Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Country Report

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a Commonwealth archipelagic nation located towards the southern end of the greater Caribbean chain of island nations. The country’s biggest sources of revenue come from its tourism and agricultural industries, with the latter focusing on banana exportation in particular; financial services have also played a growing role in the islands’ developing economy. Though the country as a whole is made up of some 32 islands, only a handful of which are permanently inhabited, the St. Vincent houses the capital Kingstown and is by far the dominant island among the group.

The biggest threat for those visiting the country is that of opportunistic crime followed by that of tropical systems during hurricane season. Those who visit or stay on any of the Grenadine islands also run a higher risk of having to contend with a lack of goods and services that will be far more readily available on St. Vincent.

There is no notable conflict threat to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, nor is one expected to develop. Crime is considered to be low-to-moderate by regional standards but higher than most Western European and North American averages. There is no significant risk of any type of terrorism. Unrest, particularly in the form of labor strikes and political protests, occurs on occasion and can prove disruptive, though not physically dangerous.

International carriers are considered safe for travel to and from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the potential exception of Mustique Airways. The country is not known to be a sponsor of cyberattacks, nor is it known to especially suffer from them. Because of the country’s small size, its road network is comprehensive, though road conditions may vary. Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are all generally reliable on the inhabited islands.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a tropical climate year-round; temperatures are typically high but not excessively so. There are generally no manmade hazards on the islands, although beach runoff can be an issue after storms. St. Vincent and the Grenadines lies within an active seismic zone and has the potential to experience moderate-to-strong earthquakes. Due to its location within the Caribbean hurricane belt, the country regularly sees tropical activity each year. The hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has no major outbreaks of disease apart from some mosquito-borne viruses. Health facilities on St. Vincent are adequate for most medical needs; secondary islands will have very little in the way of major medical infrastructure. All mainstream medications can be obtained in some form on St. Vincent, but more specialized medications may not be sold there. Inhabited Grenadine islands will have more limited pharmaceutical supplies, and other islands will have little to nothing at all.

Corruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is considered to be low-to-moderate both in terms of regional standards and broader global standards. Rule of law is considered strong. St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ political system has traditionally been stable and is expected to remain so. Sanctions are not an issue.