Canouan Update - March 2004

The original article on Golf in Canouan is old by now: In 2004 we have a new situation:

1) The big and highrolling resort with Casino and all was closed 2 years ago - meanwhile waiting for new owners or managers to get involved. From my point of view a multimillion dollar fiasko and economic downturn for the residents of Canoaun. From the view of the original investors - I have no idea, but maybe they sold enough, established legitimate funds and were satisfied with what they did.

2) While the resort was operating, affordable golf was not possible any longer: They asked for higher green fees than Barbados or St. Lucia golf courses - I and my friends had to say "to hell with them".

3) The airport extension had been completed - small jets could land there easily, but that did not seem to save the development from going into a holding pattern. Meanwhhile there is talk about reviving everything - and even extending the airport to accommodate medium size jets to serve the whole region of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

4) The wonderful Canoaun Beach Hotel - the only one that offered an affordable "Vincentian" rate to people like myself and Vincentians or their visitors in general will close its doors as of April 10 this year. For reasons I cannot see or understand - other than that the big company that already controls some 90% of the island and is seeking to revive its operations (allegedly with the help and participation of Donald Trump - believe it when you see it) wanted it all and got it: I understand that the SVG Government bought out the owners and now is going to lease the facilities for the construction people working on the airport extension. Vincentians not wanted - unfortunately that's the way I see it. A local businessman who claims he has read all the papers surrounding the original agreement between the SVG government and the illusive company provides for every right and power into the hands of the company "except for printing its own money". I just cannot believe that business development re. tourism irregardless at what level needs to be that way.

Looks like no more Canouan for me and my friends!