won the elections, and its leader, Milton Cato, became the first prime minister of the independent country. Cato, a Caribbean nationalist, favoured closer links with the relatively centrist governments of Trinidad and Tobago and of Barbados.

Ralph Gonsalves (left), prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with Hugo Chavez … Miraflores Press Office/AP In 1979 the Soufrière volcano erupted once again, damaging agriculture and the tourist trade. The banana industry was seriously damaged by Hurricane Allen in 1980. Recession in the United States and the falling value of the pound sterling against the dollar further lowered tourist visits and exports of bananas during the early 1980s. In July 1984 the New Democratic Party , under James Mitchell, won the general elections. Mitchell began a program of reorganizing agriculture and of lowering unemployment by encouraging the construction industry and facilitating land settlement among landless agricultural workers. Mitchell’s party won the next several elections. He remained in office until his retirement from the presidency in August 2000 and was succeeded by Arnhim Eustace. A general election was called for March 2001; the left-wing Unity Labour Party won a decisive majority, and its leader, Ralph Gonsalves, became prime minister.

The people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, like other people of the Commonwealth Caribbean, see the deepening of a regional integration movement as one of their goals. In the early 21st century the various countries were concerned with the creation of a Caribbean single market and economy, and in December 2009 a subgrouping of members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States—including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—signed a treaty establishing an economic union. Since independence many attempts also have been made to form a political union, including, in the early years of the 21st century, one seeking to link Saint Vincent and some of the other eastern Caribbean states with Trinidad and Tobago .

Question: Grenada, St. Vincent, St.Lucia, Martinique, and Dominica, are all part of which West Indian island group?
Answer: WINDWARD ISLANDS