Union Island: The Caribbean Gem of Tranquility and Adventure

• HelloWa gwan
  [wah gwan]
• GoodbyeWalk good
  [wahk good]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePreeze
  [preez]
• Thank youTank yuh
  [tank yuh]
• Excuse me/SorrySarry
  [sah-ree]
• How are you?How yuh doin?
  [hao yuh doin]
• Fine. And you?Ahrite. An yuh?
  [ah-rite. an yuh]
• Do you speak English?Yuh speak English?
  [yuh speak english]
• I don't understandMi nah understan
  [mee nah un-der-stand]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLemme see de menu, please
  [lem-mee see deh menu, please]
• I don't eat meatMi nah eat meat
  [mee nah eet meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi woulda pay, please
  [mee wood-ah pay, please]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Gwaan weh!
  [gwaan weh]
• Call the Police!Call de police!
  [call deh police]
• Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
  [call ah doctah]
• I'm lostMi loss
  [mee loss]
• I'm illMi sick
  [mee sick]

• I'd like to buy...Mi wan buy...
  [mee wan buy]
• I'm just lookingMi jus lookin
  [mee jus look-in]
• How much is it?How much dat?
  [hao much dat]
• That's too expensiveDat too dear
  [dat too deer]
• Can you lower the price?Yuh could droppa price?
  [yuh could drop-ah price]

• What time is it?Wha time it be?
  [wha time it bee]
• It's one o'clockIt one o'clock
  [it one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [half ten]
• MorningMahnin
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAftanoon
  [aftah-noon]
• EveningEvenin
  [even-in]
• YesterdayYestadeh
  [yes-ta-day]
• TodayToday
  [today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [tomor-rah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Tree
  [tree]
• 4Four
  [foh-uh]
• 5Five
  [fah-ive]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Weh deh...deh?
  [weh deh...deh]
• What's the address?Wha deh address deh?
  [wha deh address deh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yuh cud show me (pan de map)?
  [yuh cud show me (pan de map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wen de next (bus)?
  [wen deh next (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A tikkit (to ....)
  [ah tick-it (to ....)]

Union Island was originally inhabited by the Carib people, an indigenous group known for their seafaring skills and resistance against European colonizers. Evidence of their presence can be found in the form of ancient artifacts and petroglyphs scattered across the island.

Union Island was first encountered by European explorers in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The island changed hands multiple times between the French and British during the colonial era. It wasn’t until the Treaty of Paris in 1763 that Union Island, along with the rest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, was ceded to the British.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Union Island was part of the plantation economy that dominated the Caribbean. Sugar, cotton, and other crops were cultivated using enslaved African labor. The remnants of old plantation buildings and sugar mills can still be found on the island, serving as poignant reminders of this dark chapter in its history.

The abolition of slavery in 1834 marked a significant turning point for Union Island. Formerly enslaved people sought to establish new lives, often cultivating small plots of land or engaging in fishing. The island’s economy shifted from large plantations to smaller scale agriculture and maritime activities.

The 20th century brought modernization and development to Union Island. Improved transportation and communication links, including the construction of the Clifton Airport in the 1960s, helped integrate the island more closely with the rest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Tourism began to emerge as a vital economic sector, capitalizing on the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Union Island boasts a rich cultural heritage, deeply influenced by African, European, and indigenous traditions. The island is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Union Island Easterval, which features boat races, beauty pageants, and traditional music and dance. These events showcase the island’s unique cultural identity and offer a glimpse into the lives of its residents.

In recent years, Union Island has become a focal point for environmental conservation efforts. Organizations and local communities work together to protect the island’s unique ecosystems, including the Tobago Cays Marine Park. These initiatives aim to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Union Island for future generations.

Union Island is located in the southern part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The most common way to get there is by flying into the Argyle International Airport (AIA) on Saint Vincent. From there, you can take a regional flight to Union Island's own airport, the Union Island Airport (UNI). Alternatively, ferries and private boats from nearby islands like St. Vincent or Grenada can also bring you to Union Island.

Union Island is relatively small, making it easy to get around. Taxis are available and can be hired for short trips or for the entire day. Renting a scooter or bicycle is another popular option for exploring the island at your own pace. There are no public buses, but many locals use small minibuses for transport. Private boat charters are available for island hopping and exploring nearby cays.

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but US Dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, although smaller vendors may prefer cash. ATMs are available on the island but can sometimes be unreliable, so it's advisable to carry some cash with you.

Union Island is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Ashton and Clifton are the main towns, and while they are safe, always stay vigilant. There have been occasional reports of petty theft, so keep valuables secure.

In case of emergency, call 911 for immediate assistance. Union Island has a small police station and a medical clinic in Clifton. For more serious medical emergencies, you may need to be transported to a larger hospital on Saint Vincent or another nearby island. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuations.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid excessively revealing clothing, especially in town areas. Religion: Do respect local religious practices, and dress modestly if visiting churches. Public Transport: Do negotiate fare prices with taxi drivers beforehand. There is no formal public transport system, so be flexible. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as seafood and roti. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Union Island like a local, visit the Clifton Market where you can purchase fresh produce and seafood. Engage with the friendly locals, who are often eager to share stories about their island. Don’t miss the Happy Island bar, built on a coral reef, for a unique dining experience. For a tranquil day, visit Chatham Bay or take a boat to the Tobago Cays for some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.