Bequia: The Jewel of the Grenadines

• HelloHello
  [Hel-lo]
• GoodbyeGoodbye
  [Gud-bai]
• YesYes
  [Yes]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Pleez/Yu ah wel-kum]
• Thank youThank you
  [Tank yu]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [Eks-kyus mi/Sa-ri]
• How are you?How are you?
  [How ah yu?]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [Fain. An yu?]
• Do you speak English?Do you speak English?
  [Du yu spiik Ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI don't understand
  [Ai don un-dah-stan]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
  [Ai'd laik tu si de men-yu, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [Ai don it miit]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Chee-az!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [Ai wud laik tu pei, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Go away!
  [Go aweh!]
• Call the Police!Call the Police!
  [Kol de Po-leece!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
  [Kol ah dok-tah!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [Ai'm lost]
• I'm illI'm ill
  [Ai'm il]

• I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
  [Ai'd laik tu bai...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just looking
  [Ai'm jas lu-kin]
• How much is it?How much is it?
  [How moch iz it?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too expensive
  [Datz tuu ik-spen-siv]
• Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?
  [Kan yu lo-wer de prais?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [Wat taim iz it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [Itz wun o-klok]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Haf past (10)]
• MorningMorning
  [Mawnin]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [Ee-ven-ing]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [Yes-tah-day]
• TodayToday
  [To-dei]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [To-mo-row]
• 11
  [Wun]
• 22
  [Tu]
• 33
  [Tree]
• 44
  [For]
• 55
  [Fayv]
• 66
  [Siks]
• 77
  [Seven]
• 88
  [Eyt]
• 99
  [Nain]
• 1010
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [Wehrz ah/de...]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [Watz de ad-dress?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Kan yu sho mi (on de map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [Wehnz de nekst (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [Ah ti-ket (tu ....)]

Before European contact, Bequia was inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and later the Carib peoples. These early inhabitants left behind archaeological evidence such as pottery shards and tools that offer a glimpse into their daily lives and cultures.

In the 18th century, Bequia was colonized by the French and later the British. The island became part of the British colony of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. During this period, sugar plantations were established, and enslaved Africans were brought to the island to work on these plantations.

Bequia has a unique whaling tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Influenced by American whalers who visited the island, local whalers began hunting humpback whales using traditional methods. This practice continues today, although it is heavily regulated and only a few whales are taken each year.

Maritime activities have always been central to Bequia's culture. The island is known for its skilled boat builders, who have crafted vessels such as the Friendship Rose, a traditional wooden schooner that has become an iconic symbol of Bequia’s seafaring legacy.

In the mid-20th century, Bequia began to develop as a tourist destination. The construction of Port Elizabeth’s harbor and the establishment of hotels and restaurants attracted visitors from around the world. Today, tourism is a major part of Bequia’s economy, with its beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich culture drawing travelers year-round.

Bequia hosts several cultural festivals that celebrate its history and community. The Bequia Easter Regatta, one of the Caribbean’s most famous sailing events, and the Bequia Music Festival, which attracts international artists, are key highlights of the island’s cultural calendar.

Bequia can be reached via air and sea. The nearest international airport is Argyle International Airport on the main island of Saint Vincent. From there, you can take a short 30-minute flight to Bequia's J.F. Mitchell Airport. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent, which takes about an hour. Ferries run multiple times a day, and schedules can be checked in advance.

Once in Bequia, transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and water taxis. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Car rentals are available, but driving is on the left side of the road. Water taxis are a unique way to travel to different beaches and remote areas. Walking is also a popular and practical option for exploring the small island.

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available on the island, mainly in Port Elizabeth.

Bequia is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The island has a small medical center in Port Elizabeth for minor medical issues. For more serious conditions, patients may need to be transferred to Kingstown. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Beachwear is for the beach; dress modestly when in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Public transport is limited; taxis and water taxis are the main options. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like fresh seafood and rotis. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bequia like a local, visit the local markets in Port Elizabeth for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a local festival or event, such as the Bequia Easter Regatta. For a unique experience, take a hike to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary or explore the island's various beaches and hidden coves.