Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2017 | Page 577

of the brand-new Argyle International Airport,
the first for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This
will certainly provide reduced cost and greater
comfort options for the aerial travelers. This will
be complimented by planned improved berthing
facilities for the Cruisers in time for the 2017 – 18
Season.
The Government has stated Tourism Investment
as a core objective and as such its willingness to
partner with interested investors in myriad ways
in an effort to fast track growth and development
particularly in the increase of the existing room
stock. Additionally, incentives of one kind or the
other are available during the construction and
operational phases of improved and new Hotel
plants.
Evidence of an uptake in these attractive offerings
is already visible on the mainland St. Vincent and
on the Grenadines Islands of Bequia, Canouan and
Union Island.
Interests can be crystallized through contact with
Invest SVG, the investment arm of the Government.
Visit: http://investsvg.com
What are some of the special events
and festivals held in St. Vincent and the
Grenadines throughout the year that
you will like to highlight and by so doing
encourage our readers to travel to the
islands to experience?
There are several events in our destination that will
delight visitors and entice them to return regularly.
During the last two weeks of January, Bequia is
the place to be for the five-day Bequia Mount Gay
Music Fest. Music lovers and fun-loving persons
enjoy a fabulous treat at this music-filled event on
the island of Bequia in the Grenadines. Both local
and foreign artistes entertain yacht visitors and
those on island, as well as Vincentians who journey
from the other islands to enjoy the activities. Then
from late January to early February the island
of Mustique vibrates to a different beat with the
Mustique Blues Festival. The famous Basil’s
Bar becomes the “House of Blues” with nightly
performances of rhythmic blues performed by
international artistes with all proceeds going to the
Basil Charles Educational Fund which helps children
with the “extra” costs to attend school.
In April, St. Vincent is alive with the SVG Gospel
Fest, which promotes a spiritual awareness of God
while exposing the talents of gospel artistes in the
country.
At Easter, Bequia is again the place to be with
the Bequia Easter Regatta. Visitors and locals
join in the excitement of highly competitive yacht
racing, thrilling double-ender action and bask
in the island’s famous hospitality. A carnival-like
atmosphere pervades the island, with hotels,
restaurants and bars joining in the festivities. In
May, on Canouan island, the Canouan Regatta
takes place with a festival of boat races, sports and
games, calypso competitions, street parties, beauty
pageants and cultural events.
Our biggest festival is Vincy Mas. “The hottest
carnival” starts on the last Friday in June for 10
days on St. Vincent. This explosion of colour,
sound and movement captivates everyone as
Vincentians and visitors get all revved up in
a spectacular fashion for carnival, as they are
immersed in a pulsing ambience of steelpan,
costumes, calypso, revelry and partying.
Our Nine Mornings Festival starts nine mornings
before Christmas and is growing to be just as big as
carnival. We arise at 4 am during the nine mornings
before Christmas to attend concerts, hear story-
telling, participate in fun games, sea bathing