(Excerpts of the Honourable Terrance Ollivierre’s response to Budget 2024)
Tourism
Most of us know of the economic potential of the Grenadines to the economy of St. Vincent and
the Grenadines.
The Minister of Finance in his 2023 budget presentation stated, “A great deal of our recovery
depends on the Grenadines returning to the top as well-oiled engines of economic growth. The
Grenadines is known for its natural beauty, spectacular scenery, tranquility, prime sailing waters
and friendly people. The Grenadines has gained world acclaimed.”
He also stated in his budget presentation of 2024: “The future of tourism is bright in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines.” He went on to say that yacht tourism is a critical part of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines economy.
Most of the people of the Grenadines earn their livelihood from the tourism sector. You have the
hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, grocery shops, souvenir shops, boats boys, water taxis and
fishermen. It is vital for survival.
In his 2018 budget presentation, the Minister of Tourism stated that many have argued that St.
Vincent and the Grenadines greatest natural competitive advantage in tourism lies in the yachting
subsector, now it’s time to capitalize on it. He also said that his government would do more work
to shed the unfortunate reputation created by some high profile yacht crimes. Then, why did St.
Vincent and the Grenadines return or regain the number one position for reported crimes against
yachties in the Caribbean in 2022?
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net report for 2022 says, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines
returned to its top position. The multi-island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines topped the
list (26) as it has in past years with incidents (primarily theft) spread throughout its many islands.
For instance, on 27 th December 2023, a locked dinghy was stolen overnight from Chatham Bay,
Union Island, while the owners slept on board. In December of 2023, at Clifton Harbour, a boat
was led to a non-park mooring, high fees were demanded and refused. The boat was taken to one
of the park mooring and a proper park ticket issued for payment. And in Mayreau, a fuel tank
was removed from a dinghy in Salene Bay.
In recognition of this fact, in his 2024 budget presentation, the Minister of Finance stated that the
Minister of Tourism would announce initiatives to improve safety and security of yachties in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines. We have not heard anything from the minister.
We must protect our yacht visitors and vital yacht industry, which so many persons depend on
throughout this country for their survival and livelihood. Not only in the Grenadines but the
opportunities it creates for our marinas on mainland and the Grenadines, the potential for yacht
services as well as the linkages and spill off to the vital industries, fisheries, agriculture, culture
and sports.
Roads
The Road Revolution did not reach the Southern Grenadines. I asked a number of questions over
the period. It was stated that during the month of September that the roads will be fixed.
In Mayreau, the road from Munroe’s Residence to Island Paradise, from Munroe’s residence to
the clinic and the clinic to the Catholic Church. In Canouan: the road from the fisheries to the
main road, Grand Bay wharf to main road, and Friendship junction to Grand Bay, And in Union
Island, Murrays Village road, the road from the Gospel Hall church to Quarry. Most of these
roads were expected to be fixed in the month of September. No roads in the Southern Grenadines
were touch during the ‘roads revolution’. When are we going to get these roads fix?
Port Development
Two issues that I have constantly dealt with on becoming the Parliamentary Representative for
the Southern Grenadines, since 2001, port development particular in Canouan, then Mayreau and
Union Island were dealt with later and secondly, Secondary education for Canouan.
On December 1 st 2004, I asked this question in parliament: The main Jetty at Grand Bay,
Canouan is in need of repair and its constant use poses a problem to the general public: (a). Is the
Minister aware of the problem; and (b.) Can the Minister indicate how soon will work commence
to repair this Jetty. The late Sir Vincent Beach was the minister and his answer to the question
was: “Answer to question (a) is yes, I am aware. The answer to question (b) is that we would
commence work very soon. I have here, Mr. Speaker, the quotation to repair the jetty and it is
from a firm IMS, Industrial and Marine Services Ltd, and the total would be in the amount
$251,400.00.”
On February 28, 2005, I asked again in parliament: The main jetty at Grand Bay, Canouan is in
need of repair and its constant use poses a problem to the general public. Again the late Sir
Vincent Beach replied, “The Port Authority they had commissioned a study to look at all the
jetties in the Grenadines and the estimate came back Madam Speaker that Canouan was
estimated to cost $251,400.00, Union Island $13,450.00 and $198,375.00.”
In October 25 th 2006, I asked the Honourable Clayton Burgin: Given the fact that the Canouan
jetty has been deteriorating for some time and given the fact that the government has given a
commitment to have the jetty repaired in 2005; Can the Minister now reassure the people of the
Grenadines that this jetty will be dealt with speedily. He replied, “The Ministry of Transport and
Works is unaware of any commitment made by the Government of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines about this jetty.”
The problem continues while other problems surface at other ports in the Southern Grenadines.
In Mayreau, there is erosion or deterioration in front of the wharf is being undermined. There is
limited docking facilities at all ports of the Southern Grenadines. There isn’t capacity to dock
more than one boat at the same time.