Golden Eye: from Jamaica with love
Check into one of the airy beach or lagoon cottages at “Golden Eye” on the island of Jamaica and you will never want to leave! Each of them has been very carefully refitted with love – not from Russia though! One of many amazing conservatories (a small wooded pavilion shaped one) even houses a wonderful library just a few yards from the beach where you can find books about and by the wonderful Ian Fleming of “007 repute”.
The original “Golden Eye” you see, was the home of Ian Fleming himself. There’s a small wooden bridge that leads from his house to the new lagoon-edge villas and cottage guest rooms. [Read more...]
Where to stay in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Although much accommodation in St Vincent’s and the Grenadines tends to be on the luxurious side, there are better value options available.
A place to stay could be a simple cottage next to a beach, a colonial hotel in the mountains or even a luxurious private island. All hotels are small, as befits the relaxed and unspoilt feel of these beautiful tropical islands.
The Cobblestone Inn in the capital, Kingstown, has been painstakingly restored by local craftsmen. Dating back to 1814, it was originally a sugar warehouse. It is located in a waterfront location, and has a rooftop bar. [Read more...]
Geology and Volcanos of St Vincent and the Grenadines
St Vincent and the Grenadines is home to an active volcano, La Soufrière. Located at the north end of St Vincent island, it is 1,234 metres high, and is classified as a stratovolcano, or composite volcano, meaning that its layers have built up over a number of eruptions, characterised by its steep sides.
The volcano has erupted regularly since 1718, most recently in 1979. An eruption in 1902 caused a catastrophic loss of life, and most of the 1,680 victims were Caribs, causing the destruction of much of Carib culture. Geologists were able to give a warning of the last eruption in 1979, and fortunately this prevented any deaths. [Read more...]
Politics in St Vincent & the Grenadines
With Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, St Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the Commonwealth. The Governor General represents the Queen, although his role is mostly purely ceremonial.
The country’s parliamentary system has been handed down from the British, and is a democracy whose prime minister is Ralph Gonsalves, who leads the Unity Labour Party. This is currently the majority party in the House of Assembly, a one-house parliament with fifteen MPs and six senators.
One of the Governor General’s few roles is to appoint these senators, although he does so with advice from the Prime Minister and head of the opposition.
In law too, the country owes much to the British, and in common with other English-speaking Caribbean countries, St. Vincent’s judiciary is built on English common law. Even though the islands have eleven courts and a high court and court of appeal, the highest court is still the Privy Council in London. [Read more...]
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What to do in St Vincent and the Grenadines
There is no shortage of things to do in the tropical paradise of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Just being here, and getting used to the laid-back way of life, is a relaxing, fabulous holiday. The beaches are glorious, with white sand, turquoise sea, and lush vegetation. They are also quiet, so a beach holiday is the obvious choice. However, the country offers much more than gorgeous beaches.
The islands are renowned for their sailing, and you can find something to suit all levels, from a beginners training course to hiring a boat and sailing yourself around at your own pace. [Read more...]