BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Annette Mark, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), highlighted the nation’s vibrant festivals and innovative tourism initiatives during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference in the Caribbean. Mark emphasized the significance of Vincymas, the country’s premier carnival, which she confidently described as one of the best in the region, rivaling even Trinidad’s renowned celebration. She revealed that Vincymas has seen a remarkable 56% increase in arrivals since 2019, with a 30.6% year-over-year growth in 2025, despite setbacks from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Mark also spotlighted Nine Mornings, a unique pre-Christmas festival, and its integration with Nine Nights, a festival of lights held at the historic Botanical Gardens in Kingstown. Additionally, she announced the continuation of the Emancipation Cricket Festival, introduced this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the West Indies Men’s Cricket team’s first ODI World Cup win. Looking ahead, SVGTA plans to launch a Music Festival in October, featuring Garifuna culture and local cuisine, and expand extreme tourism offerings, including the Joseph Chatoyer Run and a new zipline in Diamond. The destination is also developing an underwater park, which will feature Garifuna statues and a sunken ship, while promoting marine conservation. These initiatives aim to attract both diaspora and international visitors, solidifying St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier Caribbean destination.
标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
圣文森特和格林纳丁斯
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US unseats UK as Barbados’ main tourism source market
In a significant shift in tourism dynamics, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the primary source of visitors to Barbados. According to Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the US contributed 179,753 visitors this year, marking a pivotal change for the island nation. Historically, the UK has always been Barbados’ leading market, but recent economic shifts in the UK prompted the BTMI to diversify its strategy, focusing heavily on the US market. Franklin highlighted the success of their airlift strategy, which included adding over 60,000 seats from the US during the 2025 winter season, including a direct flight to New York—a service absent for 14 years. This strategic move has not only increased visitor numbers but also altered the demographic profile of tourists, with a notable rise in Black American travelers, particularly from Atlanta and its feeder cities. American visitors tend to stay shorter durations (7-10 days) compared to UK tourists but spend more, contributing significantly to the local economy. Barbados also saw strong performances from the Caribbean market (70,984 visitors), Canada (59,332 visitors), and Europe (21,000 visitors), with emerging markets like Central and South America showing potential. Franklin emphasized the importance of these trends, noting that Barbados is not only attracting more visitors but also solidifying its position as a regional hub for airlift and tourism. Cruise tourism also saw a 24% year-on-year growth, with 599,826 passengers visiting between January and July 2025. The island’s accommodation sector is thriving, with 6,000 hotel rooms and over 13,000 vacation rental rooms, supported by 10 new hotel projects in the pipeline. Culinary offerings range from street food to fine dining, with over 400 eateries catering to diverse tastes. Barbados’ pristine beaches and calm waters remain a major draw, with over 80 beach spots enhancing its appeal. Additionally, the BTMI is launching a community tourism initiative, ‘Dine With A Bajan,’ this winter, allowing visitors to experience authentic Barbadian hospitality. Looking ahead, Barbados will commence year-long celebrations on December 1, 2025, leading up to its 60th anniversary of independence from Britain on November 30, 2026.
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Yet another clear case of political victimisation
In a striking revelation, Kenrick Quashie has brought to light what he describes as a glaring case of political victimization within the St. Vincent and the Grenadines police force under the current ULP administration. His brother, Desrick Quashie, a seasoned police officer with 19 years of distinguished service, has been repeatedly overlooked for promotion, allegedly due to Kenrick’s political affiliations.
Desrick Quashie, who holds a Master’s Degree in security and intelligence, has an exemplary service record, including commendations from numerous high-level dignitaries for his close protection services. Despite his qualifications and dedication, he has remained at the rank of corporal for over seven years since returning from studies in the UK.
Kenrick Quashie asserts that senior police officers, including commissioners, have the authority to promote up to the rank of sergeant but have failed to act, fearing political repercussions. This inaction, he argues, is a clear indication of the politicization of the promotion process within the police force.
The situation raises serious concerns about the integrity of the promotion system and the broader implications for democracy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Kenrick Quashie calls for an end to such victimization, emphasizing that it has no place in a democratic society.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of iWitness News.
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SVG will never be ‘over-commercialised,’ — Mark tells int’l media
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is steadfast in its commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring the destination remains unspoiled by over-commercialization. Annette Mark, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority (SVGTA), emphasized this vision during her address at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference in Bridgetown, Barbados. Mark highlighted SVG’s dedication to preserving its natural and cultural heritage for future generations while offering visitors an authentic and unique experience.
Mark underscored the importance of responsible development, stating that SVG will never feature massive hotels or overcrowded beaches. Instead, the focus is on community tourism, ensuring that local communities benefit economically and socially from tourism activities. The SVGTA is actively upgrading tourism sites to enhance visitor experiences while maintaining the destination’s charm.
SVG’s multi-island geography is a key attraction, with seamless inter-island connectivity via airports and reliable ferry services. Mark noted that travelers can reach any island within 15 minutes, making it an accessible yet exclusive destination. The country’s tourism strategy is paying off, with a 58.7% year-on-year increase in arrivals from the United States and over 100,000 stay-over visitors for the first time in history.
Air connectivity is expanding, with Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta supporting the destination. Additionally, SVG is attracting high-end cruise passengers, aligning with its positioning as a luxury destination. The government is also partnering with major hospitality brands, including Sandals and Marriott, to enhance accommodation options while maintaining a balance between luxury and accessibility.
Mark painted a vivid picture of SVG’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged volcanic terrain of St. Vincent to the pristine white sand beaches of the Grenadines. She invited visitors to imagine the beauty of each island, reinforcing SVG’s appeal as a unique and emerging destination. With a target of 120,000 stay-over visitors this year and a 17.3% increase already recorded, SVG is poised for sustainable growth in its tourism sector.
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Leacock wants to be in security minister post from day 1 if NDP wins
St. Clair Leacock, Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown, has expressed his eagerness to assume the role of Minister of National Security immediately should the New Democratic Party (NDP) secure victory in the upcoming general election. Speaking at the inauguration of the party’s Sion Hill office on Saturday, Leacock emphasized his readiness to tackle national security issues from the outset. He urged NDP Leader Godwin Friday to prioritize his swearing-in, stating, ‘I want to be on the job from the first hour that we win.’ Leacock highlighted the NDP’s commitment to improving the lives of Vincentians, asserting that ‘life gets better the day you vote for the New Democratic Party.’ He criticized the current government for alleged corruption and mismanagement, vowing to restore accountability and economic stability. Leacock also stressed the importance of financial security as a cornerstone of national security, promising to create opportunities for employment and reduce crime. He pledged to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a ‘country of second chances,’ offering support to those struggling to reintegrate into society. Leacock expressed confidence in the NDP’s electoral success, declaring, ‘We will win it bigly.’