Facts about Bequia

Geography

Located 13 degrees north of the equator and at 61 degrees longitude, Bequia is the most northerly of the Grenadines, a chain of islands which runs between St. Vincent on the north and Grenada on the south. The island is about 5 miles long and half a mile wide, rather hilly and green, with white sand beaches in most of the bays. The large natural harbour of Admiralty Bay is a popular yacht anchorage. North of Bequia, about nine miles across an open channel, is the main island of St. Vincent , whose capital, Kingstown , is the seat of government. Bequia’s population of about 5000 is mainly of African origin but with a liberal sprinkling of British and other European ethnic groups which results in considerable diversity. English is the language although visitors sometimes find the local dialect difficult at first to understand. The fact that there are many French place names reflects the historical battle for the area between the French and the British.

Political System

Bequia is part of the independent country of St. Vincent & the Grenadines , which was originally a colony of England and is still a member of the British Commonwealth . The government is based on the British parliamentary system with a Prime Minister who is head of the political party with the majority of elected representatives in the House of Parliament. Democratic elections are held at least every five years.  The Queen’s Representative for the Commonwealth is the Governor General whose powers are largely ceremonial.

Climate

The temperature varies only a few degrees over the year with lows of 23 C or 70 F. and highs of 32 C or 92F.  It never rises above the latter. Although officially within the hurricane belt during the months of July through October, Bequia seems blessed not to have experienced a serious hurricane in over 50 years. Most pass to the north and also have not yet worked up the force which makes them a problem in islands to the northeast and ultimately on the mainland of the United States . There is always 4 or 5 days notice of a potential problem. Otherwise during these months the weather is usually brilliant. It is very hard to define a rainy season. Seldom is there a whole day of rain.  It is usually very dry during the months of January, February and March and by April there is sometimes a shortage of water on the island.  Though plants may suffer there is always an adequate supply for visitors thanks to the water boat which can be summoned from the island of St. Vincent .  

Getting Around the Island

There are many taxis which can be called on VHF radio (channel 68) or by telephone, or can be found waiting under the almond tree in Port Elizabeth , the administrative center of the island. Many taxis are open-back trucks with seating - a good way to see the island. Cars and mokes, and motorbikes are available for rent. There are numerous water-taxis available in Admiralty Bay, useful for a trip to the beach. Call them on the VHF or pick one up at a jetty on the Belmont walkway.

Currency

The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the official currency but most hotels, restaurants, and taxis will accept US$ and often also pounds sterling, Canadian dollars and Euros. Businesses normally give $EC2.60 for one US$ although the bank rate is slightly higher. There are two banks on island, the RBBT (Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago) which is open five days a week 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. with late opening on Friday until 5.00 p.m.,  and the NCB (National Commercial Bank – the bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines), open 5 days a week from 8.00 to 1.00 and on Fridays also from 3 to 5.00.

Bank rates on February 26th, 2008

US $1.  =   EC$2.67

Canadian   2.52

Sterling   5.13

Euro   3.82

Barbados $1 = EC$1.34

Electricity

Local current is 220 volts with outlets requiring 3-pin (flat) plugs.  American appliances, therefore, require a transformer to convert to 110 voltage.

Communications

WiFi is available at various spots around the island such as at Gingerbread Café and upstairs dining room during the day.

There are numerous call boxes for telephone calls which use both cards and cash.  Long distance rates are somewhat higher than in many parts of the world.
Fax machines may be found in hotels and offices.
There are several email centers on the island where it is not expensive to go on-line, or hook up your lap-top.
The mail service takes at least a week to North America and Europe. 
Express services  (DHL, Fedex) are available.
   

Dress Code

Although style is generally casual Bequians do not consider it correct to walk in the village or to enter banks, shops or restaurants, without a shirt. Bathing nude is prohibited and it is advisable to use discretion when bathing topless.

Medical

The government appoints a doctor to serve Bequia who attends in his clinic every day except Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.  A  private doctor also practices on the island.  There is a clinic/hospital in Port Elizabeth which can deal with emergencies and minor illnesses.  Serious cases are usually referred to Kingstown on the mainland.

Religion

The Anglican Church is on the waterfront in Port Elizabeth, the Roman Catholic Church is in Hamilton and the Seven Day Adventist Church is in the back street of Port Elizabeth.  There are numerous other Christian churches represented in Port Elizabeth and in Paget Farm.

NGOs

The most prominent non-governmental organizations in Bequia are the Rotary Club, and the Bequia Sailing Club, Bequia Heritage Foundation (museum project), and the Bequia Tourism Association.